Vehicle seat with thermal elements

Abstract

A climate controlled seat assembly comprises a seat cushion having an outer surface with a support portion for supporting an occupant. A supply passage extends through the seat cushion. A distribution system comprises at least one distribution passage configured to distribute air along the support surface of the seat cushion and the distribution system communicates with the supply passage. A fluid system is in communication with the supply passage and is configured to move air between the distribution system and the supply passage. A seat covering is positioned over the support portion of the outer surface of the seat cushion. A heat source is positioned between the seat covering and an inlet to the supply passage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to temperature control. More specifically, this invention relates to temperature control of a seat. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Temperature modified air for environmental control of living or working space is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such as entire buildings, selected offices, or suites of rooms within a building. In the case of vehicles, such as automobiles, the entire vehicle is typically cooled or heated as a unit. There are many situations, however, in which more selective or restrictive air temperature modification is desirable. For example, it is often desirable to provide an individualized climate control for an occupant seat so that substantially instantaneous heating or cooling can be achieved. For example, an automotive vehicle exposed to the summer weather, where the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for a long period, can cause...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an insert for a seat assembly having a seat cushion and a climate control system. The insert includes a channel-shaped body that is configured to be positioned within a corresponding recess formed the seat cushion. A covering layer is positioned generally over the body to form distribution passages. A thermal element is coupled to the covering layer.

Problems solved by technology

For example, an automotive vehicle exposed to the summer weather, where the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for a long period, can cause the vehicle seat to be very hot and uncomfortable for the occupant for some time after entering and using the vehicle, even with normal air conditioning.

Furthermore, even with normal air-conditioning, on a hot day, the occupant's back and other pressure points may remain sweaty while seated.

There are, however, drawbacks with existing temperature control systems for seats.

For example, in particularly adverse conditions, it may take the conditioned air a long period of time to noticeably heat the seat.

In addition, while climate control systems that use thermal modules provide many advantages, they are relatively expensive and thus may not be suitable for all applications.

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