KR20070050381A - Vehicle seat with cushioning layer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a vehicle seat having at least one temperature controlled component. The temperature controlled component has a cushion, a trim surface, an insert disposed below the trim surface, and a cushion layer. The cushion layer comprises one or more pouches with a filler, preferably a liquid filler, which distributes the downward pressure of the occupant to the larger area of the seat. Dispersion of the downward pressure reduces or eliminates the pressure point in the sheet. The seat may also include an air mover assembly, which promotes heating, cooling or ventilating action of the seat by blowing air into or drawing air from the seat.

Description

Temperature controlled seats and car seats {VEHICLE SEAT WITH CUSHIONING LAYER}

1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a pouch having a through hole useful for a cushion layer,

2 is a plan view illustrating one embodiment of a ventilated insert having a cushion layer disposed on the occupant side of the ventilated insert;

3 is a perspective view showing a non-vented insert with a cushion layer on the base layer,

4 is a cross-sectional view showing a pouch of a non-vented insert attached using rivets,

5 is a cross-sectional view showing a pouch of a non-vented insert attached using a double sided tape;

6 is a cross-sectional view showing a pouch of a non-vented insert attached using welding to a polyurethane film;

7 is a cross-sectional view showing a pouch of a non-vented insert attached with an adhesive;

8 is a cross-sectional view showing a pouch of a non-vented insert attached using a sewing method;

9 is a plan view showing a pouch attached with a sewing method and having a heating element.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a seat having a heating, cooling or ventilation function, and more particularly, to a vehicle seat including a cushion layer for increasing the comfort of the seat.

Over the years, much attention has been paid to the design of vehicle seats that provide additional comfort for seat occupants in the transportation industry. Various innovations that provide comfort in seat seating are described in US Pat. No. 6,893,086; 6,872,882; 6,869,139; 6,857,697; 6,828,528; 6,676,207; 6,619,736; 6,439,658; 6,164,719; 6,064,037; 5,921,314; 6,064,037; 5,403,065; 6,048,024 and 6,003,950, all of which are intentionally incorporated herein by reference. In addition, other innovations for providing comfort in seating are described in US Patent Publication No. 2002/0096931, filed Jan. 05, 2001 and entitled " ventilated seat "; US Patent No. 6,629,724, registered October 7, 2003, entitled " Portable Ventilated Seat "; US Patent Publication No. 2004/0070236, filed Oct. 08, 2003 and entitled " Vehicle Seat Comfort System "; US Patent Publication No. 2005/0067862, filed April 4, 2004, and entitled " ventilated sheet "; And US Patent Publication No. 2005/0066505, filed April 4, 2004, entitled “Sheet Ventilation Method,” each of which is intentionally referenced for all purposes in the present invention.

To continue this innovation, the present invention provides improved inserts and systems for seats, which are preferably suitable for use in a vehicle or as part of a vehicle. And control of the comfort provided to the seated occupant on the seat.

The present invention includes a vehicle seat having at least one temperature controlled component. The temperature controlled component has a cushion, a trim surface, an insert disposed below the trim surface, and a cushion layer. The cushion layer comprises one or more pouches with a filler, preferably a liquid filler, which distributes the downward pressure of the occupant to the larger area of the seat. Dispersion of the downward pressure reduces or eliminates the pressure point in the sheet. The seat may also include an air mover assembly, which promotes heating, cooling or ventilating action of the seat by drawing air into or drawing air from the seat.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The vehicle seat has at least one temperature controlled component such as a seat component, a back component, a bolster, an armrest, a headrest and the like. In one embodiment, the temperature controlled component is a non-vented component that does not use a mechanism for moving air into, from, or through the component. Each non-ventilated component may provide heating, cooling, or a combination thereof to the occupant. For example, a heating element can provide heat to the occupant.

In another embodiment, the temperature controlled component is ventilated using a mechanism for moving air into or out of the component, such as a blower in a vehicle's HVAC system or a blower in a seat. It is a component. Each vented component may provide the occupant with heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof. For example, the air cooled by the blower may be blown from the thermoelectric device to the occupant.

Each temperature controlled component has a cushion, a trim surface for covering the component, and an insert. The insert can be a non-vented insert or a vented insert. The present invention relates to a cushion layer for incorporation into a seat, preferably for attachment to or incorporation in the insert.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cushion layer has at least one pouch or bag having two or more layers 12, 14 of a material comprising a filler (not shown). And seal 16 is used to prevent leakage of the filler. The material of the pouch is selected to prevent leakage (of the filler) and to have sufficient resistance to occupy the occupant's repeated seat seating and seats. The illustrated seal is a perimeter seal with a flange 18 on the outside of the seal to facilitate attachment of the pouch to the other components of the insert or sheet. In an alternative embodiment, the single layer of material seals itself to form a pouch. Inside the seal, the pouch can include one or more baffles 20, which are areas in which two layers of dots, lines or pouches are attached to each other. For the vented component, the baffle may be a through hole 22 in the pouch to allow air movement from one side of the pouch to the other side, as shown in FIG. 1.

Filler in the pouch helps to disperse the vertical pressure imparted by the seat occupant in a manner that reduces or eliminates the local pressure points of the occupant on the seat. When the occupant sits on the seat, the occupant's body contacts the seat in a limited manner in that most of the occupant's weight lies within a small area. For example, in the seated position the hips and pelvis of the occupant support most of the occupant's weight and thus create pressure points. The pressure point causes discomfort to the occupant over time. The use of a cushion layer helps to reduce or eliminate the discomfort associated with pressure points and allows the occupant to sit for a long time or to reduce the fatigue caused for a long time sitting. For example, the cushion layer can distribute vertical pressure from the occupant in the horizontal direction.

An important feature of the filler is that it distributes the pressure exerted by the occupant throughout the filler material. The filler of the cushion layer may be in a particular physical state and may be in a liquid, gelatin, solid or other state and combinations thereof. Suitable fillers include combinations of water and agents such as surfactants or heat transfer fluids that lower the neat water and freezing pont of water. For example, freezing point depressants may include non-ionic surfactants such as polyols (eg, glycols or polyglycols), and freezing point depressants having a molecular weight greater than 350 are more suitable. Suitable glycols and polyglycols include polyethylene glycol.

The filler, although not necessarily required, is preferably in the liquid state over a large temperature range, such as between -40 ° C and 100 ° C or higher.

The combination of water and freezing point depressant is suitably in the range of about 0.01 cP to about 2.00 cP, more suitably in the range of about 0.50 cP to about 1.50 cP, most suitably in the range of about 0.90 cP to about 1.10 cP Has In addition, the viscosity of the filler is relatively temperature independent. Preferred filler is Liquicell® manufactured by LiquiCell Technologies, Eden Prairie, MN.

In one embodiment, the filler may be included in a relatively flat pouch (eg, a pouch sealed around the periphery). Baffles are used to limit the movement of fillers in the pouch, which helps to minimize pressure build up in the pouch at locations away from the pressure points created by the occupants. The baffle may be a web of material disposed within the pouch, which web material at least partially inhibits the flow of filler through the pouch at the point where the web material is disposed. Alternatively, the baffle may comprise one or more seal points, lines or zones in which the layers of the pouch are sealed together to create an obstacle to the flow of the filler. The pouch may include one or more through holes through which air may move. The through holes are typically aligned with the vent holes in the remainder of the vent insert. Since the edge around the through hole is sealed in a leakproof manner, the edge also acts as a baffle.

Typically, the insert comprises at least one other layer, preferably multiple (eg three) layers, in addition to the cushion layer. Each layer may be a single layer or multiple layers (eg, laminates). These multiple layers do not necessarily need to be attached to one another, but are preferably attached to one another. More preferably, the non-vented insert includes a base layer, a thermostat and a cushion layer. More preferably, the vented inserts comprise layers that are attached to each other at least at their edges to form an edge-sealed bag, although this is not necessary because ventilated inserts with open edges are also suitable. . Layers of the insert are typically co-extensive, but other layers or partial layers that do not extend the same as the insert are also suitable.

The insert and the layer forming the insert have a sheet portion, optionally an extension in the ventilated insert. The seat portion generally has temperature control (eg, heating, cooling, etc.) in the region of the seat used by the occupant, whether the insert is disposed within the seat component, armrest component, bolster or elsewhere. Ventilation or a combination thereof). The extension allows the air moving component of the ventilation system including the insert to be spaced apart from the seat portion. This allows the component to be conveniently placed so as not to disturb the comfort of the seat. For example, the extension allows the fluid mover and / or thermoelectric device to be placed under an inconspicuous cushion of the occupant, and the term 'below' indicates a direction relative to the occupant side of the insert. it means. Typically the extension is disposed at the back edge of the sheet, but the extension may be located at both sides of the sheet, in front of the sheet, at the corners, or none of them. Multiple extensions can also be used on the insert. To save material, the cushion layer preferably does not include an extension, but covers an area that extends equally to the area covered by the occupant seated or seated on the component. In one embodiment, the cushion layer covers an area (area) extending substantially the same as the seat portion of the seat component.

Typically, the insert is supported by a cushion. The cushion may include one or more ducts extending partially or entirely through the cushion, or the cushion may not have ducts extending through the cushion. Preferred cushions are molded plastic foams, which preferably do not have a molded or cut fluid dispersible duct network but extend from one side of the cushion to the other side of the cushion (eg, from top to bottom). It may have a trench or opening for passing the portion. The cushion is also supported by the seat frame. Multiple inserts can be used on a single seat or back cushion, in which case the inserts can perform the same or different functions (eg, one insert can only perform the cooling function and the other insert can be heated And cooling function). Also, one insert may comprise a cushion layer and the other insert may not comprise a cushion layer.

As a variant of the extension of the insert, a bellows or other conduit may be used to provide a connection between the insert and the air moving component of the system. The bellows provides a function similar to the extension, allowing for example the components of the system to be conveniently placed away from the occupant contacting area of the seat. The bellows or conduit may be disposed in a duct extending through the cushion supporting the insert. Therefore, the bellows can be disposed below the seat portion of the insert or connected to the edge of the insert. As in the case of the extension, two or more bellows may be used with each insert, with each bellow passing through the cushion and placed in a separate duct or the duct sharing one or more bellows. The bellows is preferably connected to the insert relatively hermetically, such as through a snap-fit attachment mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, an air movement assembly is attached directly to the insert. For example, one or more blowers may be attached to the non-rider side of the insert, and the blowers are located in recesses in the cushion. This embodiment eliminates the need to provide a duct or conduit between the blower and the insert.

For non-vented inserts, the base layer can be made of any suitable material to which a temperature control device (eg, a resistance wire heater) can be attached. Thus, the base layer may be any material that is sufficiently dimensioned to maintain the temperature regulating device and cushion layer during repeated use of the component (eg, seating and seating of the occupant). Suitable base layers include spacers (described below), foams (eg, open cell foams, closed cell foams, etc.), films (eg, polymer films), fabrics (eg, felt or knit fabrics), combinations thereof, and the like.

For a vented insert, one or more barrier layers may be included in the insert, typically heat or high frequency to help the layer adhere to one or more other layers in the insert. It is formed of a plastic or polymeric material (eg, a film) that can soften or melt upon exposure to it. Alternatively, the barrier layer can be molded from a knitted fabric, a woven material (eg, Gore-Tex or microfiber), nylon, closed pore foam, or other material. Preferably, the barrier layer is generally gas impermeable. In dimension, the thickness of the film barrier layer is preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm, more preferably from about 0.7 mm to about 1.0 mm. Of course, the film barrier layer may have a variable thickness and may have a range outside the above range. The barrier layer may include through holes to allow air flow across the barrier layer, such as ventilation holes or ports.

The vented insert may comprise a spacer, which may be disposed between two barrier layers of the insert. The spacer can be any structure, material or combination of materials and / or structures that allows fluid flow through the material while also providing support for the seat occupant. The spacers should not collapse by the weight of the seat occupant and must maintain fluid communication through the spacers. As an example, the spacer may include rubber, foamed plastics, and the like. In one aspect, the spacer may comprise a reticulated foam.

The spacer may comprise a plurality of members or fibers which are sufficiently close to each other to provide a cushion and support but preferably isolated from each other to provide an open space therebetween. One preferred spacer is formed of a polymer (eg polyester) strand material that is woven together to provide opposing honeycomb structures (eg, knitted panels), the honeycomb structure being formed by several additional polymer strand materials. The interconnects provide an open space between the structures while providing cushions and supports. As one example, one preferred material is available under the tradename 3MESH® and is commercially available from Muller Textil GmbH, Germany or Muller Textiles, Inc., Rhode Island, USA.

Another preferred spacer is formed into a spiral shape held between two sheet materials using a polymeric material. Preferably, the spiral shape is elliptical to increase the area of the spiral shape for attaching the spiral shape to a sheet of material. The spiral shape may be wound tightly so that adjacent courses of the spiral shape are in contact with each other or loosely wound so that adjacent courses of the spiral shape are not in contact with each other. Typically, multi-helical shapes are placed in close proximity to each other (ground or otherwise) to form a spacer. Exemplary helical materials are described in International Application Nos. PCT / DE04 / 000540 and PCT / DE04 / 000541, filed Mar. 17, 2004, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The insert of the present invention may be a separate unit that may be assembled in the space between the seat cushion and the trim surface, integrally formed on the seat cushion, integrally formed on the trim surface, or a specific combination thereof.

One or more adhesive layers may be used to assist in assembly of the insert. These adhesive layers are not necessarily required, but are preferably formed of a hot melt adhesive. The adhesive can be provided in a web or other form and can be continuous or discontinuous (eg, applied in trace amounts, small amounts, etc.). The adhesive sub-layers may comprise polyamides, polyesters, elastomers, urethanes, olefin polymers or combinations thereof. In addition, the adhesive can be prepared as required for specific processing parameters or conditions. Preferably, the adhesive sub-layer is generally free of anti-blocking solutions, blowing additives, process contaminants, and the like, which can impair the performance of the adhesive. As one example, one suitable warm melt adhesive is commercially available as a non-woven web having the trade name SPUNFAB® from Spunfab, Ltd., OH 44223, Cuyahoga Falls, 175 Muffin Lane. Instead of the adhesive, or in addition to the adhesive, other techniques such as thermal, ultrasonic or high frequency welding may be used.

A temperature control device may be attached to or integrated within the insert. For example, the temperature control device may be a heater. Various other types of heaters are suitable for incorporation into a vehicle seat, and certain of these heaters may be integrated into the insert of the present invention. The heater typically incorporates flexible electrical heating elements, and these electrical heating elements are preferably thin, flat, not protruding, or take a combination of them. For example, a lay-wire heater, a resistive wire heater, a carbon fiber heater, a positive thermal coefficient heater, a thermoelectric, typically supported by a backing (e.g., a woven or knitted backing). Heaters and the like can be used in the insert. In a preferred embodiment of the non-vented insert, the backing material of the heater is the base layer for the insert. In a preferred embodiment, the heater is a carbon fiber heater with a backing material (eg, a non-woven layer). One exemplary preferred heater is commercially available under the trade name CARBOTEX® and is based in W.E.T. Commercially available from Automotive Systems, Inc. Examples of such heaters are described in US Pat. No. 6,064,037, registered on May 16, 2000, which is intentionally referenced in the present invention for all purposes.

The thermostat may also be a heater / cooler combination, such as multiple thermoelectric devices (TED) or flexible sheet-like TED. Flexible sheet-like TED includes the heaters described in US Pat. No. 6,700,052, which patent is incorporated herein by reference. TED is described in more detail below. The temperature control device may also be a cooler, such as the temperature control device described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 505,806, filed Sep. 25, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Another cooler includes a phase change material (PCM), in particular a phase change material (PCM) having a phase change temperature close to the human body temperature. These materials absorb large amounts of heat without changing temperature, giving the occupant a sense of cooling. Suitable materials include those provided by Rubitherm (Kyritz, Germany), PCM Energy (Mumbai, India) and Climator AB (Skovde, Sweden).

In addition to the heater or other temperature control device attached to or integrated within the insert, the temperature control device may be included in a ventilation system that provides heating, cooling, ventilation, and combinations thereof. Typically, the temperature control device draws air into the insert, ventilated component or sheet, out of the insert, ventilated component or sheet, or through the insert, ventilated component or sheet. In combination with an air mover assembly as a means for moving. In addition, one or more conduits may be used to provide fluid communication between the fan and the insert or between system components, such as between the insert and the thermostat.

The air mover assembly provides a driving force for moving air (either air conditioning air, ambient air, blown out air, sucked air, or a combination thereof) to or from the insert, through the insert. to provide. The assembly can be used to withdraw air from or intake air from the insert. The assembly can also be used for both blowing and inhaling air. For example, an assembly with a blower having at least two sets of fan blades (eg, with vanes in opposite directions to each other) forming a dual blower capable of both blowing and suctioning air while sharing a common axis can be used. Multiple blowers can also be used within the assembly. The assembly may also include an annular inlet, and an assembly without an annular inlet may be envisioned. Blower definitions include impellers (including bidirectional impellers), blowers, and the like. The blower also means a device that provides a motive force for moving another fluid (eg liquid) through the insert. The blower may provide normal fluid flow, pulsating fluid flow, oscillating fluid flow, and the like.

The thermostat device used with the ventilated insert can be any device that heats and / or cools a fluid. The device may be a combination of devices in which one component provides heating and the other component provides cooling (eg, as a resistance wire heater and a thermoelectric device). Preferably, one device or system provides both heating and cooling. The device may be an external device, such as an HVAC system in a building or vehicle in which the seat is placed, or an internal device, meaning that the device is not connected to the building or vehicle in which the seat is disposed (unlike a power source). In addition to providing temperature control, the temperature control device may also dehumidify the fluid (eg air).

Preferably, the temperature control device is a self-contained or solid state device capable of performing both cooling and heating of the air. The most preferred device is TED (also called peltier). TED is a commercially available device that provides solid state heating and cooling by passing electricity through the device. TED includes a waste side and an active side, which are relative expressions that are determined depending on whether temperature controlled air for heating or cooling is required. Certain providers of TED may provide devices suitable for use in the present invention. TED is a specific useful heat dissipation device; For example, it can be combined with heat sinks, heat exchangers, blowers, heating pipes and the like. Cooling absorption systems can also be used as thermostats.

The ventilated system may include one or more attachment components used to secure the insert or to secure a portion of the system to the insert, the cushion, the seat frame or the seat. . For example, the frame member preferably forms a point for attaching an air mover assembly, thermostat, conduit, bellows or other component to the insert. The frame member can have a variety of shapes (such as, for example, annular, rectangular, square, polygonal or other shapes) and is preferably a variety of materials (eg, rigid or semi-rigid). Metal, plastic, etc.). In certain aspects, the attachment component also helps to form a port in the insert or extension. In one preferred embodiment, the attachment component cooperates with a structure and / or material (eg, snap-fit fasteners) on a blower, thermostat or other component to attach the device or component to the attachment component. Connect.

The vented system can be used to redirect air flow through the system to use unused energy (ie, air is hotter than ambient) or energy capacity (ie, air is cooler than ambient) in the air. Or more valves. For example, the valve can be used to blow air around to discard unwanted energy stored in the air. The valve can also be used to redirect air to a component of the system (eg, a thermostat) to heat or cool the component. In addition, valves may be used to optionally recycle air within the system to create a closed or partially closed system.

For both vented and non-ventilated embodiments, various sensors may be included, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, current sensors, occupant sensors, weight sensors, and the like. The sensor can be positioned throughout the seat. For example, a temperature sensor may be located in a spacer, between spacers, between the spacer and the cushion layer, between the base layer and the thermostat or any other layer (eg, reticulated foam or seat cover), near the thermostat, near the blower. Can be placed in and through their combination.

One or more controllers may be used to receive inputs from the sensor or control device to command the blower and / or thermostat and / or to coordinate the operation of the system on the other hand.

Suitable trim surfaces are part of the insert or separate from the insert but generally include a seat cover that separates the insert from the seat occupant. The trim surface may be any suitable material including, but not limited to, at least one synthetic material, natural material (eg, wool, leather, etc.), or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the trim surface comprises a perforation formed over at least a portion of the seating surface through which air or other fluid can pass. In another embodiment, the cover is generally free of perforations. For example, perforated or unperforated leather may be used to separate the seat occupant from the seat, and fleece material may be used as part of the insert to increase moisture intake or to provide a protective layer on the other hand. .

The cushion layer can be integrated with the insert layer such that the cushion layer and the insert form a single component that can be integrated into the seat. For example, the cushion layer may be attached via an adhesive (eg, spray or double sided adhesive tape) or a mechanical fastener. Exemplary mechanical fasteners include rivets, snap-fit fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, sewing, bundles, and the like. The cushion layer can also be welded through heating, RF, IR or ultrasonic welding of two plastics. Alternatively, the cushion layer may be retained in a pocket material integrated with or attached to the trim surface or attached to the trim cover to facilitate installation. Alternatively, the insert, cushion layer and / or trim surface can be held in place by a tie that secures the component to the frame of the cushion or seat.

Although the accompanying drawings show embodiments of the invention, these drawings should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a vented insert 30 that can be used in a ventilated seat that provides the occupant with heating, cooling and / or venting functions. The insert has an edge sealed bag 32 of spacers sandwiched between two barrier layers. A number of pouches 34 forming cushion layer 36 are attached to the occupant side of the edge sealed bag. Each pouch includes one or more through holes 38 that are aligned with the ventilation holes on the occupant side of the edge sealed bag. Additional vent holes 40 may also be included in the edge sealed bag that are not aligned with the through holes in the pouch. A through hole 42 sealed from the remainder of the edge sealed bag can be used with the bundle to secure the insert to the cushion or seat frame.

3 shows a perspective view of a non-vented insert 50. The pouch 52 of the cushion layer is aligned on the base layer 54. Wiring 56 is used to connect a heating element (not shown) included in the base layer to the vehicle's electrical system.

As shown in FIGS. 4-8, pouch 60 having two layers 62 and 64 with filler 66 may be attached to base layer 68 using a variety of methods. These same methods can be used to attach the pouch to the edge sealed bag of the vented insert. In FIG. 4, the rivet 70, shown in cross section, is located on the flange 72 outside the peripheral seal 74 of the pouch 60. The rivet passes through the remaining layer or base layer of the flange and insert; In this embodiment, the base layer 68 includes a felt layer 76 and a foam layer 78. The heating element 80 is disposed between the felt layer and the foam layer. Rivets can also be used in certain baffles as long as they do not allow leakage of the filler.

In Fig. 5, the double-sided tape 82 shown in cross section is used between the pouch 60 and the base layer 68. Unlike rivets, the position of the double-sided tape is not limited to flanges or baffles. In this embodiment, the base layer has a heating element sandwiched between the felt layer and the foam layer.

In FIG. 6, a weld 84 shown in cross section is used to attach the pouch 60 to the base layer 68. As shown in FIG. Preferably, RF welding techniques are used to connect the polyurethane containing (or other thermoplastics) portion 86 of the base layer 68. Since welding can puncture the pouch or otherwise compromise the integrity of the pouch, welding is preferably used only on the flange or baffle of the pouch.

In FIG. 7, an adhesive 88, shown in cross section, is used to attach the pouch 60 to the base layer 68. Preferably the adhesive is applied to align with the peripheral seal of the pouch, but the adhesive may be applied in many other suitable patterns to ensure firm attachment of the pouch to the base layer. The adhesive may be any suitable adhesive as described above.

In FIG. 8, a sewing tread 90, shown in cross section, is used to attach the pouch 60 to the base layer 68. As with rivets, the sewing thread penetrates the remaining layer or base layer of the flange and insert. Sewing is preferably used only on the flange or baffle of the pouch. For sewing or other techniques of penetrating flanges or baffles, care must be taken not to damage the heating elements included in the base layer or insert. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the sewing thread 90 has a gap to allow the heating element 92 to be drawn in or drawn out of the area under the pouch. 9 also shows a baffle 94 having no through holes taking the form of spot welds.

In one embodiment of the cushion layer in combination with the ventilated insert, the bottom surface of the cushion layer forms the front barrier layer of the insert. For example, a cushion layer having a plurality of pouches attached to a plastic film can be used as a barrier layer for the insert. This structure reduces the number of layers needed to construct a vented insert, thereby reducing the cycle time for the manufacture of the insert. In addition, the use of plastic films in the cushion layer makes it possible to use RF or other forms of welding techniques, further reducing cycle time. Heaters included in this type of embodiment may be attached to spacers in either side of the plastic film or in the insert. Alternatively, the heater (eg, PTC heater) can be printed on a plastic film. In one preferred embodiment, no adhesive is used in the construction of the insert and only welding is used.

In addition to the above embodiment, the cushion layer is also described in US Pat. No. 6,786,541; 6,629,724; 6,840,576; 6,869,140 and the sheets described in the related applications and patents and the sheets of US Patent Publication 2004-0189061. In addition, the cushion layer is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,893,086; 6,869,139; 6,857,697; 6,676,207; 6,619,736; 6,604,426; 6,439,658; 6,164,719; 5,921,314 and related applications and patents, or US Patent Publication No. 2005-0173950; 2005-0161986; 2005-0140189; 2005-0127723; 2005-0093347; 2005-0085968; 2005-0067862; 2005-0067401; 2005-0066505; It can be used in combination with the sheets described in 2004-0169028 and related applications. All such patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference. The cushion layer can also be used as a substitute for the components of these sheets.

In one embodiment, temperature controlled air may be blown from the seat cushion through the permeable trim surface to traverse the occupant to provide convective heating or cooling for the seat and the occupant. As disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 6,869,139 and 6,857,697, the cushion may include a passageway formed through the cushion to circulate temperature regulated air through the insert to the seat surface. Various other optional features described in these patents, such as sub-pathways, deflectors, air-impermeable linings or coatings, etc., can be included within the seat system of the present invention. For example, an insert with a through hole (eg, an open edged insert) can be placed on the sub-path to mitigate the air blown to the occupant or direct the air directly to the occupant. In such a system, the cushion layer includes a through hole so as not to disturb the air flow from the cushion to the occupant. Through the use of such a system, a certain amount of conductive cooling can also be achieved.

In another embodiment, conductive heating or cooling may be provided to the occupant by providing temperature controlled air to the insert such that air is not blown across the occupant. For example, through the use of an air impermeable trim surface, temperature controlled air is circulated to an insert having an open space disposed below the impermeable trim surface, and air is blown into the insert or sucked from the insert thereby The body is therefore conductively heated or cooled. Here, if the cushion layer is disposed between the trim surface and the insert, the cushion layer does not need to include a through hole.

In other embodiments, conductive or convective heating or cooling may be provided to the occupant. The temperature controlled air may mix with ambient air that is sucked into the seat across the occupant. Here, ambient air is sucked through the trim surface into the mixing zone below the trim surface, in which the ambient air is mixed with the temperature regulated air. The mixed air is then circulated in a direction away from the sheet to be evacuated or recycled back to the evaporator and / or mixing zone. The ambient air provides convective cooling (or heating) and the temperature controlled air provides conductive cooling or heating. Multiple air movers can be used to suck ambient air into the mixing zone and to supply temperature controlled air by suction or blow into the mixing zone. In one embodiment, the mixing zone is an open space contained within the insert. Examples of sheets having mixing zones include US Patent Publications 2005-0067862 and 2005-0066505. Preferably, in this embodiment, the cushion layer is disposed between the trim surface and the insert.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with vehicle seats, the temperature-controlled components of the present invention can benefit the occupant in reducing the inconvenience associated with office chairs, wheelchairs, furniture, or long-term seating. It may be incorporated into certain types of seats or chairs, such as certain other seats.

The invention also relates to a method of heating, cooling and ventilating a vehicle seat. The method comprises heating or cooling a sheet having a cushion layer. The method also includes circulating air from the thermostat device into the insert, the vented component, or the sheet, from the insert, the vented component, or the sheet, or through the insert, the vented component, or the sheet. do.

It is to be understood that the functionality or structure of multiple components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or that the functionality and structure of one step or component may be divided into multiple steps or components. The present invention includes all such combinations. Unless otherwise stated, the dimensions and geometries of the various structures shown herein should not be used with the intention of limiting the invention, and other dimensions and geometries may be used. Multiple structural components or steps may be provided by a single integrated structure or step. Alternatively, a single integrated structure or step may be divided into multiple isolated components or steps. In addition, while the features of the invention may have been described in connection with only one of the illustrated embodiments, such features may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments for a particular given use. It can be understood from the above description that the fabrication and operation of the unique structures described herein also constitute the method according to the invention. The invention also encompasses within its scope intermediate and final products resulting from the practice of the methods described herein. The use of the term "equipment" or "comprising" also includes embodiments that are "essentially based only on" or "only based on these features".

The description and examples given herein are intended for the purpose of informing the person skilled in the art the present invention, its principles, and its use. One of ordinary skill in the art can adapt and adapt the invention in its numerous forms to best suit the requirements of a particular application. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as described above should not be used for the sole purpose of limiting or limiting the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents which such claims may enjoy. The description of all documents and related documents, including patent applications and publications, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

According to the present invention, an improved insert and system for a seat is provided, which can provide comfort for the seated person on the seat.

Claims (20)

In the temperature controlled sheet, A seat having at least one temperature controlled component having a cushion and a trim surface, An insert disposed below the trim surface of each temperature-controlled component, the insert comprising a cushion layer disposed between the cushion and the trim layer; With thermostat Thermostatic seat. The method of claim 1, The cushion layer includes at least a pouch containing a filler Thermostatic seat. The method of claim 2, The filler is a liquid Thermostatic seat. The method of claim 3, wherein The liquid contains a freezing point depressant Thermostatic seat. The method of claim 4, wherein The temperature controlled component is a non-vented component Thermostatic seat. The method of claim 5, The temperature control device includes a heater Thermostatic seat. The method of claim 6, The heater is disposed between the cushion and the cushion layer Thermostatic seat. The method of claim 4, wherein The temperature controlled component is a ventilated component Thermostatic seat. The method of claim 8, The ventilated component includes an air mover Thermostatic seat The method of claim 9, The thermostat includes a cold air source Thermostatic seat. The method of claim 10, The cold air source includes a vehicle HVAC system, an absorption cooling system, a thermoelectric device and combinations thereof. Thermostatic seat. In the vehicle seat, Seat components including cushion and trim surfaces, A cushion layer disposed between the cushion and the trim surface, the cushion layer comprising a plurality of edge sealed pouches including a filler attached to a base layer, and a heater disposed below the pouch and attached to the base layer; Including a cushion layer Car seat. The method of claim 12, The filler is a liquid having a viscosity of about 1 cP Car seat. The method of claim 13, The base layer comprises a foam or film Car seat. The method of claim 14, The pouch is attached to the substrate using one or more of mechanical fasteners, double sided tape, adhesives, sewing, IR welding, RF welding or ultrasonic welding. Car seat. The method of claim 15, Further comprising a ventilated insert Car seat. The method of claim 16, The cushion layer and the insert are integral components Car seat. The method of claim 17, Further comprising a thermostat and an air mover assembly Car seat. The method of claim 18, The temperature control device includes a thermoelectric device Car seat. The method of claim 19, The air mover assembly is configured to blow air through the ventilating insert toward the seat occupant Car seat.

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