WO2009003620A1

WO2009003620A1 - Seat ventilation system for a vehicle seat

Info

Publication number: WO2009003620A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/005131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl Pfahler; Lothar Renner; Krunoslav Valentic
Original assignee: Daimler Ag
Priority date: 2007-07-05
Filing date: 2008-06-25
Publication date: 2009-01-08
Also published as: DE102007031322B3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat ventilation system for a vehicle seat (10), which comprises a seat cushion part (16) and a backrest part (18), in particular of an open passenger vehicle, with a passage arrangement (23, 24) which is respectively arranged within a seat cushion pad (17) and a backrest pad (19) and in each case comprises at least one air inlet (46, 52) and at least one air outlet (50, 56), wherein the passage arrangements (23, 24) within the backrest pad (19) and the seat cushion pad (17) are operatively connected with a flow of at least a partial stream of air via the respective air inlet (46, 52) or air outlet (50, 56).

Description

Seat ventilation device for a vehicle seat

The invention relates to a seat ventilation device for a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle, in particular an open passenger car, specified in the preamble of claim 1. Art. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle seat, in particular for an open passenger car, the type specified in the preamble of claim 12.

EP 04 11 375 A1 discloses a seat for vehicles with a seat cushion and a hinged backrest. Further, the seat has an intake passage connected to an air conditioner of a vehicle and an exhaust passage communicating with the intake passage and disposed on the seat back at such a position that at least a part of the conditioned air obtained from the intake passage is supplied to a rear seat passenger becomes. Further, in the seat cushion or in the seat back, there is formed a chamber connected between the inlet passage and the outlet passage where at least part of the obtained conditioned air flows. The chamber has a shape that allows a heat exchanger between the air conditioning air flowing therein and the body of the seated passenger. DE 196 28 698 C1 discloses such a vehicle seat with such a seat ventilation device as known. In each case, a channel arrangement is provided within a seat cushion cushion and a backrest cushion of the vehicle seat, which comprises as an essential part of a large-sized or a large flow channel forming ventilation layer, which is essentially formed by a spacer knitted fabric. Each channel arrangement or ventilation layer can be supplied with air via in each case one air inlet-with a plurality of respective air inlet ducts-wherein a mini-fan is arranged in each case within the air inlet ducts. Furthermore, each channel arrangement or ventilation layer respectively comprises an air outlet with a plurality of air outlet channels, via which the air circulated through the ventilation layer and enriched with moisture of the seat occupant can escape from the respective cushion.

Overall, thus, a circulation system is provided in which the air is conveyed by means of respective miniature fan in or through the ventilation layer, before it passes through the air outlet ducts out of the respective pad out into the open. During the passage through the ventilation layer moisture or sweat of the seat occupant is transported away, which passes through the seat cover of the cushion and through a arranged below this, air and moisture-permeable cover layer in the region of the ventilation layer, from where it is transported away.

In this known prior art, the air inlet ducts are thus provided with respective miniature fans, whereby the accelerated by the miniature fan air after Flowing through the ventilation layer automatically passes out of the ventilation layer. An alternative system for this purpose provides that the air outlet channels are formed closed by miniature fan, so that there the air flow flowing through the ventilation layer is generated by a suction function of the miniature fan.

Object of the present invention is to provide a seat ventilation device and a vehicle seat of the type mentioned, by means of which a particularly good and easy-working seat ventilation can be achieved.

This object is achieved by a seat ventilation device and a vehicle seat with the features of claims 1 and 12, respectively. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

In order to create a seat ventilation device, by means of which a particularly good and easy-working seat ventilation can be achieved, it is provided according to the invention that the channel arrangements within the backrest cushion and the seat cushion pad for overflow of at least a partial air flow over the respective air inlet or air outlet are in operative connection. In other words, the respective air inlet and the respective air outlet of the channel arrangements of the backrest cushion and the seat cushion cushion are arranged relative to one another such that at least a partial air flow can pass from one to the other channel arrangement or from one cushion to the other. As a result, thereby at least a partial, the vehicle seat by flowing air raid achieved, which passes through both the seat cushion pad as well as through the backrest cushion. It is provided in particular that an air flow first passes through the channel arrangement of the seat cushion pad up to an air outlet, from where this to the operative air inlet of the

Backrest cushion passes and flows through this. As included in the scope of the invention, however, it should be considered that it might also be conceivable that at least a partial air flow first flows through the backrest cushion and then through the seat cushion cushion. In addition to the partial air flow, which has already passed through a channel arrangement and then passes into the other channel arrangement, also a further partial air flow may be provided, which passes from outside into the second channel arrangement and therefore only one of the two channel arrangements - especially that within the backrest cushion - flows through.

In this case, one makes use of the existing, for example, when driving open effect, namely that arise due to the air flow around the motor vehicle air pressure differences between the area within the passenger compartment and the environment, which exert a suction effect on the respective pad of the vehicle seat. Thus, for example, in the footwell area in front of the seat cushion cushion, a corresponding pressure constellation arises, so that an air flow initially enters the channel arrangement of the seat cushion cushion via the correspondingly arranged air inlet and passes through the air outlet therefrom, before at least a partial air flow subsequently via the air inlet into the channel arrangement of Backrest passes. It can be seen that thus a system can be created, which is both on the side of the respective air intake as well as on pages the respective air outlet can do without miniature fan. In other words, both are one

Seat ventilation device conceivable in which can be completely dispensed miniature fan, as well as a solution in which the described arrangement is used to support miniature fans. The second variant can then be simplified accordingly, so that a smaller number of miniature fans or smaller dimensioning miniature fans can be used.

Furthermore, one makes use of the basic idea that in the transition region between the seat cushion pad and the backrest cushion, a gap is present, which is not covered by a person sitting, but limited in the manner of a channel towards the front. In addition, this space is laterally usually bounded by side cheeks of the seat cushion part or the backrest part, so that a total of a relatively enclosed cavity is formed, which ensures that the seat cushion pad in the backrest cushion - or vice versa - overflowing air with surprisingly high efficiency in the other channel arrangement overflows. The above-described suction, which arises for example when driving open, can thus be exploited in a particularly advantageous manner.

A particularly good circulating air flow can be achieved, in particular in an open motor vehicle, by the fact that the respective channel arrangement comprises a plurality of channels which extend in the extension direction of the corresponding pad. In the extension direction of the pad is to be understood in the seat cushion cushion, the vehicle longitudinal direction. In a backrest cushion, this is to be understood as the course in the vehicle vertical direction. In a further embodiment of the invention, the respective channel arrangement comprises a plurality of channels which extend transversely to the extension direction of the corresponding pad. Thus, in combination with the channels extending in the extension direction of the padding, a grid pattern can be created, via which the moisture can be removed on the surface. Another advantage of such a lattice-like arrangement of the channels is that it can be easily introduced into a cushion pad - for example, a foam part -.

As further advantageous, it has been shown, when the respective channel arrangement is arranged on the upper side of a cushion pad, in particular a Schaumstoffaufläge, and formed open at the top. Such a design of the channel arrangements is particularly easy in the pad, especially the Schaumstoffaufläge, introduced.

If the cushion pad or the channels is covered with an air-guiding layer, the air circulation within the associated channel arrangement is to be additionally improved.

As a further advantage, it has proven thereby, if between the seat cover and the channel assembly, and in particular between the seat cover and the air guide layer, a layer is provided with capillary action. By such a layer - which may be formed in particular as a nonwoven - a particularly reliable removal of moisture or sweat of the seat occupant is possible. Finally, it has proven to be advantageous if the respective air inlet or air outlet is covered by a perforated leather cover whose perforation preferably has enlarged openings in the region of the respective air inlet or air outlet. Thus, a cover can be created in a simple manner, which is correspondingly good air permeability. However, this applies in the same way to a fabric cover which does not require any further perforations.

Further advantages Features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings; these show in:

Figure 1 is a schematic and cutout side view of a trained as a roadster passenger cars with a seat cushion pad and a backrest pad, which are equipped with a seat ventilation device for the removal of body moisture or sweat.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the vehicle seat according to FIG. 1; FIG.

3 is a schematic and fragmentary sectional view through the pad of the seat cushion part or the backrest part of the vehicle seat, wherein a channel arrangement can be seen;

Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the

Vehicle seat according to Fig. 2, wherein a respective channel arrangement within the seat cushion pad or the backrest cushion flowing through the air flow is indicated schematically;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged side view of the detail V in Fig. 4 showing the rear end of the seat cushion pad and the lower end of the seatback cushion, wherein an air outlet of the seat cushion side channel assembly and an air inlet of the backrest side channel arrangement for overcurrent of at least a partial air flow are in operative connection;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic front view obliquely from above of the vehicle seat according to FIG. 2, wherein in particular a seat cover in the form of a leather cover can be seen, which covers respective air inlets or air outlets of the channel arrangements within the seat cushion cushion and the backrest cushion, wherein in the region of the air inlets resp Air leaks a perforation of the leather cover is provided, which has enlarged openings;

Fig. 7 is a schematic and perspective

A sectional view through the seat cushion pad of the vehicle seat, wherein in particular the channel arrangement on the top of a cushion pad is recognizable, which in turn is covered by an air guide layer and a layer disposed above it in the form of a tile with capillary action, which the transport of body moisture or sweat of the seat occupant on the Seat cover in the Luftfuhrungsschicht or improves the channel arrangement;

8 shows a schematic perspective view of an occupant seated inside the vehicle seat according to FIG. 2, in which air entering the seat cushion cushion or the backrest cushion is symbolically indicated, in particular, via respective air inlets; and in

9 shows a schematic side view of a seat occupant positioned on the vehicle seat, wherein in particular a stream of air emerging from the channel arrangement of the backrest cushion via the corresponding air outlet is indicated which emerges from the vehicle seat after flowing through the seat cushion cushion or the backrest cushion.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic side view as a

Roadster trained open passenger car shown with omitted driver's door. In this way, a driver-side vehicle seat 10 can be seen schematically, which is shown in Fig. 2 in a schematic perspective view.

In particular, when driving open in such an open passenger car with the arrows 12 shown air flows, which are due to differences in air pressure between the area inside the passenger compartment and the environment. As a result, in the present case, there is a suction effect of the vehicle flow which, in a manner which will be described in more detail below, has a positive effect on the vehicle flow Dissipation of air of a seat ventilation device of the vehicle seat 10 effects.

The vehicle seat 10 includes a seat cushion portion 16 and a backrest portion 18 which supports a headrest 14. Both the seat cushion part 16 and the backrest part 18 each include a seat cushion cushion 17 and a backrest cushion 19, whose basic construction will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

3 shows in a sectional and schematic sectional view the basic structure of the at least substantially identical seat cushion cushion 17 or backrest cushion 19. The cushion 17 or 19 comprises a thick cushion support 20, which consists for example of a foam overlay, at the bottom of which or back of a support member 22 is provided made of plastic. Within the cushion pad 20, a corresponding channel arrangement 23, 24 is introduced from an upper side 26 in each case. Each channel arrangement 23, 24 comprises a plurality of channels 28 which extend parallel to one another and in the extension direction of the respective pad 17 or 19 and which are crossed by a plurality of channels 30 which are also parallel to one another and transverse to the extension direction of the respective pad 17, 19. In the direction of extension, in the case of the seat cushion cushion 17, the vehicle longitudinal direction is essentially to be understood. In the case of the backrest cushion 19, the direction of extension is to be understood as meaning essentially the vehicle vertical direction. The channels 28, 30 are arranged on the upper side 26 of the cushion pad 20, that they are formed open at the top. The individual channels are closed 28, 30 through an especially in connection with Fig. 7 further explained in more detail below air guide layer 32 and another layer 34 with capillary action, which will also be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, additional air ducts 40 are connected at some junctions 38 between the ducts 28, extending in the direction of extent and transversely to the extension direction of the respective upholstery 17, 19, the air inlet openings 42 of which are cut out of the support part 22. The channels 28 can be flowed through in a manner described in more detail below by an air flow, whereby body moisture or sweat of the seat occupant can be transported accordingly.

4, the vehicle seat 10 is shown in a schematic side view. In addition, in Fig. 5 is an enlarged side view of the detail V in Fig. 4 is shown. FIGS. 4 and 5 thus discern a schematically indicated air stream which flows through the channel arrangements 23 and 24 of the seat cushion cushion 17 or of the backrest cushion 19 in a manner which will be described in more detail below.

6 and 8 recognizable air inlet 46 is provided through which an air flow in the corresponding channel assembly 23 and the corresponding channels 28 and 30 can occur. Due to the above-described pressure conditions or because of the pressure constellation prevailing in the footwell region, it is achieved that the air enters the corresponding channel arrangement 23 via the air inlet 46. After flowing through the channel arrangement 23, this air flow occurs in a rear region 48 a corresponding air outlet 50 from the seat cushion pad 17. Accordingly, in the present case, the channels 28 and 30 in the region of the air inlet 46 and the air outlet 50 respectively.

In particular, from Fig. 5 it can be seen that at least a partial air flow, which has previously flowed through the channel assembly 23 of the seat cushion part 17, passes through the air outlet 50 via an air inlet 52 into the channel assembly 24 of the backrest cushion 19. From this air inlet 52 in a lower region 54 of the backrest pad 19, the air flows through the channel assembly 24 and their channels 28 and 30 to an air outlet 56 in an upper portion 58 of the backrest cushion 19th

In particular, from Fig. 5 is also seen that the air outlet 50 is arranged on the side of the seat cushion pad 17 and the air inlet 52 on the side of the backrest pad 19 in a corner region of the vehicle seat 10, which is not to be covered by the seat occupant. Rather, the seat occupant forms through his buttocks a limited space to the front. In addition, this space is bounded laterally by the side cheeks of the backrest part 18 and the seat cushion part 16. This results in a total of a relatively enclosed space, the suction effect within the channel assemblies 23 and 24 ensures that at least a partial air flow from the channel assembly 23 within the seat cushion pad 17 flows into the channel assembly 24 within the backrest pad 19. In this sense, the air outlet 50 and the air inlet 52 are in operative connection with each other. FIG. 6 shows, in a schematic front view obliquely from above, the vehicle seat 10 according to FIG. 2. It can be seen in particular that a seat cover 60, which is presently designed as a leather cover, has a corresponding perforation, the openings 62 are formed enlarged in the region of the respective air inlets 46 and 52 and the respective air outlets 50, 56 relative to the other openings. In other words, the perforation or their openings 62 in the front and rear portions 44, 48 of the seat cushion cushion 17 and in the upper and lower portions 58, 54 of the backrest cushion 19 are formed correspondingly enlarged. The respective channel arrangement 23, 24 is designed so that their respective air inlets 46, 52 and air outlets 50, 56 directly adjacent to below the respective seat cover 60.

In Fig. 7 is a schematic and perspective sectional view of the basic embodiment of the seat ventilation device using the seat cushion pad 17 again clarified. The arrows 64 and 66 illustrate the entry and exit of an air flow in the front and rear regions 44, 48 of the seat cushion cushion 17. In particular, it can also be seen that within the cushion support 20 present only in

Extension direction extending channels 28 are provided, which extend between the corresponding air inlet 46 and the corresponding air outlet 50. In the present case, the channels are again covered by the air-guiding layer 32, which in the present case is formed, for example, from a knitted fabric or the like, which consequently can also be flowed through by the air flow. By the air guiding layer 32 is thus an extremely uniform distribution of the air flow below the Seat cover 60 reached. Above the air-guiding layer 32, the layer 34 with capillary action can be seen, which in the present case consists, for example, of a fleece. This layer 34 acts, for example, in the manner of an extinguisher blade, which absorbs body moisture or sweat correspondingly quickly - mediated by the seat cover 60 - and passes it on to the air-conducting areas - the air-guiding layer 32 and the channel arrangement 23. The layer 34 also ensures that the channel assembly 23 is not on the outside of the vehicle seat 10 - ie in the area of the seat cover 60 - signs.

FIG. 8 furthermore shows the vehicle seat 10 according to FIG. 2 with a seat occupant positioned therein. It can be seen in particular that the air inlet 46 is centrally located in the front region 44 of the seat cushion cushion 17 so that the seat occupant does not cover the air inlet 46 with his thighs. Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 8 that, in addition to the partial air flow flowing out of the channel arrangement 23 of the seat cushion cushion 17, a further partial air flow flows into the channel arrangement 24 of the backrest cushion 19, in the manner represented by the arrows 68.

Finally, it can be seen from FIG. 9 in which way the air flow flowing through the channel arrangement 24 leaves the backrest cushion 19 via the air outlet 56. This is arranged so that it is not covered or closed by the seat occupant. From Fig. 9 is also seen that in addition to the suction effect so-called chimney effects or thermal effects is used to promote the transport of the air flow. The air which has flowed into the respective channel arrangement 23, 24 is in fact passed through the body moisture during the passage through it or the sweat of the seat occupant heats up accordingly, causing a rise of the warm air. This rising occurs in particular within the channel assembly 24 of the backrest portion 18 in appearance. However, this thermal effect can also be achieved in the seat cushion part 16, in which the air inlet 46 lies below the air outlet 50. In addition, in the present case, a suction effect, which also ensures improved air flow within the channel arrangement 23 of the seat cushion cushion 17, is produced via the air inlet 52 of the backrest cushion 19. Since, in addition to the above-described suction effect, there is also a thermal effect, the seat ventilation can easily be used even when the roof is closed or in a closed motor vehicle. The effectiveness of the seat dehumidification is the body near the respective air inlet 46, 52 and the respective air outlet 50, 56 crucial to achieve a short path to the evaporation.

Overall, it can thus be seen that, in the present case, differences in air pressure in the passenger compartment create a suction effect behind the backrest part 18, which causes the air to be sucked upwards accordingly within the backrest part 18. As a result, the desired flow through the vehicle seat 10 is achieved.

Claims

claims

1. seat ventilation device for a seat cushion part (16) and a backrest part (18) comprising a vehicle seat (10) in particular an open passenger car, each with a seat cushion pad (17) and a back pad (19) arranged channel arrangement (23, 24) which in each case at least one air inlet (46, 52) and at least one air outlet (50, 56), characterized in that the channel arrangements (23, 24) within the backrest cushion (19) and the seat cushion pad (17) for overflow of at least a partial air flow over the respective air inlet (46, 52) and air outlet (50, 56) are in operative connection.

2. seat ventilation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective air inlet (46, 52) or air outlet (50, 56) in a rear region (48) of the seat cushion cushion (17) and in a lower region (54) of the backrest cushion ( 19) is provided.

3. seat ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized the respective channel arrangement (23, 24) comprises a plurality of channels (28) which open out in the region of the respective air inlet (46, 52) or air outlet (50, 56) and extend in the extension direction of the cushion (17, 19).

4. seat ventilation device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the channel arrangement (23, 24) comprises a plurality of channels (30) which extend transversely to the extension direction of the pad (17, 19).

5. seat ventilation device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the respective air inlet (46, 52) or air outlet (50, 56) in a front region (44) of the seat cushion cushion (17) and in an upper region (58 ) of the backrest cushion (19) is provided.

6. seat ventilation device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the respective air inlet (46, 52) or air outlet (50, 56) of a seat cover (60) is covered.

7. seat ventilation device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the respective channel arrangement (23, 24) on an upper side (26) of a cushion pad (20) of the seat cushion cushion (17) and the backrest cushion (19) and arranged upward is designed to be open.

8. seat ventilation device according to claim 7, characterized in that the padded support (20) or the respective channel arrangement (23, 24) with an air guide layer (32) are covered.

9. seat ventilation device according to claim 8, characterized in that between the seat cover (60) and the channel assembly (23, 24), and in particular between the seat cover (60) and the air guide layer (32), a layer (34) is provided with capillary action ,

10. seat ventilation device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the respective air inlet (46, 52) and air outlet (50, 56) of a perforated leather cover (60) is covered.

11. seat ventilation device according to claim 10, characterized in that the perforation of the leather cover (60) in the region of the respective air inlet (46, 52) and air outlet (50, 56) has enlarged openings (62).

12. Vehicle seat, in particular for an open passenger car, with a backrest cushion (19) and with a seat cushion cushion (17), characterized in that the backrest cushion (19) and the seat cushion cushion (17) have a seat ventilation device according to one of the claims 1 to 11.