US20070107440A1 - Air flow device incorporated into seat for a vehicle - Google Patents

Air flow device incorporated into seat for a vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20070107440A1
US20070107440A1 US11/595,138 US59513806A US2007107440A1 US 20070107440 A1 US20070107440 A1 US 20070107440A1 US 59513806 A US59513806 A US 59513806A US 2007107440 A1 US2007107440 A1 US 2007107440A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
seat
vehicle
air flow
air
suction port
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/595,138
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Yuji Ito
Shinji Aoki
Takuhiko Sawai
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.)
Denso Corp
Original Assignee
Denso Corp
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 Denso Corp filed Critical Denso Corp
Assigned to DENSO CORPORATION reassignment DENSO CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SAWAI, TAKUHIKO, AOKI, SHINJI, ITO, YUJI
Publication of US20070107440A1 publication Critical patent/US20070107440A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • B60N2/5635—Heating or ventilating devices characterised by convection by air coming from the passenger compartment
    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
    • F25B21/02—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect

Definitions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the vent holes ( 4 , 11 ) are arranged opposed to a reverse face ( 3 a, 10
  • 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.
  • 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 ).
  • 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.
  • 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 ).
  • 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.
  • 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 ).
  • 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.
  • 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 ).
  • 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.
  • the seat member ( 3 , 10 ) is formed out of a pocket cover ( 3 ).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a blower 5 is provided on the downstream side of the suction air passage 6 and on the back board 8 side of the blowout air passage 18 .
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the shape of the wall portion 30 may be formed in such a manner that the wall portion 30 extends in the horizontal direction.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • 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.
  • the blower 5 is not particularly limited to a specific type.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the suction port 4 is arranged being opposed to the back face 3 a of the pocket cover.
  • 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.
  • the opening area of the suction port 4 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.
  • a suction port 4 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.
  • 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 .
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the suction port 4 is provided opposite to the back face of the pocket cover 3 .
  • a filter 15 is provided on the entire opening.
  • 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 .
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • 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.
  • the fin-sub-module 9 b 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 .
  • the fin-sub-module 9 b in the cooling mode, 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.
  • an engaging hole 24 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 .
  • a fixing hole 23 In an upper portion of the suction port 4 , a fixing hole 23 , into which the engaging portion 15 c is fixed, is provided.
  • the engaging piece 15 b is inserted into the engaging hole 24 so as to fix one end portion of the filter 15 .
  • 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 .
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • 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 .
  • 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 .
  • this constitution 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 .
  • 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 .
  • the filter 15 is provided in the suction port 4 .
  • the passenger can hardly see the dust attached to the filter 15 . Therefore, the vehicle appearance is good.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • 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.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
  • Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)
US11/595,138 2005-11-16 2006-11-09 Air flow device incorporated into seat for a vehicle Abandoned US20070107440A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2005331881A JP4678514B2 (ja) 2005-11-16 2005-11-16 車両用シート送風装置
JP2005-331881 2005-11-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070107440A1 true US20070107440A1 (en) 2007-05-17

Family

ID=38039340

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/595,138 Abandoned US20070107440A1 (en) 2005-11-16 2006-11-09 Air flow device incorporated into seat for a vehicle

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20070107440A1 (ja)
JP (1) JP4678514B2 (ja)

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060247031A1 (en) * 1996-12-30 2006-11-02 Walker Jay S Methods and apparatus for facilitating accelerated play of a flat rate play gaming session
US20100027232A1 (en) * 2008-08-01 2010-02-04 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Board
US20110133525A1 (en) * 2009-12-08 2011-06-09 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
ITBO20100651A1 (it) * 2010-10-28 2012-04-29 Delphi Italia Automotive Systems S R L Sedile climatizzato per una cabina di un veicolo
US20130113265A1 (en) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-09 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
CN103750666A (zh) * 2011-12-24 2014-04-30 高水兔 一种椅子
US20140333101A1 (en) * 2008-12-21 2014-11-13 Gentherm Gmbh Ventilation system
US20150239566A1 (en) * 2013-02-27 2015-08-27 The Boeing Company Variable Thermal Resistance Device for Vehicular Seats
US20180281639A1 (en) * 2017-03-29 2018-10-04 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
US20180281642A1 (en) * 2017-03-29 2018-10-04 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
CN110406439A (zh) * 2018-04-30 2019-11-05 佛吉亚汽车座椅有限责任公司 具有无源通风板的通风式车辆座椅
US20200198507A1 (en) * 2018-12-20 2020-06-25 Kubota Corporation Work vehicle having air handling system
WO2022051851A1 (en) * 2020-09-10 2022-03-17 Thuja Innovations Inc. Thermal comfort wheelchair backrest
EP4253144A1 (en) * 2022-03-30 2023-10-04 Suzuki Motor Corporation Vehiclular seat structure
EP4257424A1 (en) * 2022-03-30 2023-10-11 Suzuki Motor Corporation Vehicle seat structure and manufacturing method therefor

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5053778B2 (ja) * 2007-09-25 2012-10-17 パナソニック株式会社 マッサージ椅子
JP4469390B2 (ja) 2007-11-13 2010-05-26 本田技研工業株式会社 車両用シート
JP5225823B2 (ja) * 2008-12-12 2013-07-03 トヨタ紡織株式会社 車両用シート
JP5664421B2 (ja) 2011-04-07 2015-02-04 トヨタ紡織株式会社 車両用シート
JP6114019B2 (ja) * 2012-12-05 2017-04-12 国立大学法人 千葉大学 送風シート
KR101745139B1 (ko) 2015-09-21 2017-06-08 현대자동차주식회사 공조기 연동 시트 장치
JP6718135B2 (ja) * 2016-03-10 2020-07-08 トヨタ自動車株式会社 バッテリの車載構造
KR20210103617A (ko) 2020-02-13 2021-08-24 현대자동차주식회사 시트백 통풍 구조

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5709448A (en) * 1996-09-09 1998-01-20 General Motors Corporation Seat back pocket light
US6241794B1 (en) * 1999-04-29 2001-06-05 Mohammad N. Jadran Minivent air filter
US6291803B1 (en) * 1999-03-01 2001-09-18 Bertrand Faure Equipments Sa Method and system of regulating heat in a vehicle seat
US20040262971A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-12-30 Johnson Controls Technology Company Seating system for a vehicle
US6848742B1 (en) * 2002-03-28 2005-02-01 Denso Corporation Seat air conditioning unit for vehicle and fan combination of blower units of the same

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5846900Y2 (ja) * 1980-09-26 1983-10-26 マツダ株式会社 ドア−のア−ムレスト
JP2642659B2 (ja) * 1988-03-18 1997-08-20 三洋電機株式会社 電気掃除機
JP3932837B2 (ja) * 2001-07-31 2007-06-20 トヨタ車体株式会社 キャブオーバー型自動車の車室換気構造
JP2003252036A (ja) * 2002-02-26 2003-09-09 Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd 送風式温調シート
JP3855935B2 (ja) * 2003-01-21 2006-12-13 株式会社デンソー 車両用シート空調装置

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5709448A (en) * 1996-09-09 1998-01-20 General Motors Corporation Seat back pocket light
US6291803B1 (en) * 1999-03-01 2001-09-18 Bertrand Faure Equipments Sa Method and system of regulating heat in a vehicle seat
US6241794B1 (en) * 1999-04-29 2001-06-05 Mohammad N. Jadran Minivent air filter
US6848742B1 (en) * 2002-03-28 2005-02-01 Denso Corporation Seat air conditioning unit for vehicle and fan combination of blower units of the same
US20040262971A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-12-30 Johnson Controls Technology Company Seating system for a vehicle

Cited By (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060247031A1 (en) * 1996-12-30 2006-11-02 Walker Jay S Methods and apparatus for facilitating accelerated play of a flat rate play gaming session
US20100027232A1 (en) * 2008-08-01 2010-02-04 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Board
US8226145B2 (en) * 2008-08-01 2012-07-24 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Board for the attachment of electronic parts
US20140333101A1 (en) * 2008-12-21 2014-11-13 Gentherm Gmbh Ventilation system
US9415712B2 (en) * 2008-12-21 2016-08-16 Gentherm Gmbh Ventilation system
US20110133525A1 (en) * 2009-12-08 2011-06-09 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
US8702165B2 (en) 2009-12-08 2014-04-22 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
ITBO20100651A1 (it) * 2010-10-28 2012-04-29 Delphi Italia Automotive Systems S R L Sedile climatizzato per una cabina di un veicolo
WO2012056303A1 (en) * 2010-10-28 2012-05-03 Delphi Italia Automotive Sytems S.R.L. An air-conditioned seat for a cabin of a vehicle
US20130299128A1 (en) * 2010-10-28 2013-11-14 Dimitri Bergamini Air-conditioned seat for a cabin of a vehicle
US20130113265A1 (en) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-09 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
US9114746B2 (en) * 2011-11-08 2015-08-25 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
CN103750666A (zh) * 2011-12-24 2014-04-30 高水兔 一种椅子
US20150239566A1 (en) * 2013-02-27 2015-08-27 The Boeing Company Variable Thermal Resistance Device for Vehicular Seats
US9914540B2 (en) * 2013-02-27 2018-03-13 The Boeing Company Variable thermal resistance device for vehicular seats
US20180281639A1 (en) * 2017-03-29 2018-10-04 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
US20180281642A1 (en) * 2017-03-29 2018-10-04 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
US10471865B2 (en) * 2017-03-29 2019-11-12 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
US10479242B2 (en) * 2017-03-29 2019-11-19 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
CN110406439A (zh) * 2018-04-30 2019-11-05 佛吉亚汽车座椅有限责任公司 具有无源通风板的通风式车辆座椅
US20200198507A1 (en) * 2018-12-20 2020-06-25 Kubota Corporation Work vehicle having air handling system
US10981474B2 (en) * 2018-12-20 2021-04-20 Kubota Corporation Work vehicle having air handling system
WO2022051851A1 (en) * 2020-09-10 2022-03-17 Thuja Innovations Inc. Thermal comfort wheelchair backrest
EP4253144A1 (en) * 2022-03-30 2023-10-04 Suzuki Motor Corporation Vehiclular seat structure
EP4257424A1 (en) * 2022-03-30 2023-10-11 Suzuki Motor Corporation Vehicle seat structure and manufacturing method therefor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP4678514B2 (ja) 2011-04-27
JP2007137185A (ja) 2007-06-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20070107440A1 (en) Air flow device incorporated into seat for a vehicle
US7647780B2 (en) Automotive seat air-conditioning system
US5924766A (en) Temperature conditioner for vehicle seat
US6019420A (en) Vehicle seat
US7275984B2 (en) Air conditioning unit for seat
JP3786701B2 (ja) 車両の椅子に通気する装置
KR100854565B1 (ko) 통풍시트
US10252650B2 (en) Vehicle seat with thermal comfort system
JP2010052494A (ja) シート送風装置
JP2007520288A (ja) 車両シート
JP2013184588A (ja) 空調装置付き車両用シート
JP2010142274A (ja) 車両用シート
JP2004017855A (ja) 車両のシート構造
JP3666774B2 (ja) 自動車用シート構造
US20230302871A1 (en) Vehicle seat air-conditioning device
WO2008062295A1 (en) Vehicle seat structure
CN215705838U (zh) 车辆座椅及车辆
JP2003252036A (ja) 送風式温調シート
KR101345961B1 (ko) 실내공기 흡입형 차량용 통풍시트
JP5343503B2 (ja) シートおよびシート空調装置
JP2018118719A (ja) シート空調装置
KR101154518B1 (ko) 차량용 냉난방 시트
JP2008273404A (ja) シート空調装置
WO2020012933A1 (ja) シート空調装置
CN218141169U (zh) 一种座椅通风系统及汽车座椅

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: DENSO CORPORATION,JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ITO, YUJI;AOKI, SHINJI;SAWAI, TAKUHIKO;SIGNING DATES FROM 20061022 TO 20061030;REEL/FRAME:018593/0603

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION