DE20320370U1 - Unit for air-conditioning of vehicle seats, comprises top and bottom air distribution sections joined by a connector section, with at least one of these sections incorporating an elongate cavity - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit serving for air-conditioning of vehicle seats comprises a core cushion covered by top and bottom air distribution sections joined by a connector section. At least one of these three sections incorporates an elongate cavity which conducts air and accommodates at least one support element.

Description

State of the art

Out US 1,541,213 and US 2922466 Seat cushions are known in which a multiplicity of spirals arranged next to one another form a spacer layer between the seat and the user. This is to prevent excessive sweating of the user. However, there is no real control of moisture removal.

Out US 2,992,604 a seat cover is known in which air is blown through a fan and blown into a spiral mat lying on the seat. In winter, however, these cushions have to be removed in order to activate the seat heating.

Out DE 102 28 406 is known to incorporate a heating conductor in plastic spirals to heat a seat. However, the efficiency of such an arrangement is limited because the distance from the seat user is very large.

task

The task is alternative To provide devices for the air conditioning of vehicle seats.

Subject of invention

The invention relates to a device with the features of claim 1. Further refinements are the subclaims removable.

description the invention

1) Climate comfort upholstery composite

In X A cushion core is shown as a composite component, which has an upper air distribution layer facing the passenger and a lower air distribution layer lying on the seat structure. The upholstery core is made of soft PU foam or rubber hair. The distribution layer is formed by a spacer material, which is characterized by a high air permeability transversely to the surface and perpendicular to it.

• a) The air inlet is in the upholstery part yourself on the bottom. Air transport from the underside of the upholstery to the upholstery top can be designed in different ways: i) One or more vertical air outlets connect upholstery and bottom. The air outlets can designed as round channels be formed in the foaming process, or later to be punched. The channels that open vertically into the surface do not need any additional ones support, because when a person is seated, small forces act on the channel walls and therefore no change in cross-section of the channel takes place. Will the ventilation field on the upholstery surface through Trenches in divides several fields that arise from reference cross-filing, so everyone must Field be provided with at least one air outlet. ii) One throughout the Air distribution layer with a foam core creates the air connection of Upholstery top and bottom. This can be done by a mat-like design Layer that can be reached over the front surface or rear side surface of the Upholstery core is struck, so that upper, lower distribution layer and air connection are realized in one component. The upholstery core is so rounded that also do not kink the ventilation layer when a person sits can and therefore the air flow is hindered or interrupted.
• b) For the lower air distribution layer has two design options: i) The layer is characterized by a flat Material formed. This creates large cross sections for the air duct with a low overall depth, typically 5mm to 15mm. This Layer can be a spiral mat, which is made by gluing the Spirals on a textile medium arises. The carrier can point to the foam core or to the seat structure. ii) One or several channel trenches formed on the underside of the foam, the parallel to the lower surface of the foam a person will collapse if they collapse supported by spirals. The canals can run in parallel or starting from a center at which the fan located, star-shaped lead to the different upholstery areas. The channel shape can be semicircular, rectangular or trapezoidal be formed.
• c) There are several design options for the upper air distribution layer facing the passenger: i) The layer is formed by a spiral structure mat. The spiral mat is created by gluing the spirals to a textile carrier medium. The carrier can face the foam core or the seat structure. ii) The layer is formed by one or more layers of spacer fabrics. The knitted fabric is produced by punching on the desired contour of the ventilation field. iii) The layer consists of a flat-shaped rubber hair body, a bristle mat or other air-permeable materials iv) The upholstery core has a structured, knob-like surface, or an additional molded foam part with a structured surface is glued to the foam body. The molded foam part can be made from reticulated (open-cell, air-permeable) foam. The structure can then also face the foam core. This means that the structure is less marked on the reference surface. The structuring can be produced by embossing the foam or by removing material (milling).
• d) The ventilation the seat contact surface using the cushion element described above can be as follows are implemented: i. A fan is on the underside of the upholstery attached and blowing into the lower air distribution layer. The fan can on the Seat structure or the upholstered part itself attached. The lower ventilation layer has an air inlet opening. ii. The lower ventilation layer has an air inlet opening and the top layer has a hidden air outlet opening. This can be for the Seat passenger not visible and noticeable between backrest and seat cushion be attached or incorporated into the backrest cover and thus be directed towards the rear passenger. The air flow under the seat contact surface is caused by natural Convection in the manner of a fireplace by heating the air arises in the upper layer. The heating takes place through the body heat of the Passenger that passes to the seat cushion. iii. As ii) however, the air is heated in the upper distribution layer through a heating medium incorporated into the layer. Heating the Air causes a larger temperature difference to the ambient air and thus more convection. In addition is the warm air is more moisture absorbent. iv. Like ii), however, the air is heated in the upper distribution layer due to the heating of the seat surface by sunlight while the vehicle is at a standstill. additionally the upper air distribution layer is heat-insulating, so that the Upholstery core less heated. One in the heating of the sunlit Upholstery core has a thermophysiological effect for the passenger when driving disadvantageous because of the body the thermal mass of the foam and the seat structure for a long time Time warmth is fed. To 1) d) i) Connection of the Fan to the lower air distribution layer w) On the bottom the air distribution layer is an air inlet opening in the spacing medium. The opening corresponds in cross section to the air outlet opening of the fan. In The opening of the spiral structure mat is created by a cutout in the top layer, which is optionally provided by a frame or a grid Protection of the fan rotor supported becomes. x) The fan is attached to the end face of the distribution layer. An adaptation fits the cross-sectional shape of the fan outlet to the flat inlet in the Distribution layer. A radial fan is preferably used for fluidic reasons Insert that has a narrower outlet than an axial fan and blows out the air drawn in from below by 90 ° y) The spiral structure mat opens into a widening connecting channel that is circular Spirals is supported with increasing diameters. The entrance opening on The cross section of the end of the duct corresponds to the air outlet opening of the Fan. z) like y) but the channel is created by the continuation, Widening and interweaving of the spirals from the spiral structure mat
• e) The dehumidification of the seat surface can be done using a moisture intermediate buffer reinforced in the upper spacing medium become. This has an advantageous effect in the case of getting on board heavily sweating person, as accruing on the seat contact surface Moisture or water vapor is quickly absorbed by the cushion. By the ventilation and heating the cushion, the buffer is emptied continuously. The buffer can be introduced into the layer in the following way: i. Fill up the spiral spaces or spiral interiors with moisture-adsorbing granules, e.g. from activated carbon ii. pollination the spiral surface moisture adsorbing powder. Adhesion of the powder by melting the spiral surface or adhesive coating iii. Moisture absorbing fleece top layer the spiral mat.
• f) The air distribution layers must be connected to the upholstery core to prevent the layers from slipping during cover assembly (upholstery) and seat use. The connection can be established as follows: i. The distribution layer can be introduced in the molded foam process (foaming). As a result, the entire surface adhesion of the layer is achieved. A separating layer made of foil or dense textile prevents the liquid foam from penetrating in the manufacturing process and keeps the channels (spiral channels) open. The separating layer can completely or partially replace the downward-facing support layer of the spiral mat. The fan inlet opening is located in the area of the edges of the upper molded foam tool and is kept free in the foaming process by a cover or is guided out of the foam tool in the manner of a snorkel. ii. The distribution layer is introduced in the form of a mat, which is placed in depressions in the foam core. The depressions form a negative of the outer shape of the mat. The positive locking prevents the mat from slipping. iii. Holders in the form of claws, hooks or Velcro fasteners are attached to the foam core Untitled. These brackets are preferably attached or foamed around the foam core by the molded foam process. The brackets grip the microstructure of the distribution layer or the spiral bands. iv. The distribution layer is attached to the foam core by an adhesive connection. The carrier layer facing the foam surface has a contour protrusion from the spacer medium. The protruding edge of the textile or film-like layer is connected to the foam core with an adhesive.

2) Foamed heating and air conditioning module

A molded foam part with a comfort layer in the area of the seat contact surface can be designed as follows:
i. A heating medium is connected to a spacer medium. The composite covers the upper side of a molded foam core facing the passenger. The heating medium forms the outer layer facing the surface. The comfort composite is preferably introduced into the manufacturing process within the foaming process, as a result of which a stable, adhesive-free and full-area connection is created.
ii. Like i), however, the heating medium is an integral part of the spacing medium.

• a) The spacer medium is a flexible material with high compression hardness and big Elastic recovery, so that at A passenger's defined space is retained. Yet the medium should be able to adapt easily to any contour in the foam and Can pass pressure loads without distribution on the foam so seating comfort is not affected by the medium. i) The layer is formed by a spiral structure mat. The spiral mat is created by gluing the spirals onto a textile carrier medium. The carrier can point to the foam core or to the seat structure. ii) The layer is formed by one or more layers of spacer fabrics. The The knitted fabric is punched onto the desired contour of the ventilation field manufactured. iii) The layer consists of a flat-shaped Rubberized hair body made of a bristle mat or other air-permeable materials. iv) The upholstery core has a structured, knob-like surface, or an additional molded foam part with a structured surface is on the foam body glued. The molded foam part can be made from reticulated (open-cell, air-permeable) Be made of foam. The structure can then also become the foam core point. This will result in a lesser mark on the structure the reference surface reached. The structuring can be done by embossing the foam or by Material removal (milling) getting produced.
• b) heating element i) The flat heating medium is with an adhesive layer in a lamination process with the spacer medium connected. A thermoplastic or superheated steam-activatable adhesive fleece is preferred used The flat Heating medium consists of - heating conductor, the one on a flat carrier is laid and glued - network parallel carbon fibers, which are sewn on one textile carrier is applied. - Metallic Coating on carrier film - heating medium made of conductive Plastic layer. The plastic is characterized by a decrease in specific conductivity with increasing temperature from (PTC). The heating current flows between two layers of electrodes perpendicular to the upholstery surface. The This means that the heating output can differ regionally according to the heat dissipation his. ii) The heating medium is used as a heating conductor in the spacing medium brought in. 1. The heating conductor is laid between the spirals and by gluing to the carrier layer be attached 2. The heating conductors are made by the spirals pulled and then without additional Fastening come to rest 3. The heating conductors are over a Loop to the nearest one Spiral led become. This creates a meandering laying of the heating conductor. 4. The loops can be attached to the carrier by adhesive dots Turning points can be fixed or on an adhesive sheet on a protruding edge of the carrier being held. 5. The thermoplastic surface of the Spirals made of thermoplastic material can be caused by heat be melted. The heat input can by radiation, hot air or heating the conductors themselves. This will created adhesive points on the contact points of the conductor to the spiral, which after harden of the thermoplastic for provide a mechanical connection. 6. The heating conductors can Have sheathing that serves as abrasion protection.
• c) The connection of the spacing medium to the foam can be designed in the following way: - The distribution layer can be introduced in the molded foam process (foaming). As a result, the entire surface adhesion of the layer is achieved. A separating layer made of foil or dense textile prevents the liquid foam from penetrating in the manufacturing process and keeps the channels (spiral channels) open. The interface can completely or partially replace the downward facing base layer of the spiral mat. A protrusion of the separating layer also protects the side edges of the spacing medium. The excess can be wrapped around the distance medium and fixed to the top. - The entire comfort component is inserted into the foam mold and fixed against slipping in the foam process. The separating layer faces the foam core.

3) Spiral structure mat with padded interspaces

A molded foam part with a comfort layer in the area of the seat contact surface can be designed as follows: The comfort layer is covered by a Spiral structure mat formed. The spiral mat is created by gluing of spirals on a textile medium. The carrier can point to the foam core or to the seat structure. Gluing the Spirals on the carrier can be made by melting the tapes thermoplastic material.

The spiral structure mat is a. limp spacing medium with high compression hardness and great resilience, so that when sitting a passenger's defined freedom is retained. Yet the medium can easily adapt to any contour in the foam and Pass on pressure loads without distribution to the foam. So that will the comfort of the upholstery is not affected by the medium.

The free spaces of the spiral structure can be filled with comfort-effective materials are used, as well as for the wiring and recording of sensors. The cushioning properties of the unfilled spacer material should be largely preserved, which is why only a part of the available Volume filled up becomes.

• a) The filling consists of balls, flakes or granules. Possible filling materials are: i) globule made of heat insulating Styrofoam / polystyrene. This will result in less heating of the Foam core reached when the sun is shining while the vehicle is stationary. The heat stored in the upholstery core affects driving for the Passenger thermophysiologically disadvantageous. The top layer acts as a heat insulator even in winter conditions, so that in the cold vehicle seat less body heat to the foam core is directed. ii) moisture adsorbing granules, e.g. activated carbon to improve seating comfort iii) Recycled foam flakes for good Upholstery comfort and reset behavior iv) Granulate-foam flake mixture for good upholstery comfort, reset behavior and improved seating comfort v) Animal and vegetable Natural fibers to improve seating comfort and thermal comforts
• b) The freedom in the spiral mat for receiving be used by sensors - Pressure sensors for seat occupancy detection. This if they are film-like, preferably under the spiral mat arranged. The spiral mat has the property pass the print information downwards. The sensors are therefore damaged protected, that arise from seat use when installing close to the cover can. - temperature sensors for seat heating, air controllers - humidity sensors for control of seat air conditioning - Thermostats for seat heating - operating switch or pressure sensors for the operation of seat adjustments and other electro-mechanical comfort elements
• c) The freedom in the spiral mat for receiving are used by actuators, e.g. massage motors
• d) The freedom in the spiral mat for receiving used by lines. The lines are thus protected from damage Assembly and seat use protected. Furthermore, the lines for not noticeable to the user and do not appear on the upholstery surface during use. - heating conductor - round cable for the Supply of seat heating, seat adjustments - ribbon cables for the Supply of seat heating, seat adjustments - Supply hoses for pneumatic seat adjusters - Liquid-carrying hoses for seat heating and seat cooling
• e) Installation of the comfort layer: One consistently over the Foam core drawn layer creates the connection of upholstery and bottom. This can be done by a mat-like component be achieved through the front surface or rear side surface of the Upholstery core is struck. The upholstery core is rounded so that the layer cannot buckle even when a person sits in it and thus guided in the shift Lines (see d)) damaged can be. Furthermore, the cable routing covered and for the user is neither visible nor perceptible.
• f) The support layers for the spiral medium can have the following properties: The cover layer is formed by a textile medium or foam, so that the filling granulate, the lines, the sensors or the spirals themselves are prevented from being drawn through to the upholstery surface. The top layer can be coarse-meshed or open-celled, but the granules should also cover the top layer when using the Cannot penetrate the seat. - The cover layer can be vapor-permeable and water-repellent in order to protect the media and components underneath the layer from the ingress of liquid and at the same time to maintain the climatic comfort of the seat. - All materials that additionally improve the upholstery properties of the seat and the feel of the upholstery surface are suitable for the cover layer: nonwovens, textiles, foams, foils. Restrictions in the selection arise due to the implementation of an adhesive connection to the spiral medium. - Translucent foils in connection with a perforated reference surface and a light medium in the seat enable the upholstery surface to be illuminated. The lighting can be used to visualize the control element position, sensor position and the functional state of a comfort element. The lighting also enhances the visual appearance of the seat design.
• g) Replacement of the entire cushion by spiral structure medium The geometrical and constructive freedom of the spiral structure enables a substitution of the entire foam core. With the use of several spiral layers, large spiral cross sections, intertwined spirals, the construction of a voluminous shaped body is achieved. The thermoplastic deformability enables the processing of the surface profile as the last manufacturing step. As a carrier layer for the spiral medium 3 f) the combination of upholstery fabric and underwear can be used. The entire seat upholstery consisting of the upholstery core, cover and spring base is thus replaced by a single unit.

Claims (27)

Contraption ( 3 ) for air conditioning a vehicle seat ( 20 ) with a cushion core ( 22 ) for supporting a passenger, with an upper air distribution device ( 25 ) on the front facing the passenger ( 27 ) of the upholstery core ( 22 ) and a lower air distribution device ( 32 ) on its rear facing away from the passenger ( 30 ), with a connecting device ( 35 ) for transferring air between the first and the second air distribution device ( 25 . 32 ), characterized in that at least one of the three devices ( 25 . 32 . 35 ) is provided with an elongated cavity ( 37 ), in whose air-guiding cross section at least one support element ( 14 ) is provided. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the three devices ( 25 . 32 . 35 ) are provided with a base layer ( 8th ), an intermediate layer ( 10 ) and a top layer ( 12 ), the layers ( 8th . 10 . 12 ) are arranged at least partially overlapping one another, the intermediate layer ( 10 ) at least one support element ( 14 ) for transferring mechanical loads between the base layer ( 8th ) and top layer ( 12 ), which is formed in particular from a firm but flexible material. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the between the base layer ( 8th ), the top layer ( 12 ) and the support element ( 14 ) remaining space further functional elements ( 18 ) are arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 3 ) with the upholstery core ( 22 ) is firmly bonded. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element ( 18 ) a sensor ( 40 ), especially for the detection of pressure, temperature, distance, humidity, acceleration, sound, and that this is in particular directly under the support element ( 14 ) is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element ( 18 ) a ladder device ( 42 ) is, in particular an optical fiber, a flat cable, a round cable, a heating conductor ( 44 ), a pneumatic line or a fluid-carrying hose, especially with coolant. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element ( 18 ) an actuator ( 46 ), in particular a massage device, an operating element or a thermostat. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element ( 18 ) is a passive, non-electrical device, especially in a shaped or shapeless packing ( 48 ), in particular with heat-insulating material such as polystyrene, in particular with moisture-absorbing material such as activated carbon, in particular with textile or textile-like components such as wool, natural fibers, waste foam residues and / or rubber hair, and / or in particular in the form of flakes or granules. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element ( 14 ) has: at least one in particular spiral or meandering spring ( 50 ) preferably made of a band-like plastic material, preferably a plurality of springs on a carrier layer supporting it ( 52 ), a spacer textile with large, open air volume, a foam with a nubenar tig profiled surface structure ( 54 ), and / or a mat made of rubber hair, bristles or fleece. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element ( 14 ) has a moisture-storing surface, in particular through dusting / coating with activated carbon. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fan device ( 60 ) is connected to the device to allow air to pass through the intermediate layer ( 10 ) that the passage of air between the fan unit ( 60 ) in the device, in particular perpendicular or in alignment with the intermediate layer ( 10 ), preferably in one area ( 62 ) the intermediate layer ( 10 ) with increased layer thickness, preferably in an area whose one end ( 64 ) has a thickened, round cross-section, and the other end ( 66 ) preferably has a flattened, widened cross section. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fan device ( 60 ) on the front facing the passenger ( 27 ) of the upholstery core ( 22 ) is connected to the device, and / or that the fan device ( 60 ) on the back ( 30 ) of the upholstery core ( 22 ) connected. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting device ( 35 ) at least one, in particular, vertically arranged recess ( 68 ) in the cushion core, which is preferably air-permeable with the intermediate layer ( 10 ) of the upper air distribution device ( 25 ) and / or with the intermediate layer ( 10 ) of the lower air distribution device ( 32 ) is connected. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the intermediate layer ( 10 ) on the side of the upholstery core ( 22 ) around it from the front ( 27 ) to the back ( 30 ) that preferably a conductor device ( 42 ) and that part of the intermediate layer ( 10 ) preferably on the side of the upholstery core ( 22 ) is arranged to the back of the passenger's knee and / or to the back of the seat ( 20 ) points. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a plurality of recesses ( 68 . 68 ' ) in the upholstery core, which preferably has several individual sections ( 70 . 70 ' ) on the upholstery core ( 22 ) arranged intermediate layer ( 10 ) and / or the upper air distribution device ( 25 ) with the one under the upholstery core ( 22 ) arranged intermediate layer ( 10 ) and / or the lower air distribution device ( 32 ) connects. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base layer ( 8th ) has a textile layer - in particular a fleece -, a foam and / or a film that the base layer ( 8th ) is thick enough to allow support elements ( 14 ) and / or functional elements ( 18 ) to prevent that the base layer is at least partially transparent, that the base layer is vapor-permeable, that the base layer is water-repellent, and / or that the base layer is covered by the cushion core ( 22 ) of the vehicle seat ( 20 ), a densified area of the intermediate layer ( 10 ), a seat cover ( 72 ) and / or a flat heating element ( 74 ) is formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover layer ( 8th ) has a textile layer - in particular a fleece -, a foam and / or a film that the cover layer ( 8th ) is thick enough to allow support elements ( 14 ) and / or functional elements ( 18 ) to prevent the cover layer from being at least partially transparent, the cover layer being vapor-permeable, the cover layer being water-repellent, and / or the cover layer being covered by the cushion core ( 22 ) of the vehicle seat ( 20 ), a densified area of the intermediate layer ( 10 ), a seat cover ( 72 ) and / or a flat heating element ( 74 ) is formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base layer ( 8th ) with the upholstery core ( 22 ) is cohesively connected, and / or that the device is in particular foamed during the manufacture of the upholstery core with the upholstery core ( 22 ) connected is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer ( 10 ) and / or the base layer ( 8th ) an essentially liquid-impermeable layer ( 76 ), which on the upholstery core ( 22 ) facing side of the intermediate layer ( 10 ) is arranged, which is preferably on the same material as the cushion core ( 22 ), in particular made of polyurethane, and which preferably essentially the base layer ( 8th ) forms. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base layer ( 8th ) and / or the top layer ( 12 ) deepened ( 80 ) and / or increased ( 82 ) Has surface areas, in particular around channel-like areas ( 84 ) that at least in the support element ( 14 ) - preferably all - in a recessed surface area ( 80 ) is arranged, with increased surface areas ( 82 ) preferably have approximately the same height level as the recessed area ( 80 ) with support element ( 14 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device and / or parts thereof in recesses ( 86 ) of the upholstery core ( 22 ) are used and are preferably attached there by means of stickers, hooks, Velcro fasteners or the like. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat electrical heating element ( 74 ) on or in the intermediate layer ( 10 ), the base layer ( 8th ) and / or the top layer ( 12 ) is arranged, preferably forms at least one of the three layers, preferably has an electrically heatable textile in particular with carbon threads and / or an electrically conductive film and / or at least one heating wire arranged in a meandering manner, and / or preferably on the side of the intermediate layer facing the passenger ( 10 ) is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one conductor, in particular a heating conductor ( 44 ), which is provided in particular in at least one intermediate space ( 88 ) between at least two support elements ( 14 ) in the intermediate layer ( 10 ) is arranged, or in particular in one of a support element ( 14 ) formed space ( 90 ) in the intermediate layer ( 10 ) is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support elements ( 14 ) a large number of elongated, in particular essentially parallel spaces ( 88 . 88 ' ) that at least one preferably insulated heating conductor ( 44 ) in at least two such spaces ( 88 . 88 ' ) is arranged, and / or that the heating conductor ( 44 ) at its transition ( 92 ) from a space ( 8th ) in the other space ( 88 ' ) is fixed to the device, in particular to the base and / or the top layer ( 8th . 12 ), especially with a stripe ( 94 ) adhesive material that is essentially perpendicular to the gaps ( 88 . 88 ' ) is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer ( 10 ) and the flat heating element ( 74 ), in particular with an adhesive fleece as a carrier, are laminated to one another, and / or that support elements formed at least partially from a thermoplastic ( 14 ) melted and with the heating element ( 74 ) are pressed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cushion core ( 22 ) also at least one support element ( 14 ), in particular essentially from a multitude of support elements ( 14 ) is formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating element ( 74 ) and / or the heating conductor ( 44 ) and / or heating of the seat, in particular by the sun or a passenger, an air flow along the intermediate layer ( 10 ) in the intermediate layer ( 10 ) causes.