MODULAR VENTILATION UNIT FOR A SEAT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seat comprising at least one component, to which air is supplied or removed in a suction mode or in a pressure mode by means of a fan of a ventilation unit on a surface of the at least one component facing the vehicle occupant.

[0002] The printed document DE 10 2007 039 422 B4 describes a fan for a seat ventilation device for a vehicle seat upholstery, by means of which an air flow is to be generated within an air-conducting part, in particular within an air-conducting layer, of the upholstery, wherein the fan can be operated both in suction mode and in pressure mode. In order to be able to switch between suction mode and pressure mode, various variants are proposed in which the fans, designed as axial fans, have a reversible direction of rotation. Today's fan motors are brushless and are commutated via electronics. In one variant, for example, it is provided that either the respective fans or their motors are equipped with a second commutator set or with brushes so that the direction of rotation can be switched accordingly.Other variants use fans that can only be operated in one direction of rotation. To ensure that both suction and pressure operation of the seat ventilation system or the respective fan can be realized, they are, for example, rotatably mounted in one variant, or mechanically reversed in another variant. Thus, in one variant, the fan is rotatably mounted in a bearing, allowing it to be rotated 180° to switch from suction operation to pressure operation - and vice versa. The conversion can be achieved, for example, using a schematically indicated respective actuator.Instead of the rotary bearing, another variant can also provide for a different mechanical reversal, with which a fan that can only be operated in one direction of rotation can be reversed so that in one case it pushes or blows air into the ventilation layer and in the other case it sucks air out of the ventilation layer.

[0003] The document DE 10 2012 006 074 A1 discloses a motor vehicle seat with a surface facing a vehicle occupant, which is designed as a seat or backrest surface, wherein at least one of the respective surfaces is assigned an axial fan, which is switchable in particular between a blowing operation and a suction operation and which causes air intake or air discharge exclusively via the surface facing the vehicle occupant.

[0004] The document DE 11 2008 003 132 B4 discloses a seat air conditioning module for a seat air conditioning arrangement, comprising: - an air movement device for moving a fluid, which is in fluid communication with at least one inlet connection and at least one outlet connection, wherein at least the inlet connection or the outlet connection or both are in fluid communication with an air-conditioned area via a distribution channel, and a valve arrangement with at least two openings, which is movably arranged between the air movement device and the connections of the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, in order to control the movement of the fluid between the connections of the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet and the air-conditioned area,wherein at least one actuating device is arranged for moving the valve arrangement to control the passage of the fluid through the at least two openings and a control device is arranged for at least controlling the position of the at least two openings of the valve arrangement,

[0005] The solutions explained for creating a ventilation unit for a component of a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, with an (optional) suction operation and a pressure operation, which is also referred to as blowing operation, are considered advantageous, but the solutions for switching appear to be very complex and in some cases only feasible by providing a large amount of space.

[0006] In addition, reference is made to the documents KR 2011 000 9371 A, JP H11 155691 A and DE 10 2009 030 491 A1, whereby the document KR 2011 000 9371 A enables switching from suction operation to pressure operation.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of creating a ventilation unit for a seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, which ensures a change between suction operation and pressure operation in a simple manner.

[0008] The starting point of the invention is a seat comprising at least one component, to which air is supplied or removed in a suction mode or in a pressure mode by means of a radial fan of a ventilation unit on a surface of the at least one component facing the vehicle occupant.

[0009] It is provided that the ventilation unit comprises, in addition to the radial fan, a suction duct on the intake side of the radial fan and a pressure duct on the pressure side of the radial fan, wherein each duct is assigned a changeover valve which is connected in such a way that, while maintaining the direction of rotation of the radial fan, a suction flow connection to the at least one component is ensured in the suction duct in suction mode and a pressure flow connection to the at least one component in pressure mode, wherein one of the changeover valves always assumes an open position on the ambient side, in which it simultaneously closes the duct assigned to it in the direction of the at least one component. Advantageously, by switching the changeover valves, a ventilation unit can be operated in suction mode or pressure mode according to the subjective preferences of the user. The effective direction of the seat climate control is therefore no longer fixed, but can advantageously be selected.In conventional seats, especially car seats, one of the operating modes is already fixed and cannot be changed, or the technical solutions for switching from suction operation to pressure operation or vice versa are more complicated and therefore more expensive.

[0010] The switchover valves are designed to be 3 / 2-way switchover valves. Switching from suction to pressure operation and vice versa is conveniently achieved by simply opening and closing the 3 / 2-way switchover valves alternately.

[0011] According to the invention, it is provided that the changeover valves and the radial fan form a compact module in that the changeover valves and the radial fan are arranged so as to be integrated into the ducts, wherein a single actuator is provided for both changeover valves, wherein a single actuator is provided as the actuator for both 3 / 2-way changeover valves, which causes the alternating opening and closing of the 3 / 2-way changeover valves, wherein the single actuator drives a single drive-side axis on which the 3 / 2-way changeover valves designed as ventilation flaps are arranged offset from one another, so that a rotary movement of the single drive-side axis in one or the other direction of rotation by means of the single actuator moves both ventilation flaps into the desired position, wherein a switchover from suction operation to pressure operation and vice versa takes place by the alternating opening and closing of the ventilation flaps.

[0012] Switching positions in suction mode: In detail, it is preferred that a first 3 / 2-way switching valve is arranged in the suction duct, wherein the first 3 / 2-way switching valve assumes a first switching position in suction mode, in which a first path of the suction duct is closed on the ambient side. In this first switching position, a second path is open on the suction side of the radial fan, and a third path is open on the component side.

[0013] A second 3 / 2-way switching valve is arranged in the pressure channel, which, in suction operation, simultaneously with the first 3 / 2-way switching valve assumes a first switching position in which a first path of the pressure channel is open on the ambient side.

[0014] In this first switching position, a second path on the suction side of the radial fan is open and a third path on the component side is closed.

[0015] Switching positions in pressure operation: In detail, it is preferred that the second 3 / 2-way switching valve arranged in the pressure channel assumes a first switching position in which a first path of the pressure channel is closed on the ambient side. In this first switching position, a second path is open on the pressure side of the radial fan, and a third path is open on the component side.

[0016] The first 3 / 2-way switching valve is located in the intake duct. During pressure operation, it assumes a first switching position, simultaneously with the second 3 / 2-way switching valve, in which a first path of the intake duct is open to the ambient side. In this switching position, a second path on the intake side of the radial fan is open, and a third path on the component side is closed.

[0017] With regard to the structural design, it is provided that the switching valves and the fan as well as the ducts are arranged outside the structure of the at least one component or in the structure of the at least one component or in the foam of a cushion of the at least one component, wherein the ducts are connected to at least one air guide duct which ends on the facing surface of the at least one component.

[0018] The switching valves and the fan form a compact module, with the switching valves and the fan being integrated into the ducts. The ventilation unit, which is designed as a single module, can be installed in various locations at the designated locations and only needs to be fluidically connected to at least one air duct in the respective components. An associated control unit essentially controls the fan and the switching valves according to the description. It is easy to switch between suction and blowing (pressure) operating modes, with the fan and the switching valves, or their drives, being electrically connected accordingly.

[0019] As explained above, switching from suction operation to pressure operation and vice versa is advantageously achieved by simply opening and closing the 3 / 2-way switching valves alternately. In other words, the opening and closing of the 3 / 2-way switching valves takes place simultaneously. This insight leads to the inventive solution that the 3 / 2-way switching valves, which are designed as flaps, are moved by means of only a single actuator. Thus, advantageously, only a single actuator is arranged in the module, which can thus also be designed more compactly, and which drives both 3 / 2-way switching valves simultaneously. This actuator drives an axis on which the 3 / 2-way switching valves, designed as flaps, are fixedly arranged and offset from one another.A rotary movement of the single drive-side axis in one or the other direction of rotation by means of the single actuator thus advantageously moves both flaps to the desired OPEN / CLOSED position when the changeover process between the operating modes is initiated and carried out, as explained in detail in the figure description.

[0020] In one embodiment variant, it is preferably provided that the suction channel and the pressure channel are connected to the at least one air guide channel, via which air is alternately sucked out or supplied to the at least one component.

[0021] In another embodiment, it is provided that the suction channel and the pressure channel are each connected to at least one air guide channel, via which air is sucked out or supplied to the at least one component independently of one another.

[0022] The fan is a radial fan, which can build up higher pressures than axial fans at large volume flows.

[0023] It is intended to equip a motor vehicle with such a seat, i.e. a motor vehicle seat which has the ventilation unit described.

[0024] The invention teaches a method for controlling a ventilation unit for a seat cushion according to claim 1, by means of which air is supplied or removed to a surface of the at least one component facing the vehicle occupant in a suction mode or in a pressure mode, wherein the invention provides that the fan is assigned to a suction channel on the intake side and to a pressure channel on the pressure side, wherein each channel is assigned a 3 / 2-way switchover valve which is switched in such a way that, while maintaining the direction of rotation of the radial fan, a suction flow connection is formed in the suction channel in the suction mode and a pressure flow connection is formed in the pressure mode to the at least one component, wherein a switchover from suction mode to pressure mode and vice versa is carried out by alternately opening and closing the 3 / 2-way switchover valves.It is provided that a single actuator is provided for both 3 / 2-way switching valves, which causes the alternating opening and closing of the 3 / 2-way switching valves, wherein the single actuator drives a single drive-side axis on which the 3 / 2-way switching valves designed as ventilation flaps are arranged offset from one another, so that both ventilation flaps are moved into the desired position by means of the single actuator when the single drive-side axis rotates in one or the other direction of rotation.

[0025] The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 shows a ventilation unit in suction mode; and Figure 2 shows a ventilation unit in pressure mode.

[0026] The Figure 1 shows a ventilation unit using the example of a seat, in particular a vehicle seat in suction mode.

[0027] The illustration relates to the seat part 12 and the backrest 14, which has air ducts in the upholstery (not shown in detail) and corresponding supply air ducts to the upholstery, insofar as a fan 10, in particular a radial fan, is / are not arranged directly in the upholstery of the seat part 12 and / or the backrest 14.

[0028] It is understood that one radial fan 10 can be assigned to each component 12, 14 or that only one radial fan 10 is arranged to ventilate all components 12, 14 simultaneously, in which case, of course, all components 12, 14 are ventilated simultaneously either in suction mode or in pressure mode, as in the Figures 1 and 2 is shown.

[0029] It is pointed out that other components, such as the headrest or the side bolster of the seat part 12 and / or the backrest 14, can also be ventilated, provided that corresponding air guide channels are arranged in the upholstery and, if necessary, corresponding supply air channels are arranged between the components.

[0030] The invention is explained below with reference to the seat part 12 and the backrest 14, which according to Figure 1 operated together with a radial fan 10 in suction mode.

[0031] In the right image of the Figure 1A foam 12A, 14A is symbolically represented, in which air ducts are arranged in the upholstery of the seat part 12 and / or the backrest 14. For example, a supply air duct is formed between the seat part 12 and backrest 14 components, so that the air also reaches the upholstery of the backrest 14 when the ventilation unit, which is shown in the right-hand figure, is assigned to the seat part 12, for example.

[0032] In the selected embodiment, the ventilation unit can be arranged on the seat part 12 (externally), in the seat part 12 (integrated into the structure of the seat part 12) or in the upholstery of the seat part 12 (integrated into the upholstery of the seat part 12).

[0033] According to the invention, the ventilation unit, which is preferably designed according to the Figures 1 and 2 (but not necessarily) designed as a compact module, a first air duct I and a second air duct II.

[0034] Each channel I and II is assigned a changeover valve V1, V2, which according to the invention is designed as a 3 / 2-way valve.

[0035] The channels I, II are structurally and fluidically connected to each other via the radial fan 10, whereby the structural connection is made either directly in a compact manner without the interposition of further air-conducting elements.

[0036] During operation of the ventilation system, the first channel I in the embodiment according to Figure 1 the suction channel and the second channel II according to Figure 2 the pressure channel, as explained below. Suction channel I is connected to the suction side of the radial fan 10, while pressure channel II is connected to the pressure side of the radial fan 10.

[0037] The radial fan 10 does not need to be moved to switch from suction mode to pressure mode or vice versa, as is disadvantageously necessary in some prior art variants. Advantageously, the switching valves V1, V2 ensure such switching without the need to move the radial fan, as will be explained below.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, the radial fan 10 is arranged in pressure channel II. This results in a small, compact package for the ventilation unit, which can be installed in various seats, particularly vehicle seats, without modifications to the ventilation unit. The radial fan 10, which has a lower overall height than the axial fan and also generates higher pressure, can in principle also be arranged in the intake channel I, provided that the intake side of the radial fan 10 is made correspondingly fluidically accessible and the pressure side remains fluidically connected to the pressure channel II.

[0039] In the suction channel I, according to Figure 1 the 3 / 2-way switching valve V1 is arranged, which is a ventilation flap, wherein the 3 / 2-way switching valve V1 assumes a first switching position 1.1CLOSED, in which a first path 1.1 of the suction channel I is closed on the ambient side.

[0040] A second path 1.2 on the suction side of the radial fan 10 is open and a third path 1.3 is also open on the component side, in particular on the seat side or foam side / cushion side of the seat part 12, 12A or 14, 14A, so that according to the arrow 1.3 → 1.2 (open position in suction mode channel I) in Figure 1 during operation of the radial fan 10, a suction flow is generated in the first channel I, by means of which the upholstery of the seat part 12 and / or the backrest can be operated in a suction mode.

[0041] In the pressure channel II there is also arranged a 3 / 2-way switching valve V2, which is a ventilation flap, whereby the 3 / 2-way switching valve V2 simultaneously assumes a second switching position 2.1OPEN to the first switching position 1.1CLOSED of the 3 / 2-way switching valve V1, in which a first path 2.1 of the pressure channel II is open to the ambient side.

[0042] A second path 2.2 on the pressure side of the radial fan 10 is open and a third path 2.3 is closed on the component side, in particular on the seat side or foam side / cushion side of the seat part 12, 12A or 14, 14A, since the 3 / 2-way switching valve V2 is in the open position on the ambient side, as shown by the arrow 2.2 → 2.1.

[0043] Thus, a suction operation is ensured by the 3 / 2-way switching valves V1, V2 opening and closing in opposite directions with regard to the channel release or with regard to the ambient side opening of the channels I, II in the described arrangement in the ventilation unit, as can be seen in particular from a synopsis with Figure 2 and the following description is clarified.

[0044] In the suction channel I, according to Figure 2the 3 / 2-way switching valve V1 is arranged, whereby the 3 / 2-way switching valve V1 takes a second switching position 1.1OPEN, so that the first path 1.1 of the suction channel I is now open on the ambient side.

[0045] The first path 1.1 on the ambient side and the second path 1.2 on the suction side of the radial fan 10 are now open, while the third path 1.3 on the seat side or foam side / cushion side of the seat part 12, 12A or 14, 14A is closed, so that according to the arrow 1.1 → 1.2 in Figure 2 during operation of the radial fan 10, a pressing flow is generated in the second channel II, by means of which the upholstery of the seat part 12 and / or the backrest can be operated in a pressure mode.

[0046] As explained, the 3 / 2-way switching valve V2 is also arranged in pressure channel II, whereby the 3 / 2-way switching valve V2 assumes a first switching position 2.1CLOSED, so that the first path 2.1 of pressure channel II is now closed on the ambient side.

[0047] The second path 2.2 on the pressure side of the radial fan 10 and the third path 2.3 on the seat side or foam side / cushion side of the seat part 12, 12A or 14, 14A is open, since the 3 / 2-way switching valve V2 is in the closed position on the ambient side, as shown by the arrow 2.2 → 2.3 (open position in pressure operation channel II).

[0048] Advantageously, a control system comprising a control unit (not shown) and an operating unit provided for the ventilation unit is provided, by means of which a user can select the suction or pressure operation of the components 12, 14 for all components simultaneously and / or individually for the respective components 12, 14 according to their subjective preferences. A corresponding program is stored in the control unit for this purpose.

[0049] A seat 100 with the ventilation unit is configured to execute the method for controlling the ventilation unit. For this purpose, the seat comprises a control device in which a computer-readable program algorithm for executing the method is stored. List of reference symbols

[0050] 100Seat 10Fan 12Seat part 12Foam 14Backrest 14Foam IFirst channel, suction channel IISecond channel, pressure channel V1First switching valve 1.1First way 1.2Second way 1.3Third way 1.1First switching position CLOSED 1.1OPSecond switching position OPEN V2Second switching valve 2.1First way 2.2Second way 2.3Third way 2.1First switching position CLOSED 2.1OPSecond switching position OPEN

Claims

1. Seat (100) comprising at least one component (12, 14) from which air is removed in a suction mode or to which air is supplied in a delivery mode by means of a radial fan (10) of a ventilation unit on a surface of the at least one component (12, 14) facing the vehicle occupant, the ventilation unit comprising, in addition to the fan (10), a suction channel (I) on the intake side of the radial fan (10) and a delivery channel (II) on the delivery side of the radial fan (10), each channel (I, II) being assigned a 3 / 2-way switching valve (V1, V2), which switching valves are switched in such a way that, while maintaining the direction of rotation of the radial fan (10), a suction flow connection to the at least one component (12, 14) is ensured in the suction channel (I) in the suction mode and a delivery flow connection to said at least one component is ensured in the delivery channel (II) in the delivery mode, one of the 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2) always assuming an open position (1.1AUF, 2.1AUF) toward the surroundings, in which it simultaneously closes the channel (I, II) assigned to it in the direction of the at least one component (12, 14), characterized in that the 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2) and the radial fan (10) form a compact module in that the 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2) and the radial fan (10) are integrated in the channels (I, II), a single actuator being provided for the two 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2), which actuator causes the alternate opening (1.1AUF, 2.1AUF) and closing (1.1ZU, 2.1ZU) of the 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2), the single actuator driving a single drive-side shaft on which the 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2) designed as ventilation flaps are fixedly arranged so as to be offset from one another, so that a rotational movement of the single drive-side shaft in one or the other direction of rotation moves the two ventilation flaps to the desired position by means of the single actuator, switching from the suction mode to the delivery mode and vice versa taking place by alternately opening (1.1AUF, 2.1AUF) and closing (1.1ZU, 2.1ZU) the ventilation flaps.

2. Seat (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first 3 / 2-way switching valve (V1) is arranged in the suction channel (I), the first 3 / 2-way switching valve (V1) assuming a first switching position (1.1ZU) in the suction mode, in which position a first path (1.1) of the suction channel (I) is closed toward the surroundings, and a second path (1.2) is open on the suction side of the radial fan (10) and a third path (1.3) is open on the component side, • a second 3 / 2-way switching valve (V2) being arranged in the delivery channel (II), which simultaneously assumes a first switching position (2.1AUF) in the suction mode, in which position a first path (2.1) of the delivery channel (I) is open toward the surroundings, and a second path (2.2) is open on the suction side of the radial fan (10) and a third path (2.3) is closed on the component side.

3. Seat (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that • the second 3 / 2-way switching valve (V2) is arranged in the delivery channel (II), the second 3 / 2-way switching valve (V2) assuming a first switching position (2.1ZU) in the delivery mode, in which position a first path (2.1) of the delivery channel (II) is closed toward the surroundings and a second path (2.2) is open on the delivery side of the radial fan (10) and a third path (2.3) is open on the component side, • the first 3 / 2-way switching valve (V1) being arranged in the suction channel (I), which simultaneously assumes a first switching position (1.1AUF) in the delivery mode, in which position a first path (1.1) of the suction channel (I) is open toward the surroundings, and a second path (1.2) is open on the suction side of the radial fan (10) and a third path (1.3) is closed on the component side.

4. Seat (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2) and the radial fan (10) as well as the channels (I, II) are arranged • outside the structure of the at least one component (12, 14) or • in the structure of the at least one component (12, 14) or • in the foam of a cushion of the at least one component (12, 14), the channels (I, II) being connected to at least one air guide channel which ends on the facing surface of the at least one component (12, 14).

5. Seat (100) according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the suction channel (I) and the delivery channel (II) are connected to the at least one air guide channel, via which air is alternately suctioned from or supplied to the at least one component (12, 14).

6. Seat (100) according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the suction channel (I) and the delivery channel (II) are each connected to at least one air guide channel, via which air is suctioned from or supplied to the at least one component (12, 14) independently of one another.

7. Motor vehicle comprising a seat (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Method for controlling a ventilation unit for a cushion (16) of a seat (100) according to claim 1, by means of which air is removed from or supplied to a surface of the at least one component (12, 14) facing the vehicle occupant in a suction mode or in a delivery mode, respectively, wherein the radial fan (10) is assigned to a suction channel (I) on the intake side and to a delivery channel (II) on the delivery side, wherein each channel (I, II) is assigned a 3 / 2-way switching valve (V1, V2), which switching valves are switched in such a way that, while maintaining the direction of rotation of the radial fan (10), a suction flow connection to the at least one component (12, 14) is formed in the suction channel (I) in the suction mode and a delivery flow connection to said at least one component is formed in the delivery mode, wherein switching from the suction mode to the delivery mode and vice versa takes place by alternately opening (1.1AUF, 2.1AUF) and closing (1.1ZU, 2.1ZU) the 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2), wherein a single actuator is provided for the two 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2), which actuator causes the alternate opening (1.1AUF, 2.1AUF) and closing (1.1ZU, 2.1ZU) of the 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2), wherein the single actuator drives a single drive-side shaft on which the 3 / 2-way switching valves (V1, V2) designed as ventilation flaps are fixedly arranged so as to be offset from one another, so that the two ventilation flaps are moved to the desired position by means of the single actuator when the single drive-side shaft rotates in one or the other direction of rotation.