US20070107440A1

US20070107440A1 - Air flow device incorporated into seat for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: US20070107440A1
Application number: US11/595,138
Authority: US
Inventors: Yuji Ito; Shinji Aoki; Takuhiko Sawai
Original assignee: Denso Corp
Current assignee: Denso Corp
Priority date: 2005-11-16
Filing date: 2006-11-09
Publication date: 2007-05-17
Also published as: JP4678514B2; JP2007137185A

Abstract

An air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle comprises: a seat 1 of a vehicle including a seating portion 1 b on which a passenger is seated and also including a seat back portion la against which passenger leans; a suction hole 4 open on a surface 7 of the seat of a vehicle, communicated with a vehicle passenger compartment 2; a suction air passage 6 formed inside the seat 1 of a vehicle, communicated with the suction hole 4; a blower 5 for forcibly generating an air current in the suction air passage 6; and a pocket cover 3 covering one portion of the surface of the seat 1 of a vehicle. Further, the suction hole 4 is arranged opposite to a reverse face 3 a of the pocket cover. Due to the above constitution, it is possible to provide an air flow device, incorporated into a seat of a vehicle, which has a good appearance and an excellent air flow performance.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle which forces air from the vehicle passenger compartment through the seat.
2. Description of the Related Art
Concerning this type air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle, for example, the official gazettes of JP-A-2003-252036 and 2003-285628 disclose an air flow device in which an air current is blown out from a seat surface, into a vehicle passenger compartment, through an air passage formed in the seat. In this type air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle, a flow of air is forcibly blown out into an air passage formed in the seat. The blast of air is blown out from a large number of small holes, which are formed on a seat surface communicated with the air passage formed in the seat, into the vehicle passenger compartment.
In the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle disclosed in the official gazette of JP-A-2003-252036, a flow of air is blown out from a large number of small holes formed on the seat skin. Further, the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle disclosed in the official gazette of JP-A-2003-252036 includes an air passage by which the air, which has been taken from the vehicle passenger compartment through a suction port formed on a seat back surface, is blown out from an exhaust port formed on the seat back surface.
However, in the above conventional air flow device incorporated into a seat for vehicle use, a flow of air is sent into the vehicle passenger compartment from a large number of small holes formed in the seat skin. Therefore, a large pressure loss is necessarily caused in the air passage. Accordingly, it is difficult to ensure that a necessary volume of air can be blown out.
In the device described in the official gazette of JP-A-2003-252036, a suction port and an exhaust port for blowing a flow of air are provided on the surface of the seat back. Therefore, it is possible to improve the pressure loss caused in the air passage. However, since the suction port and the exhaust port are seen by passengers, the device appearance is not good.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished to solve the above problems of the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide an air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle which has a good appearance, and the air flow performance of which is excellent.
In order to accomplish the above object, in an embodiment of the present invention, an air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle comprises: a seat (1) of a vehicle including a seat portion (1 b) on which a passenger is seated and also including a seat back portion (1 a) against which the back of the seated passenger leans; vent holes (4, 11) open on a surface (7) of the seat of a vehicle, communicated with the vehicle passenger compartment (2); an air passage (6, 28, 31) formed inside the seat (1) of a vehicle, communicated with the vent holes (4, 11); an air flow means (5) for forcibly generating an air current in the air passage (6, 28, 31); and a seat member (3, 10) which is provided covering one portion (7) of the surface of the seat of a vehicle. Further, the vent holes (4, 11) are arranged opposed to a reverse face (3 a, 10 a) of the seat member.
According to the present invention, the vent hole to communicate the vehicle passenger compartment with the inside of the seat is arranged opposite to the reverse face of the seat member. Therefore, the vent hole is open at a position which is seldom seen by the passengers. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the size of the opening area of the vent hole. At the same time, it is possible to provide an air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle, the vehicle passenger compartment of which has a good appearance.
In the present invention, a vent hole (4, 11) is a suction port (4) for taking in air from the vehicle passenger compartment (2) by the air flow means (5).
According to the present invention, from the viewpoint of an outward appearance, the suction port is hidden by the seat member. Therefore, it is possible to extend the opening area of the suction port. Due to the foregoing, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss in the suction air current. Accordingly, a reduction in the volume of air sent from the air flow means can be prevented. Alternatively, the energy consumption can be reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of clogging of the suction port which is caused when dust floating in the vehicle passenger compartment is sucked into the suction port. When a filter area is increased, it is possible to extend the periods between replacing the filter. As the filter can be hidden by the seat member, contamination of the filter caused by clogging can be hidden. Therefore, an outward appearance of the vehicle passenger compartment has a good appearance.
In the present invention, the seat (1) for vehicle use includes: an air flow means (5); a Peltier module (9) for conducting heat absorption and heat emission on the air sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment (2) by the air flow means (5); and an exhaust passage (13) connected to a blowout portion (25) of the Peltier module (9), wherein a suction port (4) is arranged so that one portion of the suction port can face a pocket space (21) partitioned by the seat member (3).
According to the present invention, air is drawn from the vehicle passenger compartment into the pocket space through an open portion which is not partitioned by the seat member. Therefore, when this open portion is set at an appropriate position, an efficiency of absorbing or emitting heat by the Peltier module can be enhanced.
In the present invention, the seat (1) for vehicle use includes: an air flow means (5); a Peltier module (9) for conducting heat absorption and heat emission on the air sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment (2) by the air flow means (5); and an exhaust passage (13) connected to a blowout portion (25) of the Peltier module (9), wherein the exhaust passage (13) is communicated with an exhaust port (14) arranged in a portion located lower than the suction port (4).
According to the present invention, the air to be exhausted is exhausted from the exhaust port arranged in a lower portion of the suction port. Due to the foregoing, exhaust heat of the air, which has passed through the Peltier module, is seldom mixed with the air sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment through the suction port. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a deterioration of the efficiency of absorbing or emitting heat by the Peltier module.
In the present invention, the seat (1) for vehicle use includes: an air flow means (5); a Peltier module (9) for conducting a heat absorption and a heat emission on the air sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment (2) by the air flow means (5); and an exhaust passage (13) connected to a blowout portion (25) of the Peltier module (9), wherein the suction port (4) is arranged so that one portion of the suction port can face a pocket space (21) partitioned by the seat member (3), and the exhaust passage (13) is communicated with an exhaust port (14) arranged in a lower portion of the suction port (4) outside the pocket space (21).
According to the present invention, the exhaust port and the suction port are partitioned from each other, and the exhaust port is arranged in a lower portion of the suction port. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the exhaust heat of the air, which has passed through the Peltier module, from being transmitted to the suction port. Therefore, a deterioration of the air conditioning performance caused by the Peltier module can be prevented.
In the present invention, the seat member (3, 10) is formed out of a pocket cover (3).
According to the present invention, as the suction port is arranged inside the pocket cover, the suction port can seldom be seen by the passengers. Accordingly, the vehicle passenger compartment has a good appearance. Further, as the existing parts can be put into practical use, it is possible to obtain an air passage, the structure of which is simple, the pressure loss of which is small and the manufacturing cost of which is low.
In the present invention, a wall portion (30) protruding to a reverse side (3 a) of the seat member is provided on one portion on the surface of the seat of a vehicle on which a vent hole (4) is open and which is covered with the seat member (3). According to the present invention, even when an object is put into a space formed between the seat member and one portion of the vehicle seat surface, the object is located on the reverse side of the seat member by the wall portion. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the vent hole from being blocked by the object concerned.
In the present invention, a filter (15) is provided in the vent hole (4). According to the present invention, passengers can seldom see the dust attached onto the filter. Accordingly, there is no possibility that the appearance of the vehicle passenger compartment is deteriorated. As the filter is arranged at a position which can seldom be seen by the passengers, a structure of attaching the filter can be made simple. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a filter, the attaching and detaching property of which is good, at a low cost.
In the present invention, the seat member (3, 10) includes a seat handle cover (10). According to the present invention, it is possible to provide the same operational effect as that of a case in which the seat member is formed out of a pocket cover.
In this connection, reference numerals in the parentheses in the means described above show a corresponding relation with the specific means of the embodiments described later.
The present invention may be more fully understood from the description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth below, together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a rear view showing a structure of an air flow-device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing the structure of the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional illustration taken on line III-III in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view showing a relation between a suction port and a pocket cover in the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the first embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a front view of a suction port of the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the first embodiment, wherein this view is taken from a reverse side of a pocket cover;
FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a structure of an air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional illustration taken on line VII-VII in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view showing a relation between a suction port and a filter in the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the second embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a structure of an air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the third embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view showing a relation between a suction port and a seat handle cover of the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the third embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the first embodiment will be explained below. FIG. 1 is a rear view showing a structure of an air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing the structure of the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional illustration taken on line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view showing a relation between a suction port 4 and a pocket cover 3 in the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view of a suction port 4 of the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle, wherein this view is taken from a reverse side of a pocket cover 3.
The air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment includes: a seat 1 of a vehicle including a seating portion 1 b in which a passenger is seated and also including a seat back portion la against which the seated passenger leans; a vent hole which is opened onto a vehicle seat surface 7 and communicated with a vehicle passenger compartment 2; an air passage which is formed inside the vehicle seat 1 and communicated with the vent hole.; a blower 5 which is an air flow means for forcibly generating an air current in this air passage; and a seat member for covering one portion of the vehicle seat surface 7. Further, the vent hole is arranged opposite to a reverse face of the seat member.
The seat 1 for vehicle use includes: a seating portion 1 b for supporting the hip portion and the thigh portion of a passenger; and a seat back portion 1 a for supporting the back of the seated passenger. The seat back portion 1 a includes: a main pad 17 made of cushioning material such as urethane; a cover pad 16 for covering the main pad 17; a seat spring member 19, 20 located on the back side of the main pad 17; and a frame member (not shown) located inside of the cover pad 16, wherein an outer shape of the seat back portion 1 a is formed out of these components. A surface on the front side of the seat back portion 1 a is covered with a skin member 12, and a surface on the back side of the seat back portion 1 a is covered with a back board 8.
The blower 5 is not limited to a blower, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which is arranged inside the seat 1 of a vehicle. Even when a blower is arranged outside the seat 1 of a vehicle, as long as it is composed in such a manner that an air current can be forcibly formed in an air passage when the blower is communicated with the air passage such as a duct, any blower may be used. The seat member is formed in such a manner that the seat member protrudes from a surface of the seat 1 of a vehicle. The seat member is arranged so that a predetermined space can be formed between the surface of the seat 1 of a vehicle and the reverse face of the seat member. In this connection, the material of the seat member is not particularly limited.
A vent hole is open onto the surface of the seat 1 for vehicle use by a predetermined opening area. A size of the vent hole is distinctly larger than that of a large number of small holes, which are usually formed on the seat skin. Further, the size of the vent hole is distinctly larger than the gaps formed in the fabric net or the small holes formed in foamed resin. A shape of the opening is not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the opening may be rectangular, circular or slit-shaped. In this connection, the seat 1 of a vehicle of the present embodiment can be applied to any of the driver's seat, the front passenger seat and the rear passenger seats.
Explanations will be made into an example of the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present invention in which the vent hole is a suction port 4, the seat member is a pocket cover and the air passage is an air passage 6. The suction port 4 is formed on a back board 8 composing a surface on the back side of the seat back portion 1 a. The back board 8 is made of resin, and an overall shape of the suction port 4 is formed by means of integral molding in which a metallic mold is used. The back board 8 is integrally fixed with the seat skin 12 in such a manner that the back board 8 composes an outer surface of the seat back portion 1 a. Inside the back board 8, a suction air passage 6, which is communicated with the suction port 4, is formed all over the back face of the seat back portion 1 a.
In the seat back portion 1 a, a cover pad 16 is provided inside the seat skin 12. Further, inside the cover pad 16, a main pad 17, the shape of which is predetermined, is provided. On the seat skin 12, a large number of small holes 12 a are formed. These small holes 12 a compose a blowout port through which air is blown out from the seat 1 of a vehicle. The cover pad 16 is made of continuously foamed urethane material. Due to the continuously foaming, a large number of small holes 16 a are provided.
In the main pad 17, a blowout air passage 18, which is communicated with the suction air passage 6, is formed. An end opening of the blowout air passage 18 on the cover pad 16 side is communicated with the vehicle passenger compartment 2 through a large number of small holes 12 a formed on the seat skin 12 and through a large number of small holes 16 a formed on the cover pad 16. A large number of small holes 12 a, which are communicated with the blowout passage 18, may be formed when the seat skin 12 is composed of fabrics having the air ventilation property.
On the downstream side of the suction air passage 6 and on the back board 8 side of the blowout air passage 18, a blower 5 is provided. A suction port 5 a of the blower 5 is located in the suction air passage 6 and is opposite to the back face of the back board 8, and its blowout port 5 b is located in a back board 8 side opening end portion of the blowout air passage 18. The blower 5 is fixed to the seat spring member 19 through a bracket (not shown). In the joint portions of the seat spring member 19, the bracket and the blower 5, elastic members, made of rubber, are interposed so that vibration cannot be transmitted from the blower 5 to the passenger.
The suction port 4 is open and opposite to the back face 3 a of the pocket cover, which covers one portion 7 of the surface of the seat 1 of a vehicle, while forming a predetermined interval. Between the back face 3 a of the pocket cover and the suction port 4, a pocket space 21 is formed. After the air has been sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment 2 into the pocket space 21, the air enters the air passage 6 from the suction port 4. It is desirable that the suction port 4 is completely covered with the pocket cover 3. In this case, the suction port 4 cannot be seen by passenger. Therefore, an opening area of the suction port 4 can be made as large as possible. The suction port 4 may be composed of one opening. Alternatively, the suction port 4 may be composed of a plurality of openings close together.
In the case where the pocket cover 3 is a map pocket cover provided in a lower portion on the back face side of the driver's seat or the front passenger seat, as shown in FIG. 3, the pocket space 21 is formed in such a manner that a predetermined interval is provided between the pocket cover 3 and the suction port 4 by the band 22.
As shown in FIG. 4, in one portion 7 of the surface of the seat for vehicle use in which the suction port 4 is open and which is covered with the pocket cover 3, a wall portion 30 is arranged which protrudes toward the back face 3 a of the pocket cover. This wall portion 30 is formed into a rib-shape which is protruded toward the back face 3 a of the pocket cover by a predetermined size of protrusion. At least one wall portion 30 is provided. In the case where an object is put into the pocket space 21, an amount of protrusion of the wall portion 30 is determined so that a gap can be formed between the object to be put into the pocket and the suction port 4 and so that a ventilation can be made in the gap when the object is contacted with the wall portion 30 and pushed to the pocket cover 3 side. A shape of the wall portion 30 may be formed in such a manner that the wall portion 30 extends in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the shape of the wall portion 30 may be formed in such a manner that the wall portion 30 extends in the horizontal direction.
It is preferable that the wall portion 30 includes an inclined face 30 a which is arranged in a lower portion of the wall portion 30 and inclined with respect to the vehicle seat surface. For example, in the case where books are put into the pocket space 21, the books are greatly inclined by this inclined face 30 a. Therefore, a gap formed between the books and the suction port 4 can be extended.
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of suction ports 4 may be arranged at regular intervals and the wall portion 30 may be arranged between the suction ports 4 which are adjacent to each other. When the wall portion 30 is arranged as described above, with respect to any suction port 4, the accommodated object such as a book is pushed by the wall portion 30, which is located close to the object, to the pocket cover 3 side. Accordingly, it becomes possible to ensure a gap between the accommodated object and each suction hole 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the accommodated object from blocking the suction hole 4.
In this connection, it is preferable that the blowout air passage 18 is provided in an upper portion in the seat back portion 1 a. Especially, it is preferable that the blowout air passage 18 is arranged as follows. When the passenger is seated in the seating portion 1 b and leans against the seat back portion 1 a, the blowout air can be supplied to the passenger's shoulder portion, the portion from the shoulder portion to the neck portion and the head. The above suction port 4, the suction air passage 6, the blower 5 and the blowout air passage 18 may be arranged on the seating portion 1 b side.
In this connection, the blower 5 is not particularly limited to a specific type. In the case where the blower 5 is composed of an axial fan, it is possible to reduce the height of the fan. Therefore, a height of the device can be decreased and a space on the back face side of the seat back portion 1 a can be effectively put into practical use. As an opening space of the suction port 4 can be extended in the present invention, when a fan diameter of the axial fan is increased, a volume of the blast of air can be further increased without extending the height of the fan.
The air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle composed as described above works as follows. A blast of conditioned-air, which has been blown out from a conditioned-air outlet (not shown) of an air conditioner, is taken into the seat 1 of a vehicle and blown out from the surface of the seat 1 of a vehicle. In this way, an air current can be formed in the periphery of the passenger. For example, when an air current is formed so that a wind of air, which is conditioned for providing a comfortable air circumstance, can reach the surface 7 of the seat of a vehicle and this conditioned-wind is positively blown out from the back side of the passenger existing on the opposite side to the surface 7 of the seat of a vehicle, the air circumstance in the periphery of the passenger can be enhanced and it becomes possible to produce an immediate effect or air conditioning.
As described above, the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment includes: a suction port 4 which is open to the surface 7 of the seat of a vehicle and communicated with the vehicle passenger compartment 2; an air passage 6 which is formed inside the seat 1 of a vehicle and communicated with the suction port 4; a blower 5 for forcibly generating an air current in the suction air passage 6; and a pocket cover 3 for covering one portion of the surface of the seat 1 of a vehicle. Further, the suction port 4 is arranged being opposed to the back face 3 a of the pocket cover.
According to this constitution, the suction port 4 to communicate the vehicle passenger compartment 2 with the inside of the seat is arranged on the seat surface 7 opposite to the back face of the pocket 3. Therefore, the suction port 4 can be opened at a position that the passenger can seldom see. Accordingly, it is possible to extend the opening area of the suction port 4. Further, the vehicle passenger compartment has a good appearance. Especially when the opening area of the suction port 4 is extended, it becomes possible to reduce a pressure loss in the passage in which the suction air current flows. Accordingly, there is no possibility that a volume of air delivered by the blower 5 is decreased. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the electric power consumption. As it is possible to extend the opening area of the suction port 4 as much as possible, a volume of suction air can be increased, which makes the passenger feel more comfortable. Since the opening area of the suction port 4 can be extended, there is no possibility that the suction port 4 is clogged by sucking dust floating in the vehicle passenger compartment. Therefore, a deterioration of the air flow performance, which is caused by the clogging, can be prevented.
In the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment, in the case where a member of the seat 1 of a vehicle composing the suction port 4 is composed of a backboard made of resin, when the suction port 4 is formed together with the member of the seat 1 at the time of integral molding, it is possible to compose a suction port 4, the shape, size and position of which are desired.
In the air blasting device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment, a wall portion 30 protruding toward the pocket cover back face 3 a is provided in one portion 7 on the vehicle seat surface to which the suction port 4 is open and which is covered with the pocket cover 3. When the above structure is employed, even when an object such as a book, magazine or map is put into a space formed between the pocket cover 3 and one portion 7 on the vehicle seat surface, the accommodated object is located on the back face 3 a side of the pocket cover by the wall portion 30. Accordingly, a predetermined space can be ensured between the object concerned and the suction port 4. Therefore, the suction port 4 cannot be blocked by the accommodated object.

Second Embodiment

The air flow device incorporated into a seat for vehicle use of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the air flow device of the second embodiment includes a heat exchanger which is provided inside the seat and has a heat exchanging function so that the air in the vehicle passenger compartment 2 can be air-conditioned and blown out from the seat surface. The air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment will be explained by referring to FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a structure of an air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional illustration taken on line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view showing a relation between a suction port 4 and a filter 15 in the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle.
As shown in FIG. 6, the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle includes: a blower 5.arranged inside the seat 1 of a vehicle, especially arranged inside the seat back 1 a; an air passage 31 arranged from the suction port 4 to the blower 5; a Peltier module 9 which is an example of the heat exchanger arranged on the downstream side of the blower 5; an exhaust passage 13 connected to the first blowout portion 25 of the Peltier module 9; and a blowout air passage 27 in which the air conditioned by the Peltier module 9 flows from the second blowout portion 26 of the Peltier module 9 onto the seat surface.
In the same manner as that of the first embodiment, the suction port 4 is provided opposite to the back face of the pocket cover 3. On the entire opening, a filter 15 is provided. The suction port 4 is arranged in such a manner that one portion of the suction port 4 faces a pocket space 21 partitioned by the pocket cover 3. An exhaust passage 13 is communicated with the exhaust port 14 provided in a lower portion of the suction port 4 outside the pocket space 21.
The exhaust port 14 exists outside a bag forming the pocket space 21. However, it is desirable that the exhaust port 14 is arranged opposite to the back face on the lower portion side of the pocket cover 3. In this structure, a lower portion of the pocket cover 3, which is opposite to the exhaust port 14, is extended downward with respect to the bottom face of the bag composing the pocket space 21. Exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port 14 collides with the back face on the lower portion side of the pocket cover 3 opposite to the exhaust port 14. After that, the exhaust air is discharged into the vehicle passenger compartment 2 while it is flowing along the back face on the lower portion side of the pocket cover 3.
A blowout air passage 27 is formed into a predetermined shape by a main pad from the back face side of the seat back portion 1 a to the front face side and communicated with a large number of small holes provided in the cover pad and the seat skin. Between the reverse face side of the back board composing the back face of the seat back portion 1 a and the main pad, the suction air passage 31 is formed in a region from the suction port 4 to the suction port 5 a of the blower 5. The blower 5 may be composed of an axial fan in the same manner as that of the first embodiment. However, in the case where the heat exchanger is used, it is preferable that the blower 5 is composed of a centrifugal fan, as shown in FIG. 6, capable of coping with a high pressure loss.
As shown in FIG. 7, the Peltier module 9 mainly includes: a fin-sub-module 9 a for the exhaust having a first blowout portion 25; and a fin-module 9 b used for temperature control having a second blowout portion 26; and an element module (not shown). The element module is interposed between the fin-sub-module 9 a and the fin-module 9 b. Both the fin-sub-module 9 a and the fin-module 9 b are composed of radiating fins made of copper. The element module is formed in such a manner that a glass-epoxy board containing a thermo-element of bismuth-tellurium is covered with a water-proof polyimide film. Further, the thermo-element is electrically connected to the fin-sub-module 9 a and the fin-module 9 b through an electrode plated with copper and nickel.
The Peltier module 9 composed as described above conducts heat absorption from, and heat emission to, the air which has been blown out from the blower 5 into the vehicle passenger compartment 2. When a flowing direction of a DC current supplied to the Peltier module 9 is changed over, it is possible to change the heat absorption side module and the heat emission side module. The Peltier module 9 may be composed so that it can change between the heat absorption side module and the heat emission side module by being linked with a change-over operation between a cooling mode and a heating mode of an air conditioner of a vehicle. In this constitution, in the cooling mode, the fin-sub-module 9 b is made to be a heat absorption side module and cool air is sent to the blowout air passage 27, and the fin-sub-module 9 a is made to be a heat emission side module and heated air is sent to the exhaust passage 13. On the contrary, in the heating mode, the fin-sub-module 9 b is made to be a heat emission side module and heated air is sent to the blowout air passage 27, and the fin-sub-module 9 a is made to be a heat absorption side module and cool air is sent to the exhaust passage 13.
The filter 15 includes: an engaging piece 15 b provided in one end portion; a handle portion 15 d provided in the other end portion; an elastically deformed engaging portion 15 c which is also provided in the other end portion; and a mesh portion 15 a which is provided between the engaging portions 15 c and 15 b, wherein the filter 15 is capable of being attached and detached. On the back board 8 of the seat of a vehicle to which the filter 15 is attached, an engaging hole 24, into which the engaging piece 15 b is inserted, is provided in a lower portion of the suction port 4. In an upper portion of the suction port 4, a fixing hole 23, into which the engaging portion 15 c is fixed, is provided. When the filter 15 is attached onto the backboard 8, first, the engaging piece 15 b is inserted into the engaging hole 24 so as to fix one end portion of the filter 15. Then, the engaging portion 15 c is engaged in the fixing hole 23. The engaging portion 15 c is held in the fixing hole 23 by a force generated by the engaging portion 15 c itself when the engaging portion 15 c is going to return to its initial shape by the elastic deformation. Therefore, both end portions of the filter are fixed to the backboard 8.
Explanations will be made into an air current in the vehicle passenger compartment 2 when the above air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle is operated. A cooling mode operation is started when a passenger sets the temperature in the vehicle passenger compartment so as to cool the vehicle passenger compartment. Then, a flowing direction of a DC current is determined under the condition that the fin-sub-module 9 b is set to be a heat absorption side module and the fin-sub-module 9 a is set to be a heat emission side module, and at the same time, the blower 5 is set in motion. Air is sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment 2 into the suction port 4 and flows in the suction passage 31. Then, the air branches into the fin-sub-module 9 b and the fin-sub-module 9 a. The air flowing in the fin-sub-module 9 b is cooled by the fin-sub-module 9 b and blown out through the blowout air passage 27 on the seat surface into the vehicle passenger compartment 2 along the periphery of a passenger's body. Therefore, the passenger feels comfortable due to the cooling action of the thus flowing air current. On the other hand, the air flowing in the fin-sub-module 9 a is heated by the fin-sub-module 9 a and is blown out onto a floor in the vehicle passenger compartment 2 from the exhaust port 14, which is located in a lower portion of the vehicle seat, via the exhaust passage 13.
A heating mode operation is started when a passenger sets a temperature in the vehicle passenger compartment so as to heat the vehicle passenger compartment. Then, a flowing direction of a DC current is determined under the condition that the fin-sub-module 9 a is set to be a heat absorption side module and the fin-sub-module 9 b is set to be a heat emission side module, and at the same time, the blower 5 is set in motion. Air is sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment 2 into the suction port 4 and flows in the suction passage 31. Then, the air branches into the fin-sub-module 9 b and the fin-sub-module 9 a. The air flowing in the fin-sub-module 9 b is heated by the fin-sub-module 9 b and blown out through the blowout air passage 27 into the vehicle passenger compartment 2 along the periphery of a passenger's body. Therefore, the passenger feels comfortable due to the heating action of the thus flowing air current. On the other hand, the air flowing in the fin-sub-module 9 a is cooled due to the fin-sub-module 9 a and is blown out onto a floor in the vehicle passenger compartment 2 from the exhaust port 14, which is located in a lower portion of the vehicle seat, via the exhaust passage 13.
When the series of operation described above is repeated, a flow of circulating air is formed round the passenger in the vehicle passenger compartment 2. Accordingly, it is possible to conduct air-conditioning with high efficiency and with a relatively simple device. Especially when cooling air is blown out from a portion in the periphery of the passenger on the seat surface in accordance with a demand of the passenger, it is possible to form an air current for positively solving the problem of the damp heat that a passenger may feel. Therefore, forming the air current in the manner described above is effective. When the above series of operation is repeated, an air current circulating in the vehicle passenger compartment 2 is formed round the passenger at the time of heating. Therefore, the passenger does not feel cold at the upper half of the body.
As described above, in the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment, heat absorption and heat emission are conducted on the air which is sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment 2 by the blower 5. The Peltier module 9, which is arranged on the downstream side of the blower 5, and the exhaust passage 13, which is connected to the first blowout portion 25 of the Peltier module 9, are arranged inside the seat 1 of a vehicle. The suction port 4 is arranged so that one portion of the suction port 4 can face the pocket space 21 partitioned by the pocket cover 3. When this constitution is employed, it is possible to enhance the heat absorption efficiency or the heat emission efficiency of the Peltier module 9 by setting an open portion, which is not partitioned by the pocket cover 3, at an appropriate position.
The exhaust passage 13 of the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle is communicated with the exhaust port 14 provided in a lower portion of the suction port 4. When this constitution is employed, it becomes difficult for the exhaust heat of the air, which has passed through the Peltier module 9, to be mixed with the air which is sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment 2 through the suction port 4. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a deterioration in the efficiency of the heat absorption or the heat emission conducted by the Peltier module 9.
In the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle, the suction port 4 is arranged so that one portion of the suction port 4 can face the pocket space 21 which is partitioned by the pocket cover 3. Further, outside the pocket space 21, the exhaust passage 13 is communicated with the exhaust port 14 arranged in a lower portion of the suction port 4.
When this constitution is employed, it is possible to prevent the exhaust heat of the air, which has passed through the Peltier module 9, from being transferred to the suction port 4 and flowing into the suction air passage 31 as it is. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a deterioration of the air conditioning performance caused by the Peltier module. As the suction port 4 is arranged opposite to the reverse face 3 a of the pocket cover, an opening area of the suction port 4 can be extended as much as possible. Therefore, a volume of air to be sucked can be increased, which provides an effect that an amount of heat exchange by the Peltier module 9 is increased.
In the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle, the filter 15 is provided in the suction port 4. When this constitution is employed, the passenger can hardly see the dust attached to the filter 15. Therefore, the vehicle appearance is good. As the filter 15 is arranged at a position where the passenger can hardly see it. Therefore, the filter 15 can be attached with a simple attaching structure, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and further the attaching and detaching property can be enhanced. Further, in the case where the Peltier module is provided, the vehicle passenger compartment appearance is good because the filter can seldom be seen by the passenger and, further the clogging of the Peltier module can be prevented.

Third Embodiment

The air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the suction port 11 is arranged at a position opposite to the reverse side of the seat handle cover 10. The air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the third embodiment will be explained referring to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a structure of the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view showing the relation between a suction port 11 and a seat handle cover 10 of the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle includes: a seat handle cover 10 for covering both end portions of the handle 29; and a suction port 11, which is provided on the seat surface opposite to the reverse face of the seat handle cover 10, wherein the suction port 11 is a vent hole. Further, the air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle includes: a blower 5 arranged inside of the seat back portion 1 a of the seat 1 of a vehicle; an air passage 28 arranged from the suction port 11 to the blower 5; and a blowout air passage (not shown) in which the air sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment 2 flows from the blowout port of the blower 5 toward the seat surface.
As shown in FIG. 10, the suction port 11 is provided on the surface of the back board 8 opposite to the reverse face 10 a of the seat handle cover. Therefore, the suction port 11 cannot be seen by a passenger seated on the rear side of the seat back portion 1 a. The seat handle cover 10 is usually attached to the back board 8, that is, the seat handle cover 10 covers both end portions of the belt-shaped handle 29 that a passenger can hold. A predetermined space is formed between the reverse face 10 a of the seat handle cover 10 and the suction port 11.
The suction air passage 28 is formed in a region from the suction port 11 to the suction port 5 a of the blower 11 and between the reverse side of the back board 8, which composes the back face of the seat back portion 1 a, and the main pad. The blowout air passage is formed into a predetermined shape by a main pad provided from the back face side of the seat back portion 1 a to the front face side. This blowout air passage communicates with a large number of small holes provided in the cover pad and seat skin. The blower 5 is composed of an axial fan in the same manner as that of the first embodiment.
When the blower 5 is operated, air is sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment 2 into a predetermined space through the opening of the lower end portion of the seat handle cover 10. The air is sucked from the suction port 11 onto the reverse face side of the back board 8 and flows in the suction air passage 28 toward the suction port 5 a of the blower 5. Further, the air, which has been sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment 2, flows in the blowout air passage and is blown out from the seat surface into the vehicle passenger compartment 2 along the periphery of the passenger's body. In this way, the passenger made comfortable by the blast of air.
As described above, the air blasting device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle includes the suction port 11 opposite to the reverse face of the seat handle cover 10. When this constitution is employed, as the suction port 11 is arranged inside the seat handle cover 10 that the passenger can hardly see it, the vehicle passenger compartment appearance is good. Further, as the existing components can be put into practical use, it is possible to obtain an air passage, the structure of which is simple, the pressure loss of which is small and the manufacturing cost of which is low.
In this connection, the constitution of the present embodiment, in which the suction port 11 is arranged opposite to the reverse face of the seat handle cover 10, can be applied to the second embodiment having the Peltier module 9. In this case, the suction port 4 of the second embodiment is replaced with the suction port 11, which provides the same operational effect as that of the second embodiment.
While the invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments chosen for purposes of illustration, it should be apparent that numerous modifications could be made thereto, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the basic concept and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle comprising: a seat of a vehicle including a seating portion in which a passenger is seated and also including a seat back portion against which the seated passenger leans; a vent hole open on a surface of the seat of a vehicle, communicated with a vehicle passenger compartment; an air passage formed inside the seat of a vehicle, communicated with the vent hole; an air flow means for forcibly generating an air current in the air passage; and a seat member which covers one portion of the surface of the seat of a vehicle, wherein

the vent hole is arranged opposite to a reverse face of the seat member.

2. An air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vent hole is a suction port for taking air in from the vehicle passenger compartment by the air flow means.

3. An air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle according to claim 2, the seat of a vehicle including: an air flow means; a Peltier module for conducting heat absorption from, and heat emission to, the air sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment by the air flow means; and an exhaust passage connected to a blowout portion of the Peltier module, wherein

the suction port is arranged so that one portion of the suction port can face a pocket space partitioned by the seat member.

4. An air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle according to claim 2, the seat of a vehicle including: an air flow means; a Peltier module for conducting a heat absorption and a heat emission on the air sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment by the air flow means; and an exhaust passage connected to a blowout portion of the Peltier module, wherein

the exhaust passage is communicated with an exhaust port arranged in a lower portion of the suction port.

5. An air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle according to claim 2, the seat of a vehicle including: an air flow means; a Peltier module for conducting a heat absorption and a heat emission on the air sucked from the vehicle passenger compartment by the air flow means; and an exhaust passage connected to a blowout portion of the Peltier module, wherein

the suction port is arranged so that one portion of the suction port can face a pocket space partitioned by the seat member, and

the exhaust passage is communicated with an exhaust port arranged in a lower portion of the suction port outside the pocket space.

6. An air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the seat member is formed out of a pocket cover.

7. An air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a wall portion protruding toward the reverse side of the seat member is provided on one portion on the surface of the seat of a vehicle on which the vent hole is opened and which is covered with the seat member.

8. An air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a filter is provided in the vent hole.

9. An air flow device incorporated into a seat of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the seat member includes seat handle cover.