U.S. patent application number 12/075688 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-17 for individual hvac climate control seats.
Invention is credited to Timothy D. Craig, Prasad Shripad Kadle, John Lawrence Pawlak, III, Edward Wolfe, IV.
Application Number | 20090229785 12/075688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41061723 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090229785 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kadle; Prasad Shripad ; et
al. |
September 17, 2009 |
Individual HVAC climate control seats
Abstract
An automotive vehicle includes a seat assembly with one or more
seat outlets for exhausting conditioned air to an occupant seat
therein. A HVAC assembly operates in a warm-up mode and a cool-down
for generating heated and cooled air to achieve a predetermined air
temperature. An air selection module controls airflow from the HVAC
assembly to air ducts for delivering air from the air selection
module to the seat assembly. At least one seat valve moveable
between open and closed positions controls air flow from the air
selection module to one or more seat ducts. A purge valve moveable
between open and closed positions vents air from the air selection
module. The vehicle further includes a control system for closing
the purge valve and opening at least one seat valve in response to
the air temperature of the air from the HVAC assembly being at
least the predetermined air temperature.
Inventors: |
Kadle; Prasad Shripad;
(Williamsville, NY) ; Wolfe, IV; Edward; (Amherst,
NY) ; Craig; Timothy D.; (Williamsville, NY) ;
Pawlak, III; John Lawrence; (Orchard Park, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
M/C 480-410-202, PO BOX 5052
TROY
MI
48007
US
|
Family ID: |
41061723 |
Appl. No.: |
12/075688 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/42 ;
297/180.12; 454/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/5628 20130101;
B60N 2/5685 20130101; B60N 2/5657 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/42 ; 454/120;
297/180.12 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/74 20060101
A47C007/74; B61D 27/00 20060101 B61D027/00 |
Claims
1. An automotive vehicle comprising; a body defining a cabin, a
seat assembly disposed in said occupant cabin for holding an
occupant and including at least one seat outlet for delivering air
upon the occupant, a temperature selector operable by the occupant
for selecting a predetermined air temperature, a HVAC assembly
operable to achieve said predetermined air temperature in at least
one of a warm-up mode in response to a warm-up signal for
generating heated air and a cool-down mode in response to a
cool-down signal for generating cooled air, an air temperature
sensor disposed downstream from said HVAC assembly for sensing an
air temperature of the air from said HVAC assembly, an air
selection module for controlling airflow from said HVAC assembly,
an HVAC duct for delivering air from said HVAC assembly to said air
selection module, at least one seat duct for delivering air from
the air selection module to the seat assembly, at least one seat
valve moveable between an open position for allowing air through
said at least one seat duct to said seat assembly and a closed
position for blocking airflow through said at least one seat duct
to said seat assembly, a purge valve moveable between an open
position for venting air from said air selection module and a
closed position to block airflow therethrough, a control system
being in signal communication with said air temperature sensor and
said temperature selector and said air selection module for opening
said purge valve while closing said at least one seat valve in
response to said air temperature being less than said predetermined
air temperature and for closing said purge valve while opening said
at least one seat valve to deliver air from said air selection
module to said at least one seat duct in response to said air
temperature being at least said predetermined air temperature.
2. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
control system includes a HVAC controller being in signal
communication with said air temperature sensor for receiving said
air temperature and said air selection module for outputting a
plurality of control signals to control said air selection module
and being in signal communication with said HVAC assembly for
outputting said warm-up mode signal in response to the occupant
selecting said warm-up mode and said cool-down mode signal in
response to the occupant selecting said cool-down mode.
3. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 2 wherein said seat
assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back with each of said
seat bottom and said seat back including said plurality of seat
outlets for delivering air to the occupant.
4. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 3 wherein said seat
bottom includes a seat bottom inlet for receiving air and for
delivering air within said seat bottom to said plurality of seat
outlets of said seat bottom and wherein said seat back includes a
seat back inlet for receiving air and for delivering air within
said seat back to said plurality of seat outlets of said seat
back.
5. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 4 further
comprising a seat bottom duct extending from said air selection
module to said seat bottom inlet for delivering air from said air
selection module to said seat bottom inlet and a seat back duct
extending from said air selection module to said seat back inlet
for delivering air from said air selection module to said seat back
inlet.
6. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 5 wherein said air
selection module includes said seat valve disposed between said air
selection module and each of said seat bottom duct and said seat
back duct for opening and closing in response to at least of said
plurality of control signals generated by said HVAC controller to
regulate the delivery of air to each of said seat bottom and said
seat back ducts.
7. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 5 wherein said air
selection module includes a seat bottom valve disposed between said
seat bottom duct and said air selection module for opening and
closing in response to at least one of said plurality of control
signals generated by said HVAC controller to regulate the delivery
of air to said seat bottom duct.
8. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 7 wherein said air
selection module includes a seat back valve disposed between said
seat back duct and said air selection module for opening and
closing in response to at least one of said plurality of control
signals generated by said HVAC controller to regulate the delivery
of air to said seat back duct.
9. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 8 wherein said
plurality of control signals output by said HVAC controller include
a purge open signal for opening said purge valve and a seat bottom
close signal for closing said seat bottom valve and a seat back
close signal for closing seat back valve wherein said HVAC
controller outputs said purge open signal and said seat bottom
close signal and said seat back close signal in response to said
air temperature being less than said predetermined air
temperature.
10. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 9 wherein said
plurality of control signals output by said HVAC controller include
a purge close signal for closing said purge valve and a seat bottom
open signal for opening said seat bottom valve and a seat back open
signal for opening said seat back valve wherein said HVAC
controller outputs said purge close signal and said seat bottom
open signal and said seat back open signal in response to at least
one of said air temperature being at least said predetermined air
temperature.
11. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 2 further
comprising a heat element assembly disposed in said seat assembly
for heating said seat assembly to warm the occupant.
12. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 11 wherein said
heat element assembly includes a power supply for generating
current and a plurality of heating elements connected to said power
supply and being disposed within each of said seat bottom and said
seat back for dissipating heat in response to the current generated
by said power supply.
13. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 12 further
comprising at least one seat temperature sensor disposed within
said seat assembly for sensing a seat temperature (T.sub.SEAT) of
the said seat assembly and for outputting a seat temperature signal
in response to sensing the seat temperature (T.sub.SEAT).
14. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 13 wherein said at
least one seat temperature includes a first seat temperature sensor
disposed in said seat bottom and second seat temperature sensor
disposed in said seat back.
15. The automotive vehicle as set forth in claim 13 wherein said
HVAC controller is in signal communication with said at least one
seat temperature sensor and said power supply of said heat element
assembly for outputting an energizing signal to switch on said
power supply in response to the occupant selecting said warm-up
mode for delivering the current to said plurality of heating
elements and for outputting a de-energizing signal to switch off
said power supply in response to at least one of the occupant
selecting said cool-down mode and the seat temperature (T.sub.SEAT)
of said seat assembly is at least a predetermined seat temperature
and said air temperature being at least said predetermined air
temperature.
16. An automotive vehicle comprising; a body defining a occupant
cabin, a seat assembly disposed in said occupant cabin and
including a seat bottom and a seat back for holding an occupant,
each of said seat bottom and said seat back including a plurality
of seat outlets for delivering air to the occupant seated in said
seat assembly, said seat bottom having a seat bottom inlet for
receiving air and for delivering air within said seat bottom to
said to said plurality of seat outlets of said seat bottom, said
seat back having a seat back inlet for receiving air and for
delivering air within said seat back to said plurality of seat
outlets of said seat back, a temperature selector operable by the
occupant for selecting a predetermined air temperature, a HVAC
assembly supported by said body operable to achieve said
predetermined air temperature in at least one of a warm-up mode in
response to a warm-up signal for generating heated air and a
cool-down mode in response to a cool-down signal for generating
cooled air, an air temperature sensor disposed downstream from said
HVAC assembly for sensing an air temperature of the air from said
HVAC assembly, an air selection module supported by said body and
disposed beneath said seat assembly for controlling airflow from
said HVAC assembly, an HVAC duct extending from said HVAC assembly
to said air selection module for delivering air from said HVAC
assembly to said air selection module, a seat bottom duct extending
from said air selection module to said seat bottom inlet for
delivering the air from said air selection module to said seat
bottom inlet, a seat back duct extending from said air selection
module to said seat back inlet for delivering the air from said air
selection module to said seat back inlet, a heat element assembly
disposed in said seat assembly for heating said seat assembly in
response to an energizing signal to warm the occupant, said heat
element assembly including a power supply for generating current
and a plurality of heating elements connected to said power supply
and disposed within each of said seat bottom and said seat back for
dissipating heat in response to the current generated by said power
supply, said heat element assembly including a seat temperature
sensor disposed within said seat assembly for sensing a seat
temperature of the said seat assembly and for outputting a seat
temperature signal in response to sensing said seat temperature,
said air selection module including at least one seat valve
moveable between an open position for allowing air through said at
least one seat duct and a closed position for blocking airflow
through said at least one seat duct, said at least one seat valve
including a seat bottom valve disposed between said seat bottom
duct and said air selection module for opening in response to a
seat bottom open signal and for closing in response to a seat
bottom close signal, said at least one seat valve including a seat
back valve disposed between said seat back duct and said air
selection module for opening in response to a seat back open signal
and for closing in response to a seat back close signal, said air
selection module including a purge duct extending along said body
and beneath said seat assembly for exhausting air from said air
selection module and for diverting air away from said at least one
seat duct, said air selection module including a purge valve
moveable between an open position for venting air from said air
selection module and a closed position for blocking airflow
therethrough, said purge valve disposed between said purge duct and
said air selection module for opening in response to a purge open
signal and for closing in response to said purge close signal to
control the delivery of air to said purge duct, a control system
being in signal communication with said air temperature sensor and
said temperature selector for opening said purge valve while
closing said at least one seat valve in response to said air
temperature being less than said predetermined air temperature and
for closing said purge valve to block airflow through said purge
vent while opening said at least one seat valve and to deliver air
from said air selection module to said at least one seat duct in
response to said air temperature being at least said predetermined
air temperature, said control system including a HVAC controller
being in signal communication with said HVAC assembly for
outputting said warm-up signal in response to the occupant
selecting said warm-up mode and for outputting said cool-down
signal in response to the occupant selecting said cool-down mode,
said HVAC controller being in signal communication with said
temperature selector for receiving said predetermined air
temperature, said HVAC controller being in signal communication
with said air selection module for outputting a purge open signal
and a seat bottom close signal and a seat back close signal in
response to said air temperature being less than said predetermined
air temperature and for outputting a purge close signal and a seat
bottom open signal and a seat back open signal in response to said
air temperature being at least said predetermined air temperature,
said HVAC controller being in signal communication with said seat
temperature sensor and said power supply of said heat element
assembly for outputting a energizing signal to switch on said power
supply in response to the occupant selecting said warm-up mode and
for outputting a de-energizing signal to switch off said power
supply in response to at least one of said air temperature being at
least said predetermined air temperature and said seat temperature
being at least a predetermined seat temperature and the occupant
selecting said cool-down mode.
17. A method of heating and cooling an occupant located in a
occupant cabin of an automotive vehicle including a seat assembly
having seat outlets for delivering air existing at a predetermined
air temperature to the occupant seated therein and having a heat
element assembly disposed in the seat assembly for emitting heat in
response to current for heating the seat assembly and including a
temperature selector operable by the occupant for selecting the
predetermined air temperature and including a HVAC assembly for
generating air to achieve the predetermined air temperature and
being operable in at least one of a warm-up mode selectable by the
occupant for generating heated air in response to a warm-up signal
and a cool-down mode selectable by the occupant for generating
cooled air in response to a cool-down signal and including an air
selection module having a purge vent for venting air from the air
selection module comprising the steps of; selecting a predetermined
air temperature, generating air from the HVAC assembly for
achieving the predetermined air temperature, flowing the air
generated in said generating step to the air selection module,
sensing an air temperature of the air generated in said generating
step, venting the air generated in said generating step from the
air selection module while blocking airflow to the seat assembly in
response to the air temperature sensed in said sensing step being
less than the predetermined air temperature selected in said
selecting step.
18. A method as set forth in claim 17 further comprising the step
of delivering the air from the air selection module to the seat
assembly to deliver air from the seat outlets in response to the
air temperature sensed in said sensing step being at least the
predetermined air temperature selected in said selecting step.
19. A method as set forth in claim 18 further comprising the step
of inhibiting airflow to the purge vent while delivering air to the
seat assembly in response to the air temperature sensed in said
sensing step being at least the predetermined air temperature
selected in said selecting step.
20. A method as set forth in claim 17 further comprising the steps
of choosing one of the warm-up mode and the cool-down mode of the
HVAC assembly and heating the seat assembly in response to the
occupant choosing said warm-up mode.
21. A method as set forth in claim 20 wherein said step of heating
the seat assembly includes energizing the heat element assembly for
transferring heat from the heat element assembly to the seat
assembly.
22. A method as set forth in claim 21 further comprising the step
of de-energizing the heat element assembly in response to one of
the air temperature being sensed in said sensing step being at
least the predetermined air temperature selected in said selecting
step and the occupant choosing the cool-down mode.
23. A method as set forth in claim 22 further comprising the steps
of detecting a seat temperature of the seat assembly and
de-energizing the heat element assembly in response to the seat
assembly being at least a predetermined seat temperature.
24. A method of heating and cooling an occupant located in a
occupant cabin of an automotive vehicle including a seat assembly
having seat outlets for delivering air having a predetermined
temperature to the occupant seated therein and having a heat
element assembly disposed in the seat assembly for emitting heat in
response to current to heat the seat assembly and including a
temperature selector operable by the occupant for selecting the
predetermined air temperature and including a HVAC assembly for
generating air to achieve the predetermined air temperature and
being operable in at least one of a warm-up mode selectable by the
occupant for generating heated air in response to a warm-up signal
and a cool-down mode selectable by the occupant for generating
cooled air in response to a cool-down signal and including an air
selection module having a purge vent for venting air from the air
selection module comprising the steps of; choosing one of the
warm-up mode and the cool-down mode of the HVAC assembly, selecting
a predetermined air temperature, generating at least one of heated
air and cooled air from the HVAC assembly for achieving the
predetermined air temperature, flowing the air generated in said
generating step to the air selection module, sensing an air
temperature of the air generated in said generating step, venting
the air generated in said generating step from the air selection
module while blocking airflow to the seat assembly in response to
the air temperature sensed in said sensing step being less than the
predetermined air temperature selected in said selecting step, said
method further comprising the step of delivering the air generated
in said generating step from the air selection module to the seat
assembly while inhibiting airflow to the purge vent in response to
the air temperature being at least the predetermined air
temperature selected in said selecting step, said method further
comprising the step of electrically heating the seat assembly in
response to the occupant choosing said warm-up mode, said step of
electrically heating the seat assembly further defined as
energizing the heat element assembly for transferring heat from the
heat element assembly to the seat assembly, said method further
comprising the step of de-energizing the heat element assembly in
response to one of the air temperature sensed in said sensing step
being at least the predetermined temperature selected in said
selecting step and the occupant choosing said cool-down mode, said
method further comprising the step of detecting a seat temperature
of said seat assembly, said step of de-energizing the heat element
assembly further defined as de-energizing the heat element assembly
in response to said seat assembly being at least a predetermined
seat temperature.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to thermally conditioning a
seat in an automotive vehicle using an HVAC system of the
vehicle.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The thermal comfort of occupants in a vehicle is
traditionally provided by the central heating, ventilation and air
conditioning (HVAC) assembly of the vehicle controlled by the
vehicle occupant. The occupant selects a predetermined air
temperature indicating a desired air temperature at which to be
thermally conditioned. In response, traditional HVAC assemblies
operate in either a warm-up mode and/or a cool-down mode to
generate heated and/or cooled air having a temperature
approximately equal to the predetermined air temperature. The
warmed and/or cooled air can be exhausted into the vehicle cabin,
under the seat, and/or behind the seat via one or more air ducts.
As a result, the occupant is heated and/or cooled by convection
through the surrounding medium in the interior of the vehicle. More
recently, vehicle seating assemblies have been disclosed that
provide for heating and cooling of the occupant by an independent
thermoelectrically energized unit incorporated into a vehicle seat.
These units typically consist of one or more thermoelectric
modules, heat exchangers and fans that are operated by allowing the
fan to blow air over the sides of the seat, resulting in the seat
being thermally conditioned. Further, the warmed and/or cooled air
can be directed through or over the seat to the occupant's body
surface via seat outlets disposed in the seat assembly. At startup,
the air delivered by these thermoelectrically climate controlled
seats is initially cold when the HVAC assembly operates in the
warm-up. Similarly, the air is initially warm when the HVAC
assembly operates in the cool-down mode. As a result, a natural
transient thermal response exists that effects the air exhausted
from the seat outlets of the seat assembly.
[0005] The cooling and heating of a occupant in an automotive
vehicle can most effectively be obtained by applying the thermal
condition directly to the human being. The current automotive air
conditioning systems utilize ducts, such as cabin ducts and seat
ducts, which lead to vents for delivering warm and/or cool air to
the vehicle cabin and seat assembly. The effectiveness in cooling
and/or heating occupants in an automobile is significantly
decreased due to the thermal transfer from the air generated by the
HVAC assembly to the surrounding air. Therefore, only part of the
temperature exchange is directed toward to the vehicle
occupant.
[0006] The optimum effect is attained by applying the conditioned
air as directly as possible to the vehicle occupant. This is
accomplished by delivering conditioned air to the occupant seat
from a known source like the HVAC assembly or a thermoelectric
cooler/heater disposed within the seat, as illustrated in U.S. Pat.
No. Re. 38,128 to Gallup et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,766 to Esaki
et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,485 to Esaki et al., and PCT
application WO 99/58907 to Bell.
[0007] The air from the HVAC assembly on initial startup is not
thermally conditioned. In the case of heating, it takes time to
warm the coolant due to the thermal inertia of the engine. In the
case of cooling, it takes time the traditional A/C cycle to cool
air. When initiating the warm-up mode, the occupant is typically
not satisfied with the warming effect immediately generated at
start-up. Similarly, when initiating the cool-down mode, the
occupant is typically not satisfied with the immediate cooling
effect. The adverse effect caused by the natural temperature
transient that exists at start-up may be resolved by providing an
auxiliary air-conditioning device in the ductwork between the HVAC
module and the seat passages of the seat assembly for exchanging
preconditioned air generated by the HVAC assembly to achieve a
faster warming and/or cooling effect desired by the occupant, as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,101 to Kadle et al. Although an
auxiliary air-conditioning device can increase the warming and/or
cooling effect desired by the occupant, the additional
air-conditioning device increases vehicle cost. Further, the
additional air-conditioning device increases power consumption,
thereby decreasing the overall energy efficiency of the
vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
[0008] In addition to the structure described above, this invention
provides for a control system for opening a purge valve and closing
one or more seat valves in response to the air temperature from the
HVAC assembly being less than a predetermined temperature.
Furthermore, the control system closes the purge valve and opens at
least one seat valve to deliver air from the air selection module
to the seat assembly in response to the air temperature being at
least the predetermined air temperature. Accordingly, the occupant
is exposed to air having at least the predetermined air temperature
desired.
[0009] The invention provided leverages the traditionally HVAC
assembly to increase the warming and/or cooling effect desired by
the vehicle occupant, thereby decreasing vehicle costs while
increasing energy efficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automotive vehicle
including a control system for thermally heating and/or cooling a
vehicle seat according to the present invention;
[0012] FIGS. 2 and 3 are partial views of the automotive vehicle
including a control system for delivering air to a vehicle occupant
according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of warming an
occupant of an automotive vehicle according to the present
invention; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is flowchart illustrating a method of cooling an
occupant of an automotive vehicle according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate
corresponding parts throughout the several views, an automotive
vehicle 20 is generally shown including a body 22 defining a
occupant cabin 24. A seat assembly 26 is generally indicated and is
disposed in the occupant cabin 24. The seat assembly 26 includes a
seat bottom 28 and a seat back 30 for holding an occupant therein.
The seat bottom 28 and the seat back 30 have a plurality of seat
outlets 32 for exhausting air to the occupant seated in the seat
assembly 26. The seat bottom 28 includes a seat bottom inlet 34 and
the seat back 30 includes a seat back inlet 36. The seat bottom
inlet 34 receives air and delivers the air into the seat bottom 28.
The air within the seat bottom 28 is expelled through the seat
outlets 32 such that air can be delivered to the lower half of the
occupant. Similarly, the seat back inlet 36 receives air and
delivers air into seat back 30 such that air is expelled through
the seat outlets 32 such that air is exhausted to the upper half of
the occupant.
[0016] The automotive vehicle 20 includes a temperature selector
29, an HVAC assembly 38 supported by the body 22 of the automotive
vehicle 20 for generating thermally conditioned air, and an air
temperature sensor 40. The temperature selector 29 is operable by
the occupant for selecting a predetermined air temperature
(T.sub.PRE). The predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE)is
indicative of the air temperature (T.sub.AIR) the occupant desires
to be exhausted from the seat assembly 26. In response to selecting
the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE), a predetermined air
temperature (T.sub.PRE) signal is output by the temperature
selector indicating the predetermined air temperature
(T.sub.PRE).
[0017] The HVAC assembly 38 is initiated to generate air in
response to either a warm-up signal or a cool-down signal. In
addition to selecting the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE)
the temperature selector 29 can be used to select the warm-up mode
and the cool-down mode. An occupant selects the warm-up mode with a
desire to receive heated air from the seat assembly 26. Similarly,
the occupant selects the cool-down mode with a desire to receive
cooled air from the seat assembly 26. The purpose of HVAC assembly
38 while operating in either mode is to generate air that will
attain the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE) selected by
the occupant.
[0018] The air temperature sensor 40 is disposed downstream from
the HVAC assembly 38 and within the HVAC duct 42 for sensing the
temperature of the air generated by the HVAC assembly 38. Although
FIGS. 2 and 3 show the air temperature sensor 40 disposed within
the HVAC duct 42, it is appreciated that the temperature sensor may
be disposed further downstream from the HVAC assembly 38, such
within the air selection module 44. Furthermore, a temperature
sensor may be disposed within each of the seat bottom duct 46, the
seat back duct 48, and the purge duct 50 to detect the
corresponding temperature therein. In response to sensing the air
temperature (T.sub.AIR), the air temperature sensor 40 outputs an
air temperature (T.sub.AIR) signal. The air temperature (T.sub.AIR)
signal can be used to determine whether the air from the HVAC has
attained the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE).
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the automotive vehicle 20
further includes an air selection module 44 supported by the body
22 and disposed beneath the seat assembly 26 for controlling
airflow from the HVAC assembly 38, as discussed further below. The
automotive vehicle 20 includes ductwork for delivering air to and
from the air selection module 44. Specifically, an HVAC duct 42
extends from the HVAC assembly 38 to the air selection module 44
for delivering air from the HVAC assembly 38 to the air selection
module 44. A seat bottom duct 46 and a seat back duct 48 deliver
air from the air selection module 44 to the seat assembly 26. The
seat bottom duct 46 extends from the air selection module 44 to the
seat bottom inlet 34 for delivering the air from the air selection
module 44 into the seat bottom 28. The seat back duct 48 extends
from the air selection module 44 to the seat back inlet 36 for
delivering the air from the air selection module 44 into the seat
back 30.
[0020] Seat valves 52, 54 are integrated with both the seat bottom
duct 46 and the seat back duct 48 and operate in response to one or
more control signals. The seat valves 52, 54 operate in an open
position for allowing airflow to the seat ducts 42, 46, 48, 50 and
in a closed position for blocking airflow to the seat ducts 42, 46,
48, 50. Specifically, a seat bottom valve 52 is disposed between
the seat bottom duct 46 and the air selection module 44 for opening
in response to a seat bottom open signal (SEATBOTTOM.sub.OPEN) and
for closing in response to a seat bottom close signal
(SEATBOTTOM.sub.CLOSE) to regulate the delivery of air to the seat
bottom duct 46. A seat back valve 54 is disposed between the seat
back duct 48 and the air selection module 44 for opening in
response to a seat back open signal (SEATBACK.sub.OPEN) and for
closing in response to a seat back close signal
(SEATBACK.sub.CLOSE) to regulate the delivery of air to the seat
back duct 48.
[0021] The air selection module 44 includes a purge duct 50 having
a purge valve 56 for controlling airflow therethrough. The purge
duct 50 extends along the body 22 and beneath the seat assembly 26
for exhausting air from the air selection module 44 and for
diverting air away from the seat ducts. The purge valve 56 is
disposed between the purge duct 50 and the air selection module 44
and moves between an open position and a closed position in
response to one or more control signals. Specifically, the purge
valve 56 opens in response to a purge open signal (PURGE.sub.OPEN)
for venting air from the air selection module 44 and a closed
position in response to the purge close signal (PURGE.sub.CLOSE)
for blocking airflow through the purge duct 50.
[0022] When the occupant desires air to be delivered from the seat
assembly 26, the occupant selects the operating mode of the HVAC
assembly 38 and the corresponding predetermined temperature. The
HVAC assembly 38 is initiated and generates air in response to
either the warm-up signal or the cool-down signal. The air is
delivered to the air selection module 44 via the HVAC duct 42. Once
delivered to the air selection module 44, airflow is either blocked
from entering the seat assembly 26 and vented from the air
selection module 44 or is delivered to the seat assembly 26 where
it is exhausted from the seat outlets 32. When both the seat bottom
valve 52 and the seat back valve 54 are closed while the purge
valve 56 is opened, airflow to the seat bottom duct 46 and seat
back 30 is blocked and air is vented from the air selection module
44. Accordingly, air is blocked from being delivered to the seat
assembly 26 and is prevented from being exhausted to the occupant.
However, when both the seat bottom valve 52 and the seat back valve
54 are open while the purge valve 56 is closed, air is delivered to
the seat bottom 28 and seat back 30 via the seat bottom duct 46 and
the seat back duct 48, thereby allowing air to be exhausted from
the seat outlets 32 to thermally condition the occupant.
[0023] The automotive vehicle 20 further includes a heat element
assembly for emitting heat to warm the seat assembly 26 and the
occupant seated therein. The heat element assembly is disposed in
the seat assembly 26 for heating the seat assembly 26 in response
to an energizing signal (HEAT.sub.ON). The heat element assembly
includes a power supply 58 and a plurality of heating elements 60
connected to the power supply 58 and disposed with each of the seat
bottom 28 and seat back 30. The energizing signal (HEAT.sub.ON)
switches on the power supply 58 for generating current to the
heating elements 60. In response to the current, the heating
elements 60 emit heat that warms the seat bottom 28 and seat back
30. A seat temperature sensor 64 is disposed within the seat
assembly 26 for sensing a seat temperature (T.sub.SEAT) of the seat
assembly 26 and for outputting a seat temperature (T.sub.SEAT)
signal in response to sensing the seat temperature
(T.sub.SEAT).
[0024] The automotive vehicle 20 is distinguished by a control
system 62 for opening and closing the purge valve 56, the seat
bottom valve 52, and the seat back valve 54 in response to a
comparison between the temperature of the air generated by the HVAC
assembly 38 and the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE)
selected by the occupant. The control system 62 includes a HVAC
controller 66 in signal communication with the air temperature
T.sub.AIR selector 29, the HVAC assembly 38 and the air selection
module 44. The HVAC controller 66 receives the predetermined air
temperature (T.sub.PRE) from the air temperature (T.sub.AIR)
selector and outputs either the warm-up signal or the cool-down
signal that initiates the HVAC assembly 38 for generating air to
achieve the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE).
[0025] The HVAC controller 66 receives the air temperature
(T.sub.AIR) signal from the air temperature sensor 40 indicating
the air temperature (T.sub.AIR) of the air generated by the HVAC
assembly 38. The HVAC controller 66 compares the air temperature
(T.sub.AIR) to the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE)and
outputs one or more control signals to the air selection module 44
to open and/or close the purge valve 56, the seat bottom valve 52
and the seat back valve 54. As stated earlier, the position of the
valves 52, 54 regulates the airflow delivered to the purge duct 50,
the seat bottom duct 46 and the seat back duct 48 to ensure the air
delivered from the seat outlets 32 at the predetermined air
temperature (T.sub.PRE) selected by the occupant, as discussed
further below.
[0026] The HVAC controller 66 outputs a purge open signal
(PURGE.sub.OPEN), a seat bottom close signal (SEATBOTTOM.sub.CLOSE)
and a seat back close signal (SEATBACK.sub.CLOSE) in response to
the air temperature (T.sub.AIR) generated by the HVAC assembly 38
being less than the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE)
selected by the occupant. The purge open signal (PURGE.sub.OPEN)
opens the purge valve 56 to vent air from the air selection module
44. The seat bottom close signal (SEATBOTTOM.sub.CLOSE) and the
seat back close signal (SEATBACK.sub.CLOSE) close the seat bottom
valve 52 and the seat back valve 54, respectively, to block airflow
to the seat bottom duct 46 and seat back duct 48. Similarly, the
control module outputs a purge close signal (PURGE.sub.CLOSE), a
seat bottom open signal (SEATBOTTOM.sub.OPEN) and a seat back open
signal (SEATBACK.sub.OPEN) in response to the air temperature
(T.sub.AIR) being at least the predetermined air temperature
(T.sub.PRE). The purge close signal (PURGE.sub.CLOSE) closes the
purge valve 56 to block airflow through the purge duct 50. The seat
bottom open signal (SEATBOTTOM.sub.OPEN) and the seat back open
signal (SEATBACK.sub.OPEN) open the seat bottom 28 vent and the
seat back 30 vent, respectively, to deliver air from the air
selection module 44 to the seat bottom duct 46 and seat back duct
48. As a result, the occupant is exposed to air from the seat
outlets 32 only when the air temperature (T.sub.AIR) from the HVAC
assembly 38 is at least the predetermined air temperature
(T.sub.PRE) selected by the occupant.
[0027] The HVAC controller 66 is also in signal communication with
the heated seat assembly 26 and the seat temperature sensor 64 to
warm the occupant when the HVAC assembly 38 operates in the warm-up
mode and while the airflow through the air selection module 44
attains at least the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE). The
HVAC controller 66 outputs an energizing signal (HEAT.sub.ON) to
switch on the power supply 58 in response to the occupant selecting
the warm-up mode. The HVAC controller 66 outputs a de-energizing
signal (HEAT.sub.OFF) to switch off the power supply 58 in response
to the air temperature (T.sub.AIR) being at least the predetermined
air temperature (T.sub.PRE) and/or the seat temperature
(T.sub.SEAT) being at least a predetermined seat temperature
(T.sub.SEAT). The HVAC controller 66 can also de-energize the
heated seat assembly 26 when the occupant selects the HVAC assembly
38 to operate in the cool-down mode. Accordingly, the control
system 62 leverages the traditionally HVAC assembly 38 to increase
the warming and/or cooling effect desired by the vehicle occupant,
thereby decreasing vehicle costs while increasing energy
efficiency.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, flowcharts illustrating a method
of thermally conditioning an occupant located in a occupant cabin
24 of an automotive vehicle 20 are generally shown. The automotive
vehicle 20 includes a seat assembly 26 having a seat bottom 28 and
a seat back 30. Both the seat bottom 28 and the seat back 30 have
seat outlets 32 for delivering air existing at a predetermined air
temperature (T.sub.PRE) to the occupant seated therein. An
electrically operated heat element assembly is disposed in the seat
assembly 26 for emitting heat in response to current for heating
the seat assembly 26. The automotive vehicle 20 includes a
temperature selector 29 operable by the occupant for selecting the
predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE). A HVAC assembly 38 is
provided for generating air to achieve the predetermined air
temperature (T.sub.PRE). The HVAC assembly 38 operates in at least
one of a warm-up mode and a cool-down mode. The occupant selects
the warm-up to generate heated air. Similarly, the occupant selects
the cool-down mode to generate cooled air. The automotive vehicle
20 further includes an air selection module 44 having a purge valve
56 operable in an open and closed position for controlling airflow
from air selection module 44. The air selection module 44 also
includes a seat bottom valve 52 for controlling airflow to the seat
bottom 28 and a seat back valve 52, 54 for controlling airflow to
the seat back 30.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, a method for warming the occupant
begins at step and proceeds by selecting a warm-up mode in step.
The warm-up mode can be selected using the temperature selector 29,
which initiates the HVAC assembly 38 to generate air. In step, a
predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE) is selected. The vehicle
occupant can use the temperature selector 29 to select the
predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE). The method proceeds to
step by energizing the heat element assembly to warm the occupant
while air generated by an HVAC assembly 38 attains the selected
predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE). For example, an
energizing signal (HEAT.sub.ON) may switch on a power supply 58
that generates current. The heat element assembly may utilize the
current to emit heat and warm the seat assembly 26. In step the
seat bottom valve 52 and seat back valve 54 are closed and in step
the purge valve 56 is opened. Air from the HVAC assembly 38 is
delivered through the purge valve 56 in step to vent air from the
air selection module 44. In step, the air temperature (T.sub.AIR)
from the HVAC assembly 38 is compared to the predetermined air
temperature (T.sub.PRE). When the air temperature (T.sub.AIR) is
below the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE), the method
returns to step and continues to vent air through the purge valve
56. When the air temperature (T.sub.AIR) from the HVAC assembly 38
is at least the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE), the
purge valve 56 is closed in step. The method proceeds to step by
opening the seat bottom valve 52 and the seat back valve 54 to
deliver air having at least the predetermined air temperature
(T.sub.PRE) to the occupant. The method de-energizes the heat
element assembly in step and allows air exhausted from the seat
outlets 32 to thermally condition the occupant. The method ends at
step. As a result, the air is exhausted from the seat outlets 32
only when the air generated by the HVAC assembly 38 has reached the
predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE) selected by the
occupant.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, a method for cooling the occupant
begins at step and proceeds by selecting a cool-down mode to
initiate the HVAC assembly 38 to generate cool air in step. In
step, a predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE) is selected by
the occupant. In step, the heat element assembly is automatically
de-energized to accelerate the cooling effect. In step, the seat
bottom valve 52 and seat back valve 54 are closed and in step the
purge valve 56 is opened. Air from the HVAC assembly 38 is
delivered through the purge valve 56 in step to vent air form the
air selection module 44. Accordingly, air having an undesired
temperature is blocked from flowing over the occupant. In step, the
temperature of the air from the HVAC assembly 38 is compared to the
predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE). If the air temperature
(T.sub.AIR) is below the predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE),
the method returns to step and continues delivering air through the
purge valve 56. If the air temperature (T.sub.AIR) from the HVAC
assembly 38 is at least the predetermined air temperature
(T.sub.PRE), the purge valve 56 is closed in step. The method
proceeds to step by opening the seat bottom valve 52 and the seat
back valve 54 to deliver air from the seat outlets 32. The method
ends at step. Therefore, air is exhausted from the seat outlets 32
only when the air generated by the HVAC assembly 38 has reached the
predetermined air temperature (T.sub.PRE) selected by the
occupant.
[0031] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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