WO2000018606A1

WO2000018606A1 - Seat ventilation device

Info

Publication number: WO2000018606A1
Application number: PCT/AU1999/000839
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerhold Volkland
Original assignee: Ygg Pty Limited
Priority date: 1998-09-30
Filing date: 1999-09-30
Publication date: 2000-04-06

Abstract

A ventilation device (10) for use with or as part of a seat (12), the device (10) being connected with a source of positive fluid pressure via line (22) including a base (18), a plurality of divider elements (24) arranged on the base (18) to define a plurality of passageways (26) therebetween, the passageways (26) being open away from the base (18) and adapted for being at least partially enclosed by a user sitting on the device (10), each passageway (26) being connected to and extending out from a central passageway (27) which is also adapted for being at least partially enclosed by a user sitting on the device (10), the device (10) further including a fluid flow diffuser (20) which is adapted for receiving flow from the source and directing it into the central passageway (27) in use.

Description

SEAT VENTILATION DEVICE Technical Field

The invention relates to a ventilation device for use with, or as part of a seat. Background Art

Vehicle drivers and passengers can become uncomfortable when travelling due to contact with the seat causing perspiration. This is a problem for professional drivers who are seated in the vehicle for extended periods, and is particularly a problem in warm or humid climates.

Alternatively, in cold climates, seats can become very cold when not used (e.g. overnight) .

Various ventilation devices are known. For example, US4997230, US5613729, EP206151 and DE3903303 show very similar ventilated seat cover apparatus to each other. In each case, conditioned air is introduced into upper and lower hinged portions of the cover, the conditioned air passing out of the apparatus through air pervious front panels . JP09108070 discloses a seat cover formed from a plurality of perforated pipes. However, for the pipes to function and not be blocked (compressed) by a user' s weight they would need to be formed from a hard material and this would be extremely uncomfortable. US5626386 discloses an air-cooled/heated vehicle seat assembly, wherein the seat base and seat back themselves are formed from a pervious cover, and passageways are moulded into the structure of the seat itself. These passageways communicate with the cushion portions of the seat base and seat back to diffuse air thereacross. However, this arrangement is very complex and very specific to a certain type of fixed seat.

DE4228163 discloses a seat or bed cover which has a base with a number of hoses arranged thereon. Each hose has a number of air holes formed therealong and out through which air can be directed. However, when a user is seated on this device the air holes are blocked and the functioning of the device becomes ineffectual. US4002108 discloses a ventilated back seat rest which has a panel formed with a spiralling air passageway which is open at the side thereof contacted by the occupier of the chair or seat. However, the air source is connected to the centre of the spiral, so that as the air moves progressively outwards through the spiral, it loses both pressure (air flow) and either increases in temperature (when it is a cool air source) or loses temperature (when it is a warm air source) thereby decreasing its capacity for heat exchange. Also, its moisture content is increased, so that the device is really only effective at the very central part of the spiral.

Thus, the arrangements disclosed in all of these documents are relatively complex and therefore relatively costly to manufacture. It would be advantageous if at least preferred embodiments of the present invention provided a seat ventilation device which improves the fluid flow characteristics of prior art devices.

Disclosure of Invention Accordingly the present invention provides a ventilation device suitable for use with or as part of a seat and adapted for being connected with a source of positive fluid pressure, the device including: - a base; - a plurality of divider elements arranged on the base to define a plurality of passageways therebetween, the passageways being open therealong and away from the base and adapted for being at least partially enclosed therealong by a user sitting on the device, with each passageway being connected to and extending out from a central passageway which is also adapted for being at least partially enclosed therealong by a user sitting on the

a fluid flow direction means which is adapted for receiving flow from the source and directing it into the central passageway in use. By providing a central passageway from which the plurality of passageways branch off, enhanced fluid flow characteristics can be achieved with the device and hence a more even distribution of fluid of a consistent quality can be achieved. Preferably the base includes a seat portion adapted for being arranged within, or located at, a seating section of the seat, and a back portion adapted for being arranged within, or located at, a back rest section of the seat; and wherein the fluid flow direction means is a diffuser arranged between the seat and back portions of the device. Thus, the device can cover or form part of virtually the entire seating surface area of any seat that includes a back rest (eg. m automobiles, office chairs, furniture etc) for maximum user comfort. Preferably the central passageway extends centrally forwards and across the seat portion and extends centrally upwards and for the length of the back portion, with the diffuser including a generally laterally directed outlet for directing fluid to the seat portion central passageway and a generally upwardly directed outlet for directing fluid to the back portion central passageway. Thus, the diffuser can be located at a hinge or join of the seat portion to the back portion, that is, between the seating section and the back rest section of the seat, thereby typically being out of contact from a user sitting on the device.

Preferably the plurality of passageways branch transversely out from both sides of the central passageway in both the seat and back portions. This branching arrangement helps maximise air flow distribution through the ventilation device.

In one preferred arrangement the divider elements are shaped such that with a user seated on the device, the effective cross-sectional fluid flow area of each passageway progressively decreases outwardly from the central passageway to the end of each passageway. Such an arrangement causes a back pressure-type effect in the device in use, and this can be used to enhance distribution of fluid flow to areas more remote from the diffuser.

Preferably the end of each passageway is open to the surrounds, and thus moisture containing air can be readily released from the device.

Typically the fluid is a gas, usually conditioned air. The divider elements can be integrally formed with the base, and both are typically formed of a non-porous material . The device is typically in the form of a separate seat cover which additionally can have a fluid inlet tube connected to the diffuser. Typically the cover can be releasably fastenable to the seat. An air vent (eg. in an automobile, air conditioning duct tec) can be used as a source of air pressure and air can be transferred from the vent to the device via the inlet tube.

As an alternative, the device can be integrated into the seat. In this case, the seat itself can function as the base, and the divider elements can either be separately affixed to (eg. removably) or integrally formed or moulded with the seat. The seat can also have its own source of air pressure or can have an inlet for receiving an inlet tube connected with an external source of fluid pressure . Brief Description of Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat cover attached to a vehicle seat in which the direction of air flow is indicated by arrows;

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the cover of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a similar view to Figure 1 but of a second embodiment of the seat cover in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a seat ventilation device formed as part of the seat.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a seat cover 10 which is attached by straps 11 to a seat 12 having a seating section 13 and a back rest section 14.

The seat cover 10 includes a backing layer 18 which is impervious to air flow and which faces the seat 12 in use. Typically layer 18 is formed of an impervious material such as a continuously formed (moulded) or tightly woven polymeric material.

The seat cover 10 further incorporates a diffusion tube 20 which introduces air to the seat cover 10, and which can be connected with an external air source (not shown) via an inlet tube 22. The diffusion is typically located at the hinge/joint between the back portion and seat portion of the cover so as not to be occluded by a user sitting thereon. The air source can be, for example, the outlet duct of a vehicle air conditioning system, or a separate fan or other pressurised source of gas or air (eg. an air conditioning outlet in an office, factory or the like) .

Located on the backing layer are a plurality of divider elements 24 which are arranged to define a plurality of passages 26 therebetween (as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4) . The backing layer 18 interconnects the divider elements 24, but is not essential, as the divider elements 24 can be connected directly to or formed as part of the seat (Figure 4) . The cover can also be formed by other convenient means such as by employing strips that directly connect adjacent divider elements 24. Also the cover can be provided as a kit of parts.

The divider elements 24 are typically formed and spaced sufficiently close to each other such that they provide a generally continuous form of support to a user when sitting on the seat cover 10, and as such the passages 26 are not closed (blinded) by the user's weight in use. However, when a person is seated on the seat cover 10, the passages 26 are in effect enclosed by the person's body as, for example, the person's back spans a number of divider elements 24. Typically, near the diffusion tube 20, the divider elements 24 are relatively less broadly spaced while further from the diffusion tube 20, the divider elements 24 are progressively more broadly spaced and may also start closer to the centre of the seat cover 10 (as best illustrated in Figure 3) . This arrangement takes account of differential pressures within the device in use and enhances air flow to passages remote from tube 20.

The transversely extending passages 26 extend out from both sides of central passageway 27 in both the back and seat portions of the cover. It has been found that such an arrangement maximises the cooling effect over the bulk of the cover surface.

The inlet tube 22 further incorporates a pair of adjacent outlet vents 28, 30 that each direct air towards a respective central passage 27 in the back and seat portions of the cover. In addition, at the end of each passage 26, an exit 32 is defined for releasing air/gas from the seat cover 10 in use.

Referring now to Figure 3, where like reference numerals have been used to denote similar or like parts, it will be seen that the arrangement of the seat cover is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 1.

However, in this case the divider elements progressively widen (and the passages 26 progressively narrow) moving from the central passageway out towards exit vents 32. Thus, with a user seated on the device, the effective cross-sectional area for fluid flow thereby progressively decreases moving along each passage 26 moving outwardly from central passage 27. As air flows into the passageway, its pressure tends to increase the closer it moves to exit 32, and hence there will be a gradual build- up of back pressure in each passage. The passage widths are controlled such that the build-up in pressure is more pronounced in passages closer to diffusion tube 20, and less pronounced in those passages further away.

Thus, there will be a tendency for similar volumes of gas to pass to the upper and outer extremity passages and not simply just out via those passages closer to the diffuser tube. This control of back pressure throughout the device has the effect of evening the flow of gas therethroughout , and thus an even cooling effect (or heating effect) can be achieved in use.

Referring now to Figure 4, where like reference numerals will be used to denote similar or like parts, it will be seen that the arrangement of the ventilation device is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 1. However, in this case the ventilation device is formed integrally with the seat 12. In this case, the seat itself forms the backing layer. In addition, the tube 20 can either be located externally of the seat (as shown) or built internally therewithm. The seat may also incorporate its own source of fluid (eg. an inbuilt fan that directs air into tube 20).

In use, the seat cover 10 functions by connecting the inlet tube 22 with an air source (not shown) . The inlet tube 22 thus provides air to the diffusion tube 20 and that air is subsequently directed out of vents 28, 30 into the respective central passages 27. Air is distributed from the central passages 27 throughout individual passages 26 in the seat cover 10, between the divider elements 24. Air is thus distributed throughout the seat cover 10 and, as described above, can provide a cool and comfortable, or warm seating for the driver.

As stated above, the backing layer 18 on the underside of the seat cover 10 rests against the actual seat 12 and is typically moulded from the same non-porous, relatively air-tight material as the divider elements to produce a single cover unit. In this regard layer 18 can be formed as a plastic backing, such as a vinyl backing, which is in turn covered by a flexible closed cell polyurethane body facing material in a moulding operation.

The elements 24 can be supplied in a variety of ways, such as by way of coil springs arranged within a cloth material or moulded within a polymeric sponge material. The elements can be provided in the form of detachable strips fitted to the backing layer 18 or directly to the seat by eg. a Velcro ™ hook and loop fastening system or the like. However, usually the backing layer and elements are moulded as one unit (eg. using blow moulding techniques). The elements 24 provide comfort to the driver as well as defining and maintaining the passages 26 in use. That is, the elements 24 enable the ventilation device to effectively and evenly distribute air as well as cushioning the driver.

There are various ways in which to produce the seat cover 10. One of these involves producing a negative mould into which sponge rubber, neoprene rubber or plastic or a similar material is moulded to produce elements 24 and backing layer 18 (as one piece) . A natural fabric layer can be positioned in the mould so that e.g. the polymeric foam attaches to the layer during formation, or can be attached after initial moulding, or in a separate mould altogether . The ventilation device is primarily intended for cooling, though is equally useful for distributing warm air (or other fluid) .

With the arrangements described above, the back and seat sections of a user are directly exposed to gas (air) passing through the seat cover unit, and therefore maximum cooling effects can be achieved. Whilst a fluid pervious cover (eg. a light air-permeable cloth) can also be stretched over the external surface of the cover device, this can restrict fluid flow and thus the effectiveness of gas movement against the back and seat of a user, thereby minimising the overall effect of the device. Hence, its use though possible is typically not preferred.

While the above embodiments are particularly suitable for retro-fitting to car seats 12 and attaching to air vents at the foot of the driver, modified embodiments can be used in other vehicles such as buses, boats and aeroplanes. In fact the arrangement can be used with any type of seat (e.g. in offices, factories, work environments etc) . An available air vent is particularly convenient but a fan, air-conditioning unit or any other source of air or fluid of sufficient pressure can provide a satisfactory result. Also, various other flow arrangements are possible to achieve fluid distribution such as different channel configurations used in combination with different diffuser slot arrangements etc.

Furthermore, when the device is an integral part of the seat itself, a dedicated vent can preferably be provided without the need to use an inlet tube to connect to an existing air vent. Such an arrangement is highly desirable, but is more expensive and complicated to fit or build into existing vehicles. Alternative fluids (e.g. liquids) may also be used in liquid-tight arrangements. For example, vehicle air conditioning fluid can be bypassed from the air conditioning system via the seat.

The above description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, and it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms .

Claims

Cl aims

1. A ventilation device suitable for use with or as part of a seat and adapted for being connected with a source of positive fluid pressure, the device including: a base; a plurality of divider elements arranged on the base to define a plurality of passageways therebetween, the passageways being open therealong and away from the base and adapted for being at least partially enclosed therealong by a user sitting on the device, with each passageway being connected to and extending out from a central passageway which is also adapted for being at least partially enclosed by a user sitting on the device; and - a fluid flow direction means which is adapted for receiving flow from the source and directing it into the central passageway in use.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base includes a seat portion adapted for being arranged within, or located at, a seating section of the seat, and a back portion adapted for being arranged within, or located at, a back rest section of the seat; and wherein the fluid flow direction means is a diffuser arranged between the seat and back portions of the device.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the central passageway extends centrally forward and across the seat portion and extends centrally upwards for the length of the back portion, with the diffuser including a generally laterally directed outlet for directing fluid to the seat portion central passageway and a generally upwardly directed outlet for directing fluid back to the back portion central passageway.

4. A device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the diffuser is located at a hinge or joint between the seat portion and the back portion in a location that is generally adapted for being out of contact from a user sitting on the device.

5. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the plurality of passageways branch transversely out from both sides of the central passageway in both the seat and back portions.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the divider elements are shaped such that when a user is seated on the device, the effective cross- sectional fluid flow area of each passageway progressively decreases outwardly from the central passageway to an end of each passageway.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the end of each passageway is open to the surrounds.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid is a gas, usually conditioned air.

9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the divider elements are integrally formed with the base.

10. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the divider elements and the base are both formed of a non-porous material.

11. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims that is provided as a separate seat cover which additionally can have a fluid inlet tube connected to the diffuser.

12. A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the cover is releasably fastenable to the seat.

13. A device as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein an air vent is used as a source of air pressure and air is transferred from the vent to the device via the inlet tube.

14. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 that is integrated into the seat, wherein the seat itself functions as the base, and the divider elements are either separately affixed to or integrally formed or moulded with the seat .

15. A device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the seat has its own source of air pressure or has an inlet for receiving an inlet tube connected with an external source of fluid pressure.

16. A ventilation device suitable for use with or as part of a seat substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.