U.S. patent application number 12/162298 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-10 for cushion for a vehicle seat.
This patent application is currently assigned to DaimlerChrysler AG. Invention is credited to Andreas Baur, Bernd Bihaule, Frank Faisst, Karl Pfahler, Lothar Renner.
Application Number | 20090302646 12/162298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37807929 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090302646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baur; Andreas ; et
al. |
December 10, 2009 |
Cushion for a Vehicle Seat
Abstract
A cushion for a vehicle seat has a cushion layer arrangement
that is covered by a cushion cover. The cushion layer arrangement
includes an air-conducting cushion layer into which air can enter
via at least one air inlet and from which the air, after flowing
through it, can exit via at least one air outlet which is assigned
at least one air outlet opening. At least one air outlet opening is
arranged within the cushion cover.
Inventors: |
Baur; Andreas; (Elchingen,
DE) ; Bihaule; Bernd; (Aidlingen, DE) ;
Faisst; Frank; (Gernsbach, DE) ; Pfahler; Karl;
(Stuttgart, DE) ; Renner; Lothar; (Nufringen,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROWELL & MORING LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
P.O. BOX 14300
WASHINGTON
DC
20044-4300
US
|
Assignee: |
DaimlerChrysler AG
Stuttgart
DE
|
Family ID: |
37807929 |
Appl. No.: |
12/162298 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
January 16, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP07/00328 |
371 Date: |
December 4, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/180.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/5685 20130101;
B60N 2/5635 20130101; B60N 2/5664 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/180.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/72 20060101
A47C007/72; A47C 31/00 20060101 A47C031/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 27, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 003 880.0 |
Claims
1.-11. (canceled)
12. A vehicle seat cushion having a layer arrangement that is
covered by a cushion cover, said cushion comprising: an
air-conducting cushion layer; at least one air inlet through which
air can enter the air-conducting cushion layer; and at least one
air outlet which is assigned at least one air outlet opening,
through which the air can exit after flowing through the
air-conducting cushion layer; wherein at least one air outlet
opening is arranged within the cushion cover.
13. The cushion as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one
air outlet opening is arranged in a front central region of a seat
area of a seat cushion.
14. The cushion as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one
air outlet opening is arranged in the region of a side cheek of the
cushion.
15. The cushion as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one
air outlet opening is arranged in a corner region between a front
top surface and a side of the cushion.
16. The cushion as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one
air outlet opening is arranged in an upper central region of a seat
area of a backrest cushion.
17. The cushion as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cushion cover
has a plurality of perforation openings as air outlet openings.
18. The cushion as claimed in claim 12, wherein a top layer is
provided between the air-conducting cushion layer and the cushion
cover, via which the air passes from the air-conducting cushion
layer to the air outlet opening.
19. The cushion as claimed in claim 18, wherein air outlet passages
are provided within the top layer, via which the air passes from
the air-conducting cushion layer to the air outlet opening.
20. The cushion as claimed in claim 18, wherein the top layer
between the air-conducting cushion layer and the air outlet opening
is formed from a highly air-permeable material.
21. The cushion as claimed in claim 12, wherein that the air inlet
is arranged below the air outlet.
22. The cushion as claimed in claim 12, wherein the air inlet is
offset in relation to the air outlet.
23. A vehicle seat cushion comprising: a plurality of layers
disposed substantially parallel to a supporting surface of said
seat cushion at least one of said layers being an air-conducting
layer that is made of an air permeable material; at least one air
inlet, through which air can enter said air-conducting inlet; at
least one air outlet, through which air can exit said
air-conducting layer; wherein, said at least one air outlet is
positioned at a first end of said air-conducting layer; said at
least one air inlet is positioned at a second end of said
air-conducting layer, opposite said first end, such that air which
enters said at least one air inlet must traverse substantially an
entire length of said air-conducting layer in order to exit said at
least one air outlet; said at least one air outlet is positioned
higher in a vertical direction than said at least one air inlet.
Description
[0001] This application is a national stage of International
Application No. PCT/EP2007/000328, filed Jan. 16, 2007, which
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to German Patent
Application No. 10 2006 003 880.0, filed Jan. 27, 2006, the entire
disclosure of which is herein expressly incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a cushion for a vehicle.
[0003] In a cushion of this type, such as disclosed, for example,
in German patent document DE 199 20 062 C2, a cushion layer
arrangement comprises a foam layer resting on a cushion support, an
air-conducting cushion layer arranged thereabove and a
moisture-permeable top layer in the form of an open-pore foam
arranged thereabove in turn. In order to ventilate the seat, a fan
is arranged within the lower foam layer; the air flow of the fan
passes via an air inlet into the air-conducting cushion layer. Over
the course of its passage through the air-conducting cushion layer,
the air flow, which is relatively cool and dry, absorbs body
moisture from the seat occupant. Such moisture can pass via a
cushion cover covering the cushion layer arrangement and the top
layer arranged therebelow (composed of open-pore foam), into the
region of the air-conducting cushion layer. After flowing through
the air-conducting cushion layer, the air flow transporting the
body moisture exits via an air outlet at the front and rear end of
the air-conducting cushion layer or of the cushion itself. For this
purpose, openings are provided between the cushion cover and the
lower foam layer.
[0004] Accordingly, in this arrangement, the air flow generated by
the fan must cover a relatively large distance within the
air-conducting cushion layer, before it can exit either at the
front or rear end of the cushion. Thus, at least one fan which
ensures and/or assists circulation of the air flow flowing through
the air-conducting cushion layer, must be provided in the region of
the lower foam layer.
[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a cushion for a vehicle seat of the type mentioned above,
in which an improved air flow can be created within the
air-conducting cushion layer.
[0006] This and other objects and advantages are achieved by the
cushion according to the invention, in which at least one air
outlet opening is arranged directly within the cushion cover. In
other words, at least one air outlet opening is therefore
positioned in the direct vicinity of the vehicle occupant's body,
so that air flowing through can leave the air-conducting cushion
layer at a significantly earlier point. Preferred positions for the
arrangement of the at least one air outlet opening within the
cushion cover are, for example, a front central region of a seat
area of a seat cushion, an upper central region of a seat area of a
backrest cushion or a corner region of the side cheek of the
cushion, between an upper surface and a lateral side of the
cushion. Experience has shown that these positions are not covered
by the seat occupant, and therefore a constant circulation of air
is possible.
[0007] In the region of the seat occupant, the air flow into the
air-conducting cushion layer can absorb the body moisture, which
passes via the cushion cover in the direction of the air-conducting
cushion layer, and can transport it away over a relatively short
distance via the at least one air outlet opening arranged within
the cushion cover. Overall, a highly intensive circulation of air
within the air-conducting cushion layer can therefore be provided
with air saturated to an appropriate extent with body moisture
flowing out via the air outlet opening within the cushion cover and
fresh air then flowing in via the air inlet.
[0008] Furthermore, it has been shown to be particularly
advantageous to arrange the at least one air outlet opening in a
front central region of the seat area of a seat cushion. This
region which is normally located between the thighs or knees of the
seat occupant, has the advantage of being covered by the seat
occupant, only very rarely. Therefore, circulation of the air
within the air-conducting cushion layer can be particularly
reliably ensured.
[0009] In a further refinement of the invention, it is also shown
to be advantageous to arrange both a seat cushion and a backrest
cushion in the region of the side cheeks. Experience has shown that
in this region there is also no risk of the air outlet openings
being covered by the seat occupant, particularly in a corner region
between a front top side and an end side of the cushion.
[0010] If a backrest cushion is to be provided, it has been shown
to be advantageous to arrange the at least one air outlet opening
in an upper central region of a seat area of the backrest cushion.
This region, above the occupant's shoulders, is also usually not
covered by the seat occupant, and therefore circulation of the air
within the air-conducting cushion layer can also be reliably
ensured there.
[0011] If a plurality of perforation openings is provided within
the cushion cover, then, all in all, an air outlet opening
arrangement which can be inserted unobtrusively into the overall
image of the seat cover can be provided.
[0012] In a further refinement of the invention, a top cover which
is arranged between the air-conducting cushion layer and the
cushion cover has been shown to be advantageous. Such top cover is
of open-pore and moisture-permeable configuration, and therefore
body moisture from the seat occupant can pass via the cushion cover
and the top layer in the direction of the air-conducting cushion
layer, where it is absorbed by the relatively dry and cold air flow
circulating within the air-conducting cushion layer and is conveyed
outside the cushion. Within the top layer it is possible, for
example, for the lines of a resistance seat heater to be integrated
in a simple manner. Furthermore, the air-conducting cushion layer,
which is made, for example, from a "spacer knit" or from rubberized
hair and is accordingly stiff, can be cushioned by the top layer.
So that the air mixed with the body moisture can pass out of the
air-conducting cushion layer, the top layer is made at least in
some regions from a highly air- and moisture-permeable material or
else it has corresponding passage openings.
[0013] In a further refinement of the invention, it has been shown
to be advantageous to arrange the air inlet below the air outlet.
In this manner, a chimney effect can be obtained such that fresh
air flowing in (for example, on the lower side of the cushion),
after flowing through the air-conducting cushion layer, flows in
the direction of the air outlet arranged thereabove, solely on
account of being heated by the body moisture. If--as provided
according to the invention--the flow paths within the
air-conducting cushion layer are shortened, then the chimney effect
can be realized particularly readily. As a result, it is therefore
possible to ventilate the seat without the use of additional fans.
However, even if additional fans are used, a readily circulating
air flow is always ensured.
[0014] Finally, it has been shown to be advantageous to arrange the
air inlet offset in relation to the air outlet, which results in a
flow of air through the air-conducting cushion layer in order to
absorb body moisture from the seat occupant, with direct passage of
the fresh air from the air inlet to the air outlet being
impossible.
[0015] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGS. 1a and 1b respectively show schematic top and side
views of a seat cushion of a vehicle seat, with a plurality of air
outlet openings provided in a central front region of a seat area
(FIG. 1a) and in a corner region between a front top side and a
lateral end side (FIG. 1b) of the seat cushion, via which air
outlet openings an air flow can escape from the seat cushion;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view along the line II-II
in FIG. 1, with an air-conducting cushion layer being provided,
into which air can enter via a plurality of air inlet openings, and
from which it can exit via a plurality of air outlet openings;
and
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a schematic front view of a backrest cushion in
which an upper central region of a seat area has a plurality of air
outlet openings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate, in respective schematic top and
side views, a seat cushion which essentially comprises a centrally
arranged seat area 10 and two side cheeks 12 running at the sides
thereof. In this case, the seat area 10 and the side cheeks 12 are
separated from each other via basted seams 14. A further basted
seam 16 divides off a rear seat area 18 from the seat area 10. A
plurality of air outlet openings 20 of an air-conducting cushion
layer 32 (explained in further detail below in conjunction with
FIG. 2) are provided in a front center region of the seat area
10.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1b, further air outlet openings
20--preferably designed as perforation openings--can be provided in
a corner region 26 between an upper or top surface 22 and an outer
side 24 of the side cheek 12. In the present exemplary embodiment,
the air outlet openings 20 therefore are distributed over virtually
the entire length of the corner region 26.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows the construction of the cushion in a schematic
sectional view along the line II-II in FIG. 1a. The top side of a
seat cushion support 28 (which is supported on a seat underframe,
not shown) supports a lower cushion layer 30 which can be composed,
for example, of an air-impermeable foam, an air-permeable
rubberized hair composite, or the like. The seat cushion support 28
is preferably composed of plastic or metal. The air-conducting
cushion layer 32 which, in the present exemplary embodiment, is
designed as a spacer knit is provided above the lower cushion layer
30. The air-conducting cushion layer 32 is covered by a top layer
34 which is composed here of an open-pore, "reticulated" foam. In
addition, lines for a seat heater (not shown) can be laid within a
top layer 34. Together, the lower cushion layer 30, the
air-conducting cushion layer 32 and the top layer 34 form a cushion
layer arrangement 36 which is covered by a cushion cover 38, for
example made of leather or a textile.
[0022] To ventilate the seat, an air inlet 40, with a plurality of
air inlet passages 42, which are placed within the lower cushion
layer 30 and through which the air-conducting cushion layer 32 is
supplied with fresh air, is provided.
[0023] Air inlet openings 44 are recessed within the seat cushion
support 28 at points of overlap with the air inlet passages 42
within the lower cushion layer 30. The air passing into the
air-conducting cushion layer 32 via the air inlet passages 42 can
flow out of the cushion layer via an air outlet 46 that includes a
plurality of air outlet passages 48 placed within the top layer 34.
In this case, the air outlet passages 48 open out at the air outlet
openings 20 within the cushion cover 38.
[0024] The seat ventilation functions as follows:
[0025] Relatively cool and dry air flows out of the region below
the seat cushion support 28 via the air inlet openings 44 and the
air inlet passages 42 into the air-conducting cushion layer 32. The
vehicle occupant's body moisture, which passes via the cushion
cover 38 and the moisture-permeable, open-pore top layer 34 into
the air-conducting cushion layer 32, is absorbed by the relatively
dry and cold air. By this means, both the degree of moisture and
the temperature in the region of the air-conducting cushion layer
32, which is arranged directly below the seat occupant, rise. The
air, which is now heated and moist (and which endeavors to flow off
upward on account of fundamental physical laws) passes in the
direction of the air outlet 46, which is situated higher up, by
means of the air outlet passages 48. The moist and relatively warm
air then passes out of the seat cushion via the air outlet passages
48 and the air outlet openings 20 on the top surface 22 of the
cushion and of the seat area 10, respectively.
[0026] In other words, in the case of the cushion according to the
invention, use is made of the "chimney effect" in which relatively
cold air (which experience has shown to predominate in a region in
the vicinity of the vehicle floor in a passenger cell of a motor
vehicle) is sucked up by warm and moist air. For its part, the
latter has been heated in the region of the air-conducting cushion
layer 32 by the body moisture from the seat occupant and endeavors
to flow off in the direction of the air outlet 46 situated higher
up. Even without fans, this arrangement results in circulation that
is sufficient to reliably transport away body moisture generated by
the seat occupant. If the cushion cover 38 is formed from leather,
then the latter can be provided with perforations which facilitate
the flow of body moisture into the top layer 34 and the
air-conducting cushion layer 32. If, by contrast, the cushion cover
38 is formed from a textile, such a perforation is normally not
necessary.
[0027] The above-described chimney effect is determined not only by
the fact that the air outlet 46 lies upward of the air inlet 40,
but also by the length over which the air flow has to flow through
the air-conducting cushion layer 32, which must be relatively
small. For this reason, the air outlet 46 is arranged in the direct
vicinity of the body in such a manner that the air outlet openings
20 are normally not covered by the seat occupant. The air outlet
openings 20 are therefore arranged, for example, in a front central
region of the seat area 10--between the thighs and knees of the
seat occupant--or in the corner region between the top surface 22
and the outer side 24 of the side cheek 12. This arrangement
ensures that, although the air flow flows through the entire region
of the air-conducting cushion layer 32 below the seat occupant, the
air flow then exits relatively close to the seat occupant. In other
words, in comparison to the prior art known to date, the period of
residence of the air flow within the air-conducting cushion layer
32 is reduced or minimized. This results in a relatively strong air
flow within the air-conducting cushion layer 32 and accordingly
also in very good transportation away of the body moisture.
[0028] As can also be seen from FIG. 2, the air inlet passages 42
of the air inlet 40 are offset in relation to the air outlet
passages 48 of the air outlet 46, so that air does not flow
directly from the air inlet 40 to the air outlet 46.
[0029] As an alternative to the air outlet passages 48, the top
layer 34 could be formed, at least in the region of the air outlet
40, from a highly air- or moisture-permeable material. In this
case, the moist and warm air would then exit from the
air-conducting cushion layer 32 not via the air outlet passages 48
but rather via a, for example, open-pore foam. If appropriate, the
air outlet openings 20 can also be formed from a correspondingly
large-meshed cushion cover 38 made from a textile. However, the
flow of air through the air-conducting cushion layer 32 below the
seat occupant should always be ensured. It is clear that, if
appropriate, the lower cushion layer 30 can also be designed as an
air-conducting cushion layer.
[0030] Finally, FIG. 3 illustrates a backrest cushion of a vehicle
seat, which is designed substantially identically to the seat
cushion. The present backrest cushion also comprises a seat area
region 10 which is surrounded by side cheeks 12. A head restraint
50 can be seen on the top side of the backrest cushion.
[0031] Furthermore, a plurality of air outlet openings 20 of an air
outlet 46, which openings correspond in their design to those of
FIG. 2, is provided in the upper central region of the seat area
10. In a lower region of the seat area 10, the air inlet 40
(indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3) which likewise comprises a
plurality of air inlet openings 44 designed essentially in
accordance with FIG. 2 can be seen on the rear side of the backrest
cushion. The chimney effect, in which the relatively dry and cold
fresh air flows in the region of the air inlet 40 into the
air-conducting cushion layer 32, then absorbs body moisture over
the course of its passage to the air outlet 46 and is
correspondingly heated, and finally leaves the backrest cushion
again via the air outlet openings 20, is therefore also ensured in
the present exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, it is apparent that
the air outlet openings 20 are arranged in a region above the
shoulders of the seat occupant such that they are normally not
covered by the seat occupant.
[0032] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to
illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since
modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit
and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the
art, the invention should be construed to include everything within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *