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WO2025128183A1 - Spacing device for an air-conditioned vehicle seat - Google Patents

Spacing device for an air-conditioned vehicle seat Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2025128183A1
WO2025128183A1 PCT/US2024/049699 US2024049699W WO2025128183A1 WO 2025128183 A1 WO2025128183 A1 WO 2025128183A1 US 2024049699 W US2024049699 W US 2024049699W WO 2025128183 A1 WO2025128183 A1 WO 2025128183A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air
legs
rear side
conditioning system
air conditioning
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2024/049699
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Chad PACILLI
Erich Doerfler
Igor Spasojevic
Ajay MURGOD
Jason Keith VAN HOUZEN
Scott Wolas
Robert FALZON
Carmen D'accriscio
Andrew Charles White
David Eisenbacher
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gentherm Inc
Original Assignee
Gentherm Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gentherm Inc filed Critical Gentherm Inc
Publication of WO2025128183A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025128183A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/56—Heating or ventilating devices
    • B60N2/5607—Heating or ventilating devices characterised by convection
    • B60N2/5621—Heating or ventilating devices characterised by convection by air
    • B60N2/5657—Heating or ventilating devices characterised by convection by air blown towards the seat surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/56—Heating or ventilating devices
    • B60N2/5607—Heating or ventilating devices characterised by convection
    • B60N2/5621—Heating or ventilating devices characterised by convection by air
    • B60N2/5642—Heating or ventilating devices characterised by convection by air with circulation of air through a layer inside the seat

Definitions

  • Some vehicle seats include one or more features for enhancing occupant comfort.
  • some vehicle seats include one or more air conditioning systems for directing warm, cool, and/or ambient air towards or away from an occupant.
  • Some air conditioning systems include an air moving device, an air distribution device, and a connector for making and maintaining a fluid connection between the air moving device and the air distribution device.
  • Some connectors utilize a variety of fasteners, snap features, or “twist and lock” features to make the connection.
  • these connectors undesirably require an assembly operator to properly align the air moving device and the air distribution device and then perform additional steps to make the connection such as taping, fastening, twisting, locking, snapping, etc. the components together to make the connection.
  • additional steps may lead to increased assembly time and/or performance issues if the connection is made improperly. It may therefore be desirable to improve the current state of the art.
  • a device configured to facilitate or improve a fluid connection between an air moving device and an air distribution device. It may be desirable to have a device that does not require additional steps to make a connection between an air moving device and an air distribution device after the air moving device and the air distribution deivce are brought into contact with one another.
  • these teachings provide a device for improving the connection between an air moving device and an air distribution device.
  • the device does not require additional steps to make and maintain a connection after the air moving device and the air distribution deivce are aligned or brought into connect with one another to make the connection.
  • the spacing device is configured to create or define an interface between an air distribution device and an air moving device.
  • the air distribution deivce according to these teachings may be an enclosure or bag structure that includes a rear or first layer or side, a front or second layer or side, and an optional middle or spacer layer in between the front and rear layers or sides.
  • the spacing device may be configured to be at least partially disposed within a cavity of the enclosure or air distribution device.
  • the spacing device may be configured to at least partially engage or contact the front layer or side, the spacer layer, and/or the rear layer or side and then move or bias and at least temporarily maintain a position of the rear layer or side in an elevated position away from the front layer or side and/or spacer layer.
  • the spacing device may be configured to create a tent or bulge in the rear layer in a direction of the air moving device so that the tented or bulged region of the air distribution device forms an interference fit or engagement with or against the air moving device.
  • the spacing device may be configured to compress, bend, flex, and/or otherwise move, to absorb pressure or loads acting on the vehicle seat, air distribution device, and/or air mover during certain conditions such as assembly of the vehicle seat and/or components thereof and/or when the air distribution device is being supplied with an air flow by the air moving device and/or when another comfort system such as a pneumatic system (i.e., massage and/or lumbar device) is in operation and/or when an occupant or load is present and not present on the vehicle seat.
  • a pneumatic system i.e., massage and/or lumbar device
  • the seat may include an air distribution device.
  • the air distribution device may be a structure that is configured to be installed on or against a foam or cushion of the seat.
  • the foam or the cushion may be the backrest portion of the seat, the bottom or seating portion of the seat, or both.
  • the air distribution device may be provided on the B-side, bottom, or back side of the cushion.
  • the air distribution device may be a bag structure.
  • the air distribution device or bag structure or enclosure may include one or more layers or sides that are arranged to form an open space or cavity.
  • the air distribution device may include a rear layer or sheet or side, a front layer or sheet, or side and a cavity defined in between the two layers or sheets or sides.
  • a middle or spacer layer may be optionally provided in the cavity to at least partially maintain a spacing or gap between the front and rear layers or sides.
  • a spacing device may include one or more features from any of the spacing devices disclosed herein.
  • a spacing device may be or may include one or more pieces of foam, spacing materials, springs, bushings, accordion- or corrugation- or folded- type features that can be compressed and then revert to their uncompressed state, one or more resilient members, one or more plastic or 3D printed blocks or spacers, or a combination thereof.
  • a spacing device may include one or more feet, fingers, legs, that provide a biasing or spring effect to deflect a surface or layer of the air distribution device.
  • a spacing device may be or include a flexible or rigid material.
  • a spacing device may include a thermoformed material.
  • a spacing device may include a material that is the same as a material of a layer of the air distribution device, a spacing layer within the cavity of the air distribution device, or both.
  • a spacing device may include a material that is different than a material of a layer of the air distribution device, a spacing layer within the cavity of the air distribution device, or both.
  • a spacing device may be adjustable to adjust or customize the amount of deflection of the layer of the air distribution device. For example, depending on the seat or cushion stack up, or location of the air moving device relative to the air distribution device, it may be advantageous to have a spacing device that can create a higher or lower deflection of the surface of the air distribution device.
  • a spacing device may be generally referred to as one or more legs, fingers, spacers, etc.
  • a spacing device can be attached to or integrated into a rear or inside surface of the rear layer. Such a spacing device can be configured to act on the middle and/or front layer to cause the rear layer to tent or dome outwardly in a direction away from the front and/or middle layer. In some configurations, a spacing device can be attached to or integrated into the spacer layer in the cavity. Such a spacing device can be configured to act on the middle to cause the rear layer to tent or dome outwardly in a direction away from the front and/or middle layer.
  • a sealing surface may be created by the spacing device as a result or moving deflecting, stretching, or biasing a layer of the air distribution device.
  • the sealing surface of the deflected or biased layer of the air distribution deivce may be configured to contact or engage or interfere with an air inlet and/or outlet of the air moving device to create a fluid connection therebetween.
  • the sealing surface of the deflected or biased layer of the air distribution deivce may be configured to contact or engage or interfere with one or more intermediate members between the air distribution device and the air inlet and/or outlet of the air moving device, such as one or more tubes, ducts, bellows, suspensions, sensors, heaters, etc. to create a fluid connection therebetween.
  • the biased portion of the one or more sealing surfaces may be configured to at least partially move or deflect to take up any tolerances and/or movement of the air moving deivce during use (i.e., when an occupant gets in and out of the vehicle seat, during inflation, deflation, and/or air distribution of the air distribution device, during assembly of the vehicle seat, during various driving conditions, etc.).
  • the one or more sealing surfaces may be arranged in a single plane, or in two or more planes.
  • the air moving deivce is configured to be installed on or at a seat suspension or seat frame structure.
  • the air distribution deivce is configured to be installed on or against a B-side or back side of the seat foam or cushion.
  • the seat foam or cushion with the air distribution device attached thereto can then be placed onto or against the seat suspension or seat structure such that the biased or elevated portion of the air distribution device generally aligns with an opening of the air moving deivce.
  • a force imparted by the spacing device against the layer of the air distribution device and therefore the air moving device or against a duct or tube arranged between the air distribution device and the air moving device functions to create a surface-to-surface contact or seal between the layer of the air distribution device and the air moving device.
  • the spacing device comprises a resilient member may be configured to maintain a gap or space between the front layer and the rear layer by applying opposing pushing forces onto inner surfaces of the front layer and the rear layer (or against the rear layer and the middle layer) to create a tent or bulge in in the region of the rear layer having the air opening to therefore create an interference fit against the air moving device.
  • the spacing device may advantageously remove any additional connectors or assembly or engagement steps after the air moving device and the air distribution deivce are brought into contact with one another.
  • the spacing device and/or the air moving device may include one or more magnets and/or a magnetic material.
  • the seat foam or cushion can then be placed onto or against the seat suspension or seat structure such that the spacing device generally aligns with the air moving deivce.
  • the magnetic force imparted by the one or more magnets against the magnetic surface creates a surface-to-surface seal between spacing device and air moving device.
  • the spacing device according to these teachings may advantageously remove any additional assembly or engagement steps after the air moving device and the air distribution deivce are brought into contact with one another.
  • An air conditioning system may function to move or direct air towards or away from one or more occupants or passengers in or near a seat.
  • the air may be ambient air (i.e., air having a temperature that is generally the same as the surrounding environment).
  • the air may be conditioned air.
  • the conditioned air may be air that is generally warmer than a temperature of the air in the surrounding environment.
  • the conditioned air may be air that is generally cooler than a temperature of the air in the surrounding environment.
  • An air distribution device may function to distribute or spread air that is supplied by one or more air movers when operating in a push mode (i.e., when air is pushed or blown out towards an occupant in the seat).
  • the pushed air may be distributed or spread to one or more locations of the seat or portions thereof.
  • the air distribution device may function to pull, suck, draw, or collect air from one or more locations of the seat or portions thereof by the air mover when the air mover is operating in a pull or suck mode (i.e., when air is being sucked or drawn away from an occupant in the seat).
  • the air distribution device may be comprised of one or more sheets or layers.
  • the air distribution device may have a front sheet or layer or side that is connected to a rear sheet or layer or side.
  • the air distribution device may be formed of a single layer or sheet that is folded over itself to define a front layer or side and a rear layer or side, and then the peripheral or open edges or sides of the single sheet or layer can be connected together to form the cavity and distribution structure.
  • the sheets may be connected or sealed at their peripheries to form an open space therein or therebetween.
  • the air distribution device may be a bag or have a bag structure.
  • the front and rear sheets may be sufficiently air impermeable, except for one or more apertures defined in the front and/or rear sheets through which air is directed into and/or expelled out of the air distribution device.
  • One or both of the sheets may be sufficiently flexible so that the air distribution device can adapt to movement of the seat and/or components thereof when an occupant or load is in the seat.
  • One or both of the sheets may be sufficiently flexible so that the air distribution device can adapt to various geometry of the seat and/or seat components to which the air distribution device is attached, in contact with, and/or adjacent to.
  • One or both of the sheets may be sufficiently strong to resist puncturing or tearing.
  • One or both of the sheets may be sufficiently rigid to maintain the structure of the air distributor and/or to restrict or prevent bucking or collapse of the air distributor, which may restrict or prevent air from passing therethrough.
  • One or both of the sheets may be made from a plastic material, a woven or nonwoven material, a mesh, netting, polyurethane (PU), or a combination thereof.
  • the air distribution device may be of the type disclosed in US6869140B2, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
  • the air distribution device may include a middle layer or a spacer layer.
  • the middle layer can be formed of or from one or a variety of materials such as a honey-combed foam material, material with channels and passages formed therein, 3D materials or spacer fabrics, mesh netting fabrics, spacing plates, etc.
  • 3MESH® a honey-combed foam material
  • 3D materials or spacer fabrics mesh netting fabrics
  • Spa plates a preferred material
  • 3MESH® commercially available from Mueller Textil GmbH, Germany or Mueller Textiles, Inc., Rhode Island, USA.
  • Other preferred spacing devices and spacer layers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,777,320, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • the middle layer may be made of a cloth, fleece, felt, polyester, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material.
  • the middle layer may be a foam, a plush foam, a comfort form, or a combination thereof.
  • the middle layer may be configured to generally retain its three-dimensional shape when subjected to compressive and/or other types of forces.
  • the middle layer may include internal pores or passages that permit air or other fluid to pass therethrough.
  • the middle layer can comprise an internal lattice or other structure which has internal openings.
  • the middle layer may be a screen or a mesh.
  • the middle layer may be compressible, elastic, resilient, or a combination thereof.
  • the middle layer may have sufficient resiliency to prevent crushing of spacer layer when an occupant sits on or leans back against the vehicle seat.
  • the middle layer may include an upper netting layer, a lower netting layer and a plurality of fibers extending between them.
  • the seat and/or the air conditioning system may include one or more air movers.
  • the one or more air movers may function to move air.
  • the air mover may push, blow, or exhaust air.
  • the air mover may pull, suck, suction, or draw in air.
  • the air may be moved towards or away from the seat, towards or away from an occupant in the vehicle seat, or both.
  • the one or more air movers may move, push, or blow air towards an occupant in the seat.
  • the one or more air movers may move, pull, suck, suction, or draw air away from an occupant in the seat.
  • the air may be ambient air having a generally similar temperature to the air surrounding the seat.
  • the air may be conditioned air.
  • Conditioned air may be air that is generally warmer relative to the surrounding, ambient air.
  • Conditioned air may be air that is generally cooler relative to the surrounding, ambient air.
  • the air mover may be an axial fan, a radial fan, or both.
  • the one or more air movers may include a thermoelectric device (TED).
  • the TED may heat or warm air as it enters the air mover or as it leaves the air mover.
  • the TED may cool air as the air enters the air mover or as the air leaves the air mover.
  • the TED may be used to heat air and/or cool air that is blown onto the user.
  • the one or more air movers may include a heating device, a cooling device, or both (i.e. a thermoelectric device (TED)).
  • the TED and/or air mover may be used in any manner or any configuration with an insert described in any ofU.S. PatentNos.
  • the air mover may have a housing.
  • One or more impellers may be contained in the housing.
  • the air mover, the housing, or both may have one or more air inlets through which air is drawn into the housing and one or more air outlets through which air is expelled from the housing.
  • the housing may guide and/or redirect air between one or more inlets and one or more outlets of the air mover.
  • the air mover or housing may be connected or assembled to the seat support, the suspension system, the frame, the cushion, the connecting member, the air distribution device, or a combination thereof.
  • the air mover or housing may be connected or assembled to one or more of the aforementioned components via one or more fasteners.
  • the one or more fasteners may include one or more pins, push pins, twist locks, screws, rivets, hook and loop fasteners, clips, tabs, bands, eyelets, protuberances, welds, or a combination thereof.
  • the air mover or housing may be connected or assembled to one or more of the aforementioned components via a press fit or interference fit.
  • the air mover or housing may be connected or assembled to one or more of the aforementioned components via one or more adhesives.
  • the adhesive may be a liquid adhesive.
  • the adhesive may be a dry adhesive.
  • the adhesive may be a peel and stick layer or tape.
  • Fig. l is a side view of a vehicle comprising a vehicle seat.
  • Fig. 2 is an exploded view of an air distribution device.
  • Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a spacing device.
  • Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the spacing device.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an air moving device.
  • Fig. 6 is a section view of an air distribution device, the spacing device, and an air moving device.
  • Fig. 10 is an exploded view of a vehicle seat.
  • Fig. 11 is an exploded view of a vehicle seat.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 10.
  • the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle seat 12.
  • the vehicle seat 12 comprises a seating portion 14 and a backrest portion 16.
  • the seating portion 14 and the backrest portion 16 comprise a support surface 18.
  • the support surface 18 may be or may include a cushion.
  • the support surface 18 may be a single support surface or cushion for both portions 14, 16.
  • the support surface 18 may be one or more discrete or individual pieces for each of the seating portions 14, 16.
  • the support surface 18 has a front, A-side, or A-surface and an opposing back, B-side, or B-surface. When an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 12, the front or A-side of the support surface 18 is closest to the occupant.
  • support surface herein may refer to the seating portion 14, backrest portion 16, or both.
  • a cover or trim layer may cover the support surface 18.
  • the cover or trim layer may be perforated leather, cloth, or other fabrictype materials suitable for use in the interior of a vehicle 10 and on a vehicle seat 12.
  • the vehicle seat 12 may include one or more air conditioning systems 100.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an air conditioning system 100 for a vehicle seat.
  • the air conditioning system 100 comprises an air distribution device 102 and an air moving device 104.
  • the air distribution device 102 comprises one or more layers that are arranged to define an open space or cavity 110 within the air distribution device 102.
  • the air distribution device 102 comprises a front layer or side 106 and a rear layer or side 108.
  • the layers or sides 106, 108 are joined together at least at one or more of their peripheries to define a cavity 110 therebetween.
  • One or more middle layers 112 may be located within the cavity 110.
  • the middle layer 112 may be a spacer layer.
  • the front layer or side 106 comprises one or more air distribution openings 114.
  • the rear layer or side 108 comprises a region 116 comprising an air opening 118.
  • a spacing device 120 may be located at least partially within the cavity 110.
  • the spacing device 120 may be configured to bias a region 116 of the rear layer 108 having the air opening 118 away from the front layer 106 and the optional middle layer 112 in an upwardly and/or outwardly direction, in a direction towards the air moving device 104 and/or towards a tube or duct that may be arranged between the opening 118 and the air moving device 104.
  • the spacing device 120 may be configured to create a tent or bulge in the spaced region of the rear layer 108.
  • Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary spacing device 120.
  • the spacing device 120 comprises a surface 122 that, with additional reference back to Fig. 2, is configured to contact an inner or inside surface 124 of the rear layer 108 to push, bias, stretch, distort, or otherwise direct or move at least the region 116 of the rear layer 108 away from the front layer 106 and the optional middle layer 112 in a direction of the air moving device 104.
  • the surface 122 also referred to herein as a contacting surface or a biasing surface
  • the aperture 125 may be configured to align with an opening 126 of the air moving device 104 (See Fig. 5) or with a tube or duct to allow an air flow to pass therethrough.
  • the surface 120 may be round or circular as illustrated, or may be a different shape such as a square, rectangle, oval, etc.
  • the spacing device 120 comprises one or more legs 128.
  • the one or more legs 128 are configured to, with reference back to Fig. 2, contact the middle layer 112, extend through the middle layer 112, contact an inner surface 130 of the front layer 106, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more legs 128 may cantilever from a back side 132 of the surface 122 that is configured to contact the inner surface 124 of the rear layer 108.
  • the one or more legs 128 may be integrally formed with the surface 122 that is configured to contact the inner surface 124 of the rear layer 108.
  • the one or more legs 128 may be attached to the back side 132 of the surface 122 that is configured to contact the inner surface 124 of the rear layer 108 with one or more fasteners 134.
  • the one or more legs 128 may be formed via a cutting or notching process, where the surface 122 is partially cut or notched and a free end (or second part 138 of the leg 128 discussed below) is deformed to be spaced apart from the surface 122.
  • the one or more legs 128 may be resilient, flexible, bendable, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more legs may be configured to absorb shock or any weight or loads in the vehicle seat acting on the air distribution device.
  • the one or more legs 128 may comprise an L-shape.
  • the one or more legs 128 may have a first part 136 that downwardly extends from a back side 132 of the surface 122 and a second part 138 that extends generally horizontally from the first part 136. With reference back to Fig. 2, the first part 136 and/or the second part 138 may be configured to contact and/or extend through the middle layer 112.
  • the first part 136 may be configured to contact the front layer 106.
  • the one or more legs 128 may comprise a plurality of legs 128.
  • the plurality of legs 128 may be located within a footprint of the surface 122 that is configured to contact the inner surface 124 of the rear layer 108. This may mean that when viewed from above, the one or more legs 128 or the parts 136, 138 thereof do not extend laterally beyond the surface 128. However, in some configurations, the one or more legs 128 or parts thereof 136, 138 may extend beyond a footprint of the surface 122.
  • the plurality of legs 128 may be rotationally turned relative to an adjacent one of the plurality of legs 128. This means that one or more of the parts 136, 138 of the legs 128 may be turned or point in a different direction than one or more adjacent legs 128.
  • the one or more legs 128 may be replaced by one or more other features, such as one or more springs, corrugations, dampers, bushings, bellows, compressible materials like foam or rubber, rigid materials, or a combination thereof.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an air distribution device 102.
  • the air distribution device 102 comprises a front layer 106 and a rear layer 108.
  • the layers 106, 108 are joined together at least at their edges or peripheries 140 to define a cavity 110 therebetween.
  • a middle layer 112 may be optionally located within the cavity 110.
  • the rear layer 108 comprises a region 116 comprising an air opening 118.
  • the region 116 may be also referred to as a deflectable, bias able, or moveable region.
  • a spacing device 120 is located at least partially within the cavity 110 and is configured to move or bias or deflect at least the bias able or moveable region 116 of the rear layer 108 having the air opening 118 in a direction up and away from the front layer 106 and the middle layer 112. As can be seen, the spacing device 120 is configured to create a tent or bulge in the region 116 to move, push, bias, or deflect the region 116 in a direction upwards or outwards relative to other regions 142 of the rear layer 108 where there is no spacing device 120 pushing or acting on the rear layer 108.
  • the rear layer 108 may be made of a resilient or stretchable material that allows the region 116 to be moved or deformed.
  • the region 116 may be made or constructed of the same material as the remainder of the rear layer 108.
  • the bias able or deflectable region 116 may be made of a material that is more bias able, more flexible, and/or more deflectable compared to other regions of the rear layer 108 that are not configured to be acted upon by the spacing device 120.
  • a sealing surface 144 may be formed or defined on the rear layer 108 where the surface 122 of the spacing device 120 is located (See Fig. 3A). That is a sealing surface 144 may be formed at the biased region 116 that is created by the spacing device 120.
  • the sealing surface 114 may take on a general planar shape.
  • the sealing surface may take on a non-planar shape that corresponds to the surface 122 of the spacing device 120 (Fig. 3A).
  • Fig. 5 illustrates an air moving device 104.
  • the air moving device 104 comprises a housing 146 having one or more attachment features 148.
  • the attachment features 148 may be configured to attach the air moving device 104 to a frame of the vehicle seat 12 (Fig. 8).
  • the housing 146 comprises an impeller 150.
  • the housing comprises a first air aperture 152 and a second air aperture 154.
  • an air flow may be either expelled from the housing through the first air aperture 152 and sucked into the housing via the second air aperture 154, or an air flow may be suck into the housing from the first air aperture 152 and expelled from the housing from the second air aperture 154.
  • the sealing surface 144 or the biased region 116 of the air distribution device may be configured to contact or engage one of the apertures 152, 154 and/or a duct or tube that may be connected to the aperture 152, 154.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates an air distribution device 102.
  • the air distribution device 102 comprises a front layer 106 and a rear layer 108.
  • the layers 106, 108 are joined together at least at their edges or peripheries 140 to define a cavity 110 therebetween.
  • a middle layer 112 may be located within the cavity 110.
  • the rear layer 108 comprises a region 116 comprising an air opening 118.
  • a spacing device 120 is located at least partially within the cavity 110 and is configured to bias at least the region 116 of the rear layer 108 having the air opening 118 in a direction up and away from the front layer 106 and the middle layer 112.
  • the biased region 116 is pushed or moved upwards relative to other regions 142 of the rear layer 108 where there is no spacing device 120 acting on the rear layer 108.
  • the air moving device 104 is arranged on the air distribution device 102. More specifically, the first air aperture 152 is aligned with the air opening 118 in the region 116 of the rear layer 108 that is biased by the spacing device 120. Accordingly, a fluid connection is created between the air moving device 104 and the air distribution device 102. An air flow generated by the air moving device 104 can be pushed into the cavity 110 via the opening 126 in the air moving device 104 and then expelled from the air distribution openings 114 in the front layer 106 (Fig.
  • an air flow can be pulled into the cavity 110 through the air distribution openings 114 in the front layer 106 (Fig. 2) in a direction away from the occupant in the vehicle seat 12 (Fig. 1) and then pulled into the housing 146 via the first air aperture 152 and then expelled from the housing 146 via the second air aperture 154.
  • Figs. 7, 8, and 9 each illustrate an air distribution device 102.
  • the air distribution device 102 comprises a front layer 106 and a rear layer 108.
  • the layers 106, 108 are joined together at least at their edges or peripheries to define a cavity therebetween.
  • a middle layer 112 may be located within the cavity 110.
  • the rear layer 108 comprises a region 116 comprising an air opening 118.
  • a spacing device 120 is located at least partially within the cavity of each of the distribution devices 102 and is configured to bias at least the region 116 of the rear layer 108 having the air opening 118 in a direction up and away from the front layer 106 and the middle layer 112. As can be seen, the biased region 116 is pushed or moved upwards relative to other regions 142 of the rear layer 108 where there is no spacing device 120 acting on the rear layer 108.
  • the spacing device 120 is a material that may be a compressible foam or pad.
  • the foam or pad may be a plush pad or other compressible and resilient material.
  • the material may be the same as the spacer material 112 or the material of the spacing device 120 may be different than the spacer material 112.
  • the spacing device 120 may be one or more springs or other biasing and resilient members. These elements may be made of a foam, paper, metal, plastic, rubber, or other like such material.
  • the spacing device 120 may be one or more bushings, corrugations, folded regions, and/or dampers that may act on the middle layer 112 and/or the front layer 106 to move or boas the bias able region 116 in a direction away from the middle layer and towards the air moving device.
  • These elements may be made of a foam, paper, metal, plastic, rubber, or other like such material.
  • Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate the vehicle seat 12.
  • the vehicle seat 12 comprises a seating portion 14 and a backrest portion 16.
  • the seating portion 14 and the backrest portion 16 comprise a support surface 18.
  • the support surface 18 may be or may include a cushion.
  • the support surface 18 has a front, A-side, or A-surface and an opposing back, B-side, or B-surface.
  • the front or A-side of the support surface 18 is closest to the occupant. Therefore, reference to support surface herein may refer to the seating portion 14, backrest portion 16, or both.
  • the air distribution device 102 may be attached to the back or B-side B of the cushion 18.
  • One or more fasteners may be used for this purpose, such as tape, double sided tape, push pins, etc.
  • the air moving device 104 may be attached to a frame 20 of the vehicle seat 12.
  • One or more fasteners may be used for this purpose, such as tape, double sided tape, push pins, screws, the attachment devices 148 (Fig. 5) or any combination thereof.
  • the air distribution device 102 may be arranged on the B-side of the cushion 18 so that, referring back to Figs. 4, 6, the biased region 116 of the rear layer 108 faces a direction of the air mover 104.
  • the cushion 18 may then be installed and attached to the frame 20 such that the sealing surface 144 of the rear layer 108 contacts the first air aperture of the air moving device (Fig. 5, 6). Therefore, the biasing force by the spacing device 120 pushes the region 116 of the rear layer 108 against the opening 152 of the air moving device 104 thereby creating a fluid connection therebetween.
  • the legs 128 pressing on the middle layer 112 and/or the front layer 106 are configured to bend and flex during use (e.g., when an occupant gets into and out of the vehicle seat 12), while maintaining the pressure or force against the air moving device 104. This allows a fluid connection between the air moving device 104 and the air distribution device to be maintained without requiring any additional connectors, clips, or fasteners.
  • the spacing device 120 may include one or more magnets 156.
  • the one or more magnets may also or may instead be arranged on the housing 146 of the air moving deivce 104 (Fig. 5).
  • the one or more magnets 156 may be attracted to a magnetic surface on the spacing device 120 and/or the housing 146 of the air moving device 104 thereby adding an additional connection between the air moving device 104 and the air distribution device 102.
  • the spacing device 120 may or may not include the one or more legs 128.
  • first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings.
  • Spatially relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.
  • the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)

Abstract

An air conditioning system for a vehicle seat that includes an air distribution deivce having a front side, a rear side, a cavity defined between the front side and the rear side, and an optional middle layer located within the cavity, the front side has one or more air distribution openings and the rear side has a region having an air opening; an air moving device; and a spacing device located at least partially within the cavity and is configured to bias the region of the rear side having the air opening away from the front side and the optional middle layer in a direction towards the air moving device.

Description

SPACING DEVICE FOR AN AIR-CONDITIONED VEHICLE SEAT
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to US 63/609,593 filed on December 13, 2023, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] These teachings relate to an air-conditioned vehicle seat, an air conditioning system for a vehicle seat, a spacing device for an air-conditioned vehicle seat, and to a method of assembly and use thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Some vehicle seats include one or more features for enhancing occupant comfort. For example, some vehicle seats include one or more air conditioning systems for directing warm, cool, and/or ambient air towards or away from an occupant.
[0004] Some air conditioning systems include an air moving device, an air distribution device, and a connector for making and maintaining a fluid connection between the air moving device and the air distribution device.
[0005] Some connectors utilize a variety of fasteners, snap features, or “twist and lock” features to make the connection. However, these connectors undesirably require an assembly operator to properly align the air moving device and the air distribution device and then perform additional steps to make the connection such as taping, fastening, twisting, locking, snapping, etc. the components together to make the connection. These additional steps may lead to increased assembly time and/or performance issues if the connection is made improperly. It may therefore be desirable to improve the current state of the art.
[0006] For example, it may be desirable to have a device configured to facilitate or improve a fluid connection between an air moving device and an air distribution device. It may be desirable to have a device that does not require additional steps to make a connection between an air moving device and an air distribution device after the air moving device and the air distribution deivce are brought into contact with one another. SUMMARY
[0007] These teachings provide a device for improving the connection between an air moving device and an air distribution device. Advantageously, the device does not require additional steps to make and maintain a connection after the air moving device and the air distribution deivce are aligned or brought into connect with one another to make the connection.
[0008] These teachings are directed to a spacing device. The spacing device according to these teachings is configured to create or define an interface between an air distribution device and an air moving device. The air distribution deivce according to these teachings may be an enclosure or bag structure that includes a rear or first layer or side, a front or second layer or side, and an optional middle or spacer layer in between the front and rear layers or sides.
[0009] The spacing device may be configured to be at least partially disposed within a cavity of the enclosure or air distribution device. The spacing device may be configured to at least partially engage or contact the front layer or side, the spacer layer, and/or the rear layer or side and then move or bias and at least temporarily maintain a position of the rear layer or side in an elevated position away from the front layer or side and/or spacer layer. The spacing device may be configured to create a tent or bulge in the rear layer in a direction of the air moving device so that the tented or bulged region of the air distribution device forms an interference fit or engagement with or against the air moving device. The spacing device may be configured to compress, bend, flex, and/or otherwise move, to absorb pressure or loads acting on the vehicle seat, air distribution device, and/or air mover during certain conditions such as assembly of the vehicle seat and/or components thereof and/or when the air distribution device is being supplied with an air flow by the air moving device and/or when another comfort system such as a pneumatic system (i.e., massage and/or lumbar device) is in operation and/or when an occupant or load is present and not present on the vehicle seat. This advantageously allows the air moving device to remain in contact with at least the tented or bulged region created by the spacing device during any of the aforementioned conditions when the air moving device and/or the air distribution device may be moved, shifted, compressed, operated, etc.
[0010] These teachings provide a seat, a vehicle seat, an air-conditioned seat, an air-conditioned vehicle seat, one or more of which may be referred to as a seat herein. The seat may be located in a vehicle. The vehicle may be an automobile, like a passenger car or truck. The vehicle may be an airplane, train, bus, and/or a boat. The seat may also be used in non-vehicular applications, like in a home or office.
[0011] The seat may include an air distribution device. The air distribution device may be a structure that is configured to be installed on or against a foam or cushion of the seat. The foam or the cushion may be the backrest portion of the seat, the bottom or seating portion of the seat, or both. The air distribution device may be provided on the B-side, bottom, or back side of the cushion. The air distribution device may be a bag structure. The air distribution device or bag structure or enclosure may include one or more layers or sides that are arranged to form an open space or cavity. The air distribution device may include a rear layer or sheet or side, a front layer or sheet, or side and a cavity defined in between the two layers or sheets or sides. A middle or spacer layer may be optionally provided in the cavity to at least partially maintain a spacing or gap between the front and rear layers or sides.
[0012] One or more spacing devices according to these teachings may be configured to be installed on or at least partially in or within a cavity of the air distribution device. The spacing device may be configured to move, deflect, stretch, or bias a layer of the air distribution device in a direction of an air mover. The spacing device may be configured to create a tent, dome, or bulge in a layer of the air distribution device. The tented, domed, or bulged region may function to create one or more sealing surfaces that may contact, abut, or create an interference surface with the air moving device, an air inlet or outlet of the air moving device, and/or one or more ducts tubes, or other elements that may be arranged between the air moving device and the air distribution device. More than one spacing device may be included in an air distribution device. For example, two or more spacing devices may be included in the air distribution device to provide two or more sealing surfaces.
[0013] A spacing device may include one or more features from any of the spacing devices disclosed herein. For example, a spacing device may be or may include one or more pieces of foam, spacing materials, springs, bushings, accordion- or corrugation- or folded- type features that can be compressed and then revert to their uncompressed state, one or more resilient members, one or more plastic or 3D printed blocks or spacers, or a combination thereof. A spacing device may include one or more feet, fingers, legs, that provide a biasing or spring effect to deflect a surface or layer of the air distribution device. A spacing device may be or include a flexible or rigid material. A spacing device may include a thermoformed material. A spacing device may include a material that is the same as a material of a layer of the air distribution device, a spacing layer within the cavity of the air distribution device, or both. A spacing device may include a material that is different than a material of a layer of the air distribution device, a spacing layer within the cavity of the air distribution device, or both. A spacing device may be adjustable to adjust or customize the amount of deflection of the layer of the air distribution device. For example, depending on the seat or cushion stack up, or location of the air moving device relative to the air distribution device, it may be advantageous to have a spacing device that can create a higher or lower deflection of the surface of the air distribution device. A spacing device may be generally referred to as one or more legs, fingers, spacers, etc.
[0014] In some configurations, a spacing device can be attached to or integrated into a rear or inside surface of the rear layer. Such a spacing device can be configured to act on the middle and/or front layer to cause the rear layer to tent or dome outwardly in a direction away from the front and/or middle layer. In some configurations, a spacing device can be attached to or integrated into the spacer layer in the cavity. Such a spacing device can be configured to act on the middle to cause the rear layer to tent or dome outwardly in a direction away from the front and/or middle layer.
[0015] A sealing surface may be created by the spacing device as a result or moving deflecting, stretching, or biasing a layer of the air distribution device. The sealing surface of the deflected or biased layer of the air distribution deivce may be configured to contact or engage or interfere with an air inlet and/or outlet of the air moving device to create a fluid connection therebetween. The sealing surface of the deflected or biased layer of the air distribution deivce may be configured to contact or engage or interfere with one or more intermediate members between the air distribution device and the air inlet and/or outlet of the air moving device, such as one or more tubes, ducts, bellows, suspensions, sensors, heaters, etc. to create a fluid connection therebetween. The biased portion of the one or more sealing surfaces may be configured to at least partially move or deflect to take up any tolerances and/or movement of the air moving deivce during use (i.e., when an occupant gets in and out of the vehicle seat, during inflation, deflation, and/or air distribution of the air distribution device, during assembly of the vehicle seat, during various driving conditions, etc.). The one or more sealing surfaces may be arranged in a single plane, or in two or more planes. [0016] The air moving deivce is configured to be installed on or at a seat suspension or seat frame structure. The air distribution deivce is configured to be installed on or against a B-side or back side of the seat foam or cushion. During assembly of the vehicle seat, the seat foam or cushion with the air distribution device attached thereto, can then be placed onto or against the seat suspension or seat structure such that the biased or elevated portion of the air distribution device generally aligns with an opening of the air moving deivce. A force imparted by the spacing device against the layer of the air distribution device and therefore the air moving device or against a duct or tube arranged between the air distribution device and the air moving device functions to create a surface-to-surface contact or seal between the layer of the air distribution device and the air moving device. The spacing device comprises a resilient member may be configured to maintain a gap or space between the front layer and the rear layer by applying opposing pushing forces onto inner surfaces of the front layer and the rear layer (or against the rear layer and the middle layer) to create a tent or bulge in in the region of the rear layer having the air opening to therefore create an interference fit against the air moving device. After the cushion is secured to the frame, the connection between the air moving device and the air distribution device is maintained. Accordingly, the spacing device according to these teachings may advantageously remove any additional connectors or assembly or engagement steps after the air moving device and the air distribution deivce are brought into contact with one another.
[0017] In another configuration, the spacing device and/or the air moving device may include one or more magnets and/or a magnetic material. During assembly, the seat foam or cushion can then be placed onto or against the seat suspension or seat structure such that the spacing device generally aligns with the air moving deivce. The magnetic force imparted by the one or more magnets against the magnetic surface creates a surface-to-surface seal between spacing device and air moving device. Accordingly, the spacing device according to these teachings may advantageously remove any additional assembly or engagement steps after the air moving device and the air distribution deivce are brought into contact with one another.
[0018] An air conditioning system may function to move or direct air towards or away from one or more occupants or passengers in or near a seat. The air may be ambient air (i.e., air having a temperature that is generally the same as the surrounding environment). The air may be conditioned air. The conditioned air may be air that is generally warmer than a temperature of the air in the surrounding environment. The conditioned air may be air that is generally cooler than a temperature of the air in the surrounding environment. [0019] An air distribution device may function to distribute or spread air that is supplied by one or more air movers when operating in a push mode (i.e., when air is pushed or blown out towards an occupant in the seat). The pushed air may be distributed or spread to one or more locations of the seat or portions thereof. The air distribution device may function to pull, suck, draw, or collect air from one or more locations of the seat or portions thereof by the air mover when the air mover is operating in a pull or suck mode (i.e., when air is being sucked or drawn away from an occupant in the seat). The air distribution device may be comprised of one or more sheets or layers. The air distribution device may have a front sheet or layer or side that is connected to a rear sheet or layer or side. In some configurations, the air distribution device may be formed of a single layer or sheet that is folded over itself to define a front layer or side and a rear layer or side, and then the peripheral or open edges or sides of the single sheet or layer can be connected together to form the cavity and distribution structure. The sheets may be connected or sealed at their peripheries to form an open space therein or therebetween. The air distribution device may be a bag or have a bag structure. The front and rear sheets may be sufficiently air impermeable, except for one or more apertures defined in the front and/or rear sheets through which air is directed into and/or expelled out of the air distribution device. One or both of the sheets may be sufficiently flexible so that the air distribution device can adapt to movement of the seat and/or components thereof when an occupant or load is in the seat. One or both of the sheets may be sufficiently flexible so that the air distribution device can adapt to various geometry of the seat and/or seat components to which the air distribution device is attached, in contact with, and/or adjacent to. One or both of the sheets may be sufficiently strong to resist puncturing or tearing. One or both of the sheets may be sufficiently rigid to maintain the structure of the air distributor and/or to restrict or prevent bucking or collapse of the air distributor, which may restrict or prevent air from passing therethrough. One or both of the sheets may be made from a plastic material, a woven or nonwoven material, a mesh, netting, polyurethane (PU), or a combination thereof. The air distribution device may be of the type disclosed in US6869140B2, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0020] The air distribution device may include a middle layer or a spacer layer. The middle layer can be formed of or from one or a variety of materials such as a honey-combed foam material, material with channels and passages formed therein, 3D materials or spacer fabrics, mesh netting fabrics, spacing plates, etc. As an example, one preferred material is sold under the trade name 3MESH® and is commercially available from Mueller Textil GmbH, Germany or Mueller Textiles, Inc., Rhode Island, USA. Other preferred spacing devices and spacer layers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,777,320, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The middle layer may be made of a cloth, fleece, felt, polyester, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material. The middle layer may be a foam, a plush foam, a comfort form, or a combination thereof. [0021] The middle layer may be configured to generally retain its three-dimensional shape when subjected to compressive and/or other types of forces. The middle layer may include internal pores or passages that permit air or other fluid to pass therethrough. For example, the middle layer can comprise an internal lattice or other structure which has internal openings. The middle layer may be a screen or a mesh. The middle layer may be compressible, elastic, resilient, or a combination thereof. The middle layer may have sufficient resiliency to prevent crushing of spacer layer when an occupant sits on or leans back against the vehicle seat. The middle layer may include an upper netting layer, a lower netting layer and a plurality of fibers extending between them.
[0022] The seat and/or the air conditioning system may include one or more air movers. The one or more air movers may function to move air. The air mover may push, blow, or exhaust air. The air mover may pull, suck, suction, or draw in air. The air may be moved towards or away from the seat, towards or away from an occupant in the vehicle seat, or both. The one or more air movers may move, push, or blow air towards an occupant in the seat. The one or more air movers may move, pull, suck, suction, or draw air away from an occupant in the seat. The air may be ambient air having a generally similar temperature to the air surrounding the seat. The air may be conditioned air. Conditioned air may be air that is generally warmer relative to the surrounding, ambient air. Conditioned air may be air that is generally cooler relative to the surrounding, ambient air. The air mover may be an axial fan, a radial fan, or both.
[0023] The one or more air movers may include a thermoelectric device (TED). The TED may heat or warm air as it enters the air mover or as it leaves the air mover. The TED may cool air as the air enters the air mover or as the air leaves the air mover. The TED may be used to heat air and/or cool air that is blown onto the user. The one or more air movers may include a heating device, a cooling device, or both (i.e. a thermoelectric device (TED)). For example, the TED and/or air mover may be used in any manner or any configuration with an insert described in any ofU.S. PatentNos. RE38,128; 4,923,248; 6,629,724; 6,676,207; 6,857,697; 6,869,139; 6,869,140; 6,976,734; 7,083,227; 7,213,876; 7,338,117; 7,356,912; 7,475,938; 7,506,938; and 7,587,901 or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009-0218855 the teachings of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0024] The air mover may have a housing. One or more impellers may be contained in the housing. The air mover, the housing, or both may have one or more air inlets through which air is drawn into the housing and one or more air outlets through which air is expelled from the housing. The housing may guide and/or redirect air between one or more inlets and one or more outlets of the air mover.
[0025] The air mover or housing may be connected or assembled to the seat support, the suspension system, the frame, the cushion, the connecting member, the air distribution device, or a combination thereof. The air mover or housing may be connected or assembled to one or more of the aforementioned components via one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may include one or more pins, push pins, twist locks, screws, rivets, hook and loop fasteners, clips, tabs, bands, eyelets, protuberances, welds, or a combination thereof. The air mover or housing may be connected or assembled to one or more of the aforementioned components via a press fit or interference fit. The air mover or housing may be connected or assembled to one or more of the aforementioned components via one or more adhesives. The adhesive may be a liquid adhesive. The adhesive may be a dry adhesive. The adhesive may be a peel and stick layer or tape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Fig. l is a side view of a vehicle comprising a vehicle seat.
[0027] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of an air distribution device.
[0028] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a spacing device.
[0029] Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the spacing device.
[0030] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an air distribution device.
[0031] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an air moving device.
[0032] Fig. 6 is a section view of an air distribution device, the spacing device, and an air moving device.
[0033] Fig. 7 is a section view of an air distribution device, the spacing device, and an air moving device. [0034] Fig. 8 is a section view of an air distribution device, the spacing device, and an air moving device.
[0035] Fig. 9 is a section view of an air distribution device, the spacing device, and an air moving device.
[0036] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of a vehicle seat.
[0037] Fig. 11 is an exploded view of a vehicle seat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle seat 12. The vehicle seat 12 comprises a seating portion 14 and a backrest portion 16. The seating portion 14 and the backrest portion 16 comprise a support surface 18. The support surface 18 may be or may include a cushion. The support surface 18 may be a single support surface or cushion for both portions 14, 16. The support surface 18 may be one or more discrete or individual pieces for each of the seating portions 14, 16. The support surface 18 has a front, A-side, or A-surface and an opposing back, B-side, or B-surface. When an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 12, the front or A-side of the support surface 18 is closest to the occupant. Therefore, reference to support surface herein may refer to the seating portion 14, backrest portion 16, or both. A cover or trim layer may cover the support surface 18. The cover or trim layer may be perforated leather, cloth, or other fabrictype materials suitable for use in the interior of a vehicle 10 and on a vehicle seat 12.
[0039] The vehicle seat 12 may include one or more air conditioning systems 100.
[0040] Fig. 2 illustrates an air conditioning system 100 for a vehicle seat. The air conditioning system 100 comprises an air distribution device 102 and an air moving device 104. The air distribution device 102 comprises one or more layers that are arranged to define an open space or cavity 110 within the air distribution device 102. For example, the air distribution device 102 comprises a front layer or side 106 and a rear layer or side 108. The layers or sides 106, 108 are joined together at least at one or more of their peripheries to define a cavity 110 therebetween. One or more middle layers 112 may be located within the cavity 110. The middle layer 112 may be a spacer layer. The front layer or side 106 comprises one or more air distribution openings 114. The rear layer or side 108 comprises a region 116 comprising an air opening 118. [0041] A spacing device 120 may be located at least partially within the cavity 110. The spacing device 120 may be configured to bias a region 116 of the rear layer 108 having the air opening 118 away from the front layer 106 and the optional middle layer 112 in an upwardly and/or outwardly direction, in a direction towards the air moving device 104 and/or towards a tube or duct that may be arranged between the opening 118 and the air moving device 104. The spacing device 120 may be configured to create a tent or bulge in the spaced region of the rear layer 108.
[0042] Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary spacing device 120. The spacing device 120 comprises a surface 122 that, with additional reference back to Fig. 2, is configured to contact an inner or inside surface 124 of the rear layer 108 to push, bias, stretch, distort, or otherwise direct or move at least the region 116 of the rear layer 108 away from the front layer 106 and the optional middle layer 112 in a direction of the air moving device 104. The surface 122 (also referred to herein as a contacting surface or a biasing surface) of the spacing device 120 comprises one or more apertures 125. The aperture 125 may be configured to align with an opening 126 of the air moving device 104 (See Fig. 5) or with a tube or duct to allow an air flow to pass therethrough. The surface 120 may be round or circular as illustrated, or may be a different shape such as a square, rectangle, oval, etc.
[0043] The spacing device 120 comprises one or more legs 128. The one or more legs 128 are configured to, with reference back to Fig. 2, contact the middle layer 112, extend through the middle layer 112, contact an inner surface 130 of the front layer 106, or a combination thereof.
[0044] The one or more legs 128 may cantilever from a back side 132 of the surface 122 that is configured to contact the inner surface 124 of the rear layer 108. The one or more legs 128 may be integrally formed with the surface 122 that is configured to contact the inner surface 124 of the rear layer 108. The one or more legs 128 may be attached to the back side 132 of the surface 122 that is configured to contact the inner surface 124 of the rear layer 108 with one or more fasteners 134. The one or more legs 128 may be formed via a cutting or notching process, where the surface 122 is partially cut or notched and a free end (or second part 138 of the leg 128 discussed below) is deformed to be spaced apart from the surface 122.
[0045] The one or more legs 128 may be resilient, flexible, bendable, or a combination thereof. The one or more legs may be configured to absorb shock or any weight or loads in the vehicle seat acting on the air distribution device. The one or more legs 128 may comprise an L-shape. The one or more legs 128 may have a first part 136 that downwardly extends from a back side 132 of the surface 122 and a second part 138 that extends generally horizontally from the first part 136. With reference back to Fig. 2, the first part 136 and/or the second part 138 may be configured to contact and/or extend through the middle layer 112. The first part 136 may be configured to contact the front layer 106.
[0046] The one or more legs 128 may comprise a plurality of legs 128. The plurality of legs 128 may be located within a footprint of the surface 122 that is configured to contact the inner surface 124 of the rear layer 108. This may mean that when viewed from above, the one or more legs 128 or the parts 136, 138 thereof do not extend laterally beyond the surface 128. However, in some configurations, the one or more legs 128 or parts thereof 136, 138 may extend beyond a footprint of the surface 122.
[0047] The plurality of legs 128 may be rotationally turned relative to an adjacent one of the plurality of legs 128. This means that one or more of the parts 136, 138 of the legs 128 may be turned or point in a different direction than one or more adjacent legs 128.
[0048] In some configurations, the one or more legs 128 may be replaced by one or more other features, such as one or more springs, corrugations, dampers, bushings, bellows, compressible materials like foam or rubber, rigid materials, or a combination thereof.
[0049] Fig. 4 illustrates an air distribution device 102. The air distribution device 102 comprises a front layer 106 and a rear layer 108. The layers 106, 108 are joined together at least at their edges or peripheries 140 to define a cavity 110 therebetween. A middle layer 112 may be optionally located within the cavity 110. The rear layer 108 comprises a region 116 comprising an air opening 118. The region 116 may be also referred to as a deflectable, bias able, or moveable region. A spacing device 120 is located at least partially within the cavity 110 and is configured to move or bias or deflect at least the bias able or moveable region 116 of the rear layer 108 having the air opening 118 in a direction up and away from the front layer 106 and the middle layer 112. As can be seen, the spacing device 120 is configured to create a tent or bulge in the region 116 to move, push, bias, or deflect the region 116 in a direction upwards or outwards relative to other regions 142 of the rear layer 108 where there is no spacing device 120 pushing or acting on the rear layer 108. The rear layer 108 may be made of a resilient or stretchable material that allows the region 116 to be moved or deformed. The region 116 may be made or constructed of the same material as the remainder of the rear layer 108. In other configurations, the bias able or deflectable region 116 may be made of a material that is more bias able, more flexible, and/or more deflectable compared to other regions of the rear layer 108 that are not configured to be acted upon by the spacing device 120. A sealing surface 144 may be formed or defined on the rear layer 108 where the surface 122 of the spacing device 120 is located (See Fig. 3A). That is a sealing surface 144 may be formed at the biased region 116 that is created by the spacing device 120. The sealing surface 114 may take on a general planar shape. The sealing surface may take on a non-planar shape that corresponds to the surface 122 of the spacing device 120 (Fig. 3A).
[0050] Fig. 5 illustrates an air moving device 104. The air moving device 104 comprises a housing 146 having one or more attachment features 148. The attachment features 148 may be configured to attach the air moving device 104 to a frame of the vehicle seat 12 (Fig. 8). The housing 146 comprises an impeller 150. The housing comprises a first air aperture 152 and a second air aperture 154. Depending on the rotational direction of the impeller 150, an air flow may be either expelled from the housing through the first air aperture 152 and sucked into the housing via the second air aperture 154, or an air flow may be suck into the housing from the first air aperture 152 and expelled from the housing from the second air aperture 154. The sealing surface 144 or the biased region 116 of the air distribution device may be configured to contact or engage one of the apertures 152, 154 and/or a duct or tube that may be connected to the aperture 152, 154.
[0051] Fig. 6 illustrates an air distribution device 102. The air distribution device 102 comprises a front layer 106 and a rear layer 108. The layers 106, 108 are joined together at least at their edges or peripheries 140 to define a cavity 110 therebetween. A middle layer 112 may be located within the cavity 110. The rear layer 108 comprises a region 116 comprising an air opening 118. A spacing device 120 is located at least partially within the cavity 110 and is configured to bias at least the region 116 of the rear layer 108 having the air opening 118 in a direction up and away from the front layer 106 and the middle layer 112. As can be seen, the biased region 116 is pushed or moved upwards relative to other regions 142 of the rear layer 108 where there is no spacing device 120 acting on the rear layer 108. The air moving device 104 is arranged on the air distribution device 102. More specifically, the first air aperture 152 is aligned with the air opening 118 in the region 116 of the rear layer 108 that is biased by the spacing device 120. Accordingly, a fluid connection is created between the air moving device 104 and the air distribution device 102. An air flow generated by the air moving device 104 can be pushed into the cavity 110 via the opening 126 in the air moving device 104 and then expelled from the air distribution openings 114 in the front layer 106 (Fig. 2) in a direction of an occupant in the vehicle seat 12 (Fig. 1). Alternatively, an air flow can be pulled into the cavity 110 through the air distribution openings 114 in the front layer 106 (Fig. 2) in a direction away from the occupant in the vehicle seat 12 (Fig. 1) and then pulled into the housing 146 via the first air aperture 152 and then expelled from the housing 146 via the second air aperture 154.
[0052] Figs. 7, 8, and 9 each illustrate an air distribution device 102. The air distribution device 102 comprises a front layer 106 and a rear layer 108. The layers 106, 108 are joined together at least at their edges or peripheries to define a cavity therebetween. A middle layer 112 may be located within the cavity 110. The rear layer 108 comprises a region 116 comprising an air opening 118. A spacing device 120 is located at least partially within the cavity of each of the distribution devices 102 and is configured to bias at least the region 116 of the rear layer 108 having the air opening 118 in a direction up and away from the front layer 106 and the middle layer 112. As can be seen, the biased region 116 is pushed or moved upwards relative to other regions 142 of the rear layer 108 where there is no spacing device 120 acting on the rear layer 108.
[0053] In Fig. 7, the spacing device 120 is a material that may be a compressible foam or pad. The foam or pad may be a plush pad or other compressible and resilient material. The material may be the same as the spacer material 112 or the material of the spacing device 120 may be different than the spacer material 112.
[0054] In Fig. 8, the spacing device 120 may be one or more springs or other biasing and resilient members. These elements may be made of a foam, paper, metal, plastic, rubber, or other like such material.
[0055] In Fig. 9, the spacing device 120 may be one or more bushings, corrugations, folded regions, and/or dampers that may act on the middle layer 112 and/or the front layer 106 to move or boas the bias able region 116 in a direction away from the middle layer and towards the air moving device. These elements may be made of a foam, paper, metal, plastic, rubber, or other like such material.
[0056] Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate the vehicle seat 12. The vehicle seat 12 comprises a seating portion 14 and a backrest portion 16. The seating portion 14 and the backrest portion 16 comprise a support surface 18. The support surface 18 may be or may include a cushion. The support surface 18 has a front, A-side, or A-surface and an opposing back, B-side, or B-surface. When an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 12, the front or A-side of the support surface 18 is closest to the occupant. Therefore, reference to support surface herein may refer to the seating portion 14, backrest portion 16, or both.
[0057] Before or during assembly of the vehicle seat 12, the air distribution device 102 may be attached to the back or B-side B of the cushion 18. One or more fasteners may be used for this purpose, such as tape, double sided tape, push pins, etc.
[0058] Before or during assembly of the vehicle seat 12, the air moving device 104 may be attached to a frame 20 of the vehicle seat 12. One or more fasteners may be used for this purpose, such as tape, double sided tape, push pins, screws, the attachment devices 148 (Fig. 5) or any combination thereof.
[0059] The air distribution device 102 may be arranged on the B-side of the cushion 18 so that, referring back to Figs. 4, 6, the biased region 116 of the rear layer 108 faces a direction of the air mover 104. The cushion 18 may then be installed and attached to the frame 20 such that the sealing surface 144 of the rear layer 108 contacts the first air aperture of the air moving device (Fig. 5, 6). Therefore, the biasing force by the spacing device 120 pushes the region 116 of the rear layer 108 against the opening 152 of the air moving device 104 thereby creating a fluid connection therebetween. The legs 128 pressing on the middle layer 112 and/or the front layer 106 are configured to bend and flex during use (e.g., when an occupant gets into and out of the vehicle seat 12), while maintaining the pressure or force against the air moving device 104. This allows a fluid connection between the air moving device 104 and the air distribution device to be maintained without requiring any additional connectors, clips, or fasteners.
[0060] Referring back to Fig. 3A, the spacing device 120 may include one or more magnets 156. The one or more magnets may also or may instead be arranged on the housing 146 of the air moving deivce 104 (Fig. 5). During assembly, the one or more magnets 156 may be attracted to a magnetic surface on the spacing device 120 and/or the housing 146 of the air moving device 104 thereby adding an additional connection between the air moving device 104 and the air distribution device 102. In a configuration having magnets, the spacing device 120 may or may not include the one or more legs 128.
[0061] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. [0062] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to this description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.
[0063] Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided into separate plural elements or steps.
[0064] The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements or steps.
[0065] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings.
[0066] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. [0067] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.
[0068] Listing of Reference Numerals
[0069] 10 vehicle
[0070] 12 vehicle seat
[0071] 14 seating portion
[0072] 16 backrest portion
[0073] 18 cushion (seating portion and/or backrest portion)
[0074] 20 frame of vehicle seat 12
[0075] 100 air conditioning system
[0076] 102 air distribution device
[0077] 104 air moving device
[0078] 106 front layer
[0079] 108 rear layer
[0080] 110 cavity
[0081] 112 middle layer
[0082] 114 air distribution openings
[0083] 116 region of the rear layer 108
[0084] 118 air opening in the region 116 of the rear layer 108
[0085] 120 spacing device
[0086] 122 surface
[0087] 124 inner surface of the rear layer
[0088] 125 aperture
[0089] 126 opening of air moving device 10
[0090] 128 leg
[0091] 130 inner surface of the front layer 106
[0092] 132 back side of surface 122
[0093] 134 fastener
[0094] 136 first part of leg 128
[0095] 138 second part of leg 128
[0096] 140 edge or peripheries of the layers 106, 108 of the air distribution device 102 [0097] 142 region of the rear layer 108 without a spacing device 120
[0098] 144 sealing surface on the rear layer 108
[0099] 146 housing
[0100] 148 attachment device
[0101] 150 impeller
[0102] 152 first air aperture
[0103] 154 second air aperture
[0104] 156 magnet

Claims

1) An air conditioning system for a vehicle seat, comprising: an air distribution deivce, the air distribution device comprises: a front side, a rear side, and a cavity defined between the front side and the rear side, the front side comprises one or more air distribution openings and the rear side comprises a region having an air opening; an air moving device; and a spacing device located at least partially within the cavity and configured to bias the region of the rear side having the air opening away from the front side in a direction towards the air moving device.
2) The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the spacing device comprises a surface that is configured to contact an inner surface of the rear side to bias the rear side away from the front side.
3) The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacing device comprises a surface that is configured to contact an inner surface of the rear side and one or more legs that are configured to contact an inner surface of the front side.
4) The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air distribution device comprises a middle layer between the front side and the rear side, and the spacing device comprises a surface that is configured to contact an inner surface of the rear side and one or more legs that are configured to contact the middle layer.
5) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the spacing device comprises an aperture defined in the surface, and the aperture is configured to be aligned with an air outlet of the air moving device. 6) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the one or more legs are resilient.
7) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein the one or more legs cantilever from a back side of the surface that is configured to contact the inner surface of the rear side.
8) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein the one or more legs are integrally formed with the surface that is configured to contact the inner surface of the rear side.
9) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 3-8, wherein the one or more legs are attached to a back side of the surface that is configured to contact the inner surface of the rear side with one or more fasteners.
10) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 3-9, wherein the one or more legs comprise a first part that downwardly extends from a back side of the surface that is configured to contact the inner surface of the rear side and a second part that extends generally horizontal from the first part.
11) The air conditioning system according to claim 10, wherein the second part is configured to contact the middle layer, the front side, or both.
12) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 3-11, wherein the one or more legs have an L-shape. 13) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 3-11, wherein the one or more legs comprise a plurality of legs that are located within a footprint of the surface that is configured to contact the inner surface of the rear side.
14) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 3-13, wherein the one or more legs comprise a plurality of legs that are rotationally turned relative to an adjacent one of the plurality of legs.
15) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 -2, wherein the spacing device comprises one or more springs, pieces of foam, spacer materials, dampers, corrugations, folded regions, or a combination thereof.
16) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the spacing device comprises a resilient member that is configured to maintain a gap or space between the front side and the rear side by applying opposing pushing forces onto inner surfaces of the front side and the rear side to create a tent or bulge in in the region of the rear side having the air opening.
17) The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 -2, wherein the spacing device is configured to maintain a gap or space between the front side and the rear side to create a tent or bulge in in the region of the rear side having the air opening.
18) A spacing device configured to bias a layer of an air distribution device against an air moving device, the air distribution device comprises: a first side, a second side, a cavity defined between the first side and the second side, and a middle layer located within the cavity, wherein the spacing device comprises a surface that is configured to engage the first side of the air distribution device and bias a region of the first side in a direction of an air mover that is installed in a vehicle seat, the spacing device comprises one or more legs that are configured to contact the middle layer and/or the second side. 19) The spacing deivce according to claim 18, wherein the one or more legs: i) are resilient; ii) are integrally formed with the surface that is configured to contact the second side; iii) are attached to a back side of the surface with one or more fasteners; iv) comprise a first part that downwardly extends from a back side of the surface and a second part that extends generally horizontal from the first part; v) have an L-shape; vi) are located within a footprint of the surface; and/or vii) comprise a plurality of legs that are rotationally turned relative to an adjacent one of the plurality of legs.
20) A vehicle seat comprising the air distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat comprises a cushion and a frame, wherein the air distribution device is configured to be installed on the cushion and the air moving device is configured to be installed on the frame.
PCT/US2024/049699 2023-12-13 2024-10-03 Spacing device for an air-conditioned vehicle seat Pending WO2025128183A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202363609593P 2023-12-13 2023-12-13
US63/609,593 2023-12-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025128183A1 true WO2025128183A1 (en) 2025-06-19

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ID=93258907

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2024/049699 Pending WO2025128183A1 (en) 2023-12-13 2024-10-03 Spacing device for an air-conditioned vehicle seat

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