Thermal control system for variable position seating arrangements

Abstract

A vehicle system includes a floor having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The base plate includes a plurality of openings. The seat is movably supported on the base plate. The seat includes a frame having a support member. The anchor system is mounted to the support member. The anchor system includes a selectively deployable anchor that secures the seat to the floor through one of the plurality of openings. A thermal control system is disposed in the seat. The thermal control system includes a conduit having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is selectively connectable to a vehicle-based fluid supply system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject disclosure relates to the field of thermal control systems for vehicle seats, and more particularly, to thermal control systems for seats associated with variable position seating arrangements. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle includes a plurality of seats for accommodating passengers (including the driver). In many cases, the seats are arranged in the front row and the second row is arranged behind the front row. In some cases, the third row is arranged behind the second row. The seats are usually adjustable fore and aft to accommodate passengers of different sizes. That is, the seats are attached to the first support rail and the second support rail and can be moved forward and backward relative to the first support rail and the second support rail. Although the seats can be adjustable and / or removed from the vehicle, the physical position of the seats is fixed in the vehicle.

[0003] The seat rails are securely fastened to the floorpan surface and are not easily moved. Therefore, the seating arrangement in the vehicle is essentially immutable without extensive structural changes by professionals in a specialized repair or remodeling facility. In addition to changing the seat rail position, the ducting for the seat-based environmental system (if provided) must also be moved. Moving the seat rails and ducting is an expensive and labor-intensive endeavor that is not available to all vehicle owners. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system that reduces the cost and complexity of rearranging the seats while maintaining the fluid connections of the seat-based environmental system. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle system includes a floor having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The floor includes a plurality of openings. A seat is movably supported on the floor. The seat includes a frame having a support member. An anchor system is mounted to the support member. The anchor system includes a selectively deployable anchor that secures the seat to the floor through one of the plurality of openings. A thermal control system is disposed in the seat. The thermal control system includes a conduit having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is selectively connectable to a vehicle-based fluid supply system.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, a supply of conditioned fluid flows through the second side of the base plate, the supply of conditioned fluid entering the inlet through a selected opening of the plurality of openings.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the seat includes a seat back and a seat base, the duct includes a first duct and a second duct, the first duct includes a first inlet arranged at a support member and a first outlet arranged in the seat back, and the second duct includes a second inlet arranged at the support member and a second outlet arranged in the seat base.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, a valve element is disposed in each of the plurality of openings, the valve element selectively opening when connected to the inlet.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the valve element includes a flexible nozzle portion including a first section and a second section, the flexible nozzle portion selectively expanding through the inlet.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, a regulated fluid manifold is connected to the inlet, the regulated fluid manifold including a plurality of inlet members that selectively pass through selected openings of the plurality of openings.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the anchor system includes a solenoid including the selectively deployable anchor, the solenoid being energized to extend the selectively deployable anchor through one of the plurality of openings.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the selectively deployable anchor includes a selectively deployable locking portion that selectively prevents withdrawal of the selectively deployable anchor from one of the plurality of openings.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the inlet projects rearwardly from the seat, the inlet being selectively connectable to a fluid supply port of a wall mounted regulator.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a plurality of wheels are connected to the frame.

[0014] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a body defining a passenger compartment having a floor including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a plurality of openings formed in the floor. A seat is movably supported on the first side of the floor. The seat includes a frame having a support member. An anchor system is mounted to the support member. The anchor system includes a selectively deployable anchor that secures the seat to the floor through one of the plurality of openings. A thermal control system is disposed in the seat. The thermal control system includes a conduit having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is selectively connectable to a vehicle-based fluid supply system.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, a supply of conditioned fluid flows through the second side of the base plate, the supply of conditioned fluid entering the inlet through a selected opening of the plurality of openings.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the seat includes a seat back and a seat base, the duct includes a first duct and a second duct, the first duct includes a first inlet arranged at a support member and a first outlet arranged in the seat back, and the second duct includes a second inlet arranged at the support member and a second outlet arranged in the seat base.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, a valve element is disposed in each of the plurality of openings. The valve element selectively opens when connected to the inlet.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the valve element includes a flexible nozzle portion including a first section and a second section, the flexible nozzle portion selectively expanding through the inlet.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, a regulated fluid manifold is connected to the inlet, the regulated fluid manifold including a plurality of inlet members that selectively pass through selected openings of the plurality of openings.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the anchor system includes a solenoid including the selectively deployable anchor, the solenoid being energized to extend the selectively deployable anchor through one of the plurality of openings.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the selectively deployable anchor includes a selectively deployable locking portion that selectively prevents withdrawal of the selectively deployable anchor from one of the plurality of openings.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the passenger compartment includes a side wall including an adjustable fluid supply port, the inlet projecting rearwardly from the seat, the inlet selectively connectable to the adjustable fluid supply port.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a plurality of wheels are connected to the frame.

[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a left side perspective view of a vehicle including a variable position seat with a thermal control system according to a non-limiting example;

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a variable position seat with a thermal control system according to a non-limiting example;

[0028] Figure 3 is connected to a regulated fluid supply port mounted on a base plate according to a non-limiting example Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a variable position seat;

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a frame and support members of a variable position seat with a thermal control system according to another non-limiting example;

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a valve element according to a non-limiting example, the valve element being insertable into one of the regulated fluid supply ports in a closed configuration;

[0031] Figure 6 is in an open configuration according to a non-limiting example Figure 5 A perspective view of a valve element;

[0032] Figure 7 is a top plan view of a vehicle including a regulated fluid supply port disposed along a passenger compartment wall according to yet another non-limiting example; and

[0033] Figure 8 is a side view of a variable position seat according to a non-limiting example, the variable position seat including a Figure 7 A thermal control system for the fluid supply ports. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals represent identical or corresponding components and features. As used herein, the term module refers to a processing circuit, which may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0035] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 1The vehicle 10 is generally indicated at 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. The body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20 having a floor 22 including a first surface 24 and a second surface 26 ( Figure 2 ), the second surface 26 is the opposite side of the first surface 24. A plurality of openings extend through the floor 22, one of which is indicated at 28. The passenger compartment 20 also includes a plurality of walls, one of which is indicated at 30.

[0036] In a non-limiting example, the floor 22 supports a plurality of seats, one of which is indicated at 34, which form a variable position seating arrangement. That is, the seats 34 can be easily moved around the passenger compartment 20 and positioned anywhere an opening 28 is present on the floor 22. As will be described in detail herein, the openings 28 define anchor points for the seats 34. The openings 28 may also define regulated fluid supply ports that deliver regulated fluid to each seat 34, which will also be described in detail herein.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the seat 34 includes a seat back 38 and a seat base 40 having a frame 42. The frame 42 includes a support member 44, which, in addition to providing a base for a plurality of wheels 46, also supports an anchor system 50 and a thermal control system 60. As will be described in more complete detail herein, the anchor system 50 selectively operates to release and / or secure the seat 34 to the base plate 22. In a non-limiting example, the anchor system 50 includes a plurality of solenoids, one of which is indicated at 64. Each solenoid 64 includes a selectively deployable anchor 68 having a selectively deployable locking portion 70. Each solenoid 64 is coupled to a controller 74, which operates to extend and / or retract the selectively deployable anchor 68 and to set and / or release the selectively deployable locking portion 70.

[0038] In a non-limiting example, when it is necessary to reposition the seat 34, the controller 74 signals each solenoid to release each selectively deployable locking portion 70. Once signaled, each selectively deployable locking portion 70 rotates to align with the corresponding selectively deployable anchor 68. At this point, the controller 74 signals each solenoid 64 to retract each selectively deployable anchor 68 from the floor 22. The seat 34 can then be moved to a desired position about the first surface 24 of the floor 22. Once in the desired position, the controller 74 can signal each solenoid 64 to deploy each selectively deployable anchor 68 through the opening 28 in the floor 22 and rotate each selectively deployable locking portion 70 to secure the seat 34 in the passenger compartment 20.

[0039] In addition to securing the seat 34 to the floor 22, deployment and / or retraction of the selectively deployable anchor 68 also establishes a fluid connection for the thermal control system 60. In a non-limiting example, the seat 34 includes a first conduit 78 extending from the support member 44 into the seat back 38 and a second conduit 80 extending from the support member 44 into the seat base 40. The first conduit 78 includes a first inlet 82 and a first outlet 84. The second conduit 80 includes a second inlet 88 and a second outlet 90. The number and arrangement of the conduits may vary with the number and location of the outlets.

[0040] In a non-limiting example, a first deployable nozzle 94 is connected to the first inlet 82, and a second deployable nozzle 96 is connected to the second inlet 88. The first deployable nozzle 94 is also connected to one of the selectively deployable anchors 68 via a first bridge 98, and the second deployable nozzle 96 is connected to the other selectively deployable anchor 68 via a second bridge 100. With this arrangement, activation of the solenoid 64 not only extends and retracts the selectively deployable anchor 68, but also extends the deployable nozzles 94 and 96 to create a fluid connection for the thermal control system 60. That is, when the selectively deployable anchor 68 is extended, the first deployable nozzle 94 and the second deployable nozzle 96 enter the opening 28. The conditioned fluid (F) flowing below the second surface 26 of the base plate 22 can enter the first deployable nozzle 94 and the second deployable nozzle 96, and enter the first conduit 78 and the second conduit 80.

[0041] Now we will refer to Figure 4 A regulated fluid manifold 104 is described according to another non-limiting example. The first conduit 78 and the second conduit 80 are connected to the regulated fluid manifold 104. With this arrangement, instead of having a single nozzle associated with each conduit, the regulated fluid manifold 104 includes a plurality of deployable inlet members 106 that can be inserted into and / or withdrawn from corresponding openings 28 in the openings 28 in the base plate 22 as a group. The number and arrangement of the inlet members 106 can vary. That is, in a manner similar to that discussed herein, the regulated fluid manifold 104 is connected to one or more deployable anchors 68. When the solenoid 64 is activated to deploy the anchor 68, the deployable inlet member 106 is inserted into the opening 28 to form a fluid connection.

[0042] According to a non-limiting example, in order to prevent uncontrolled release of the regulated fluid through the bottom plate 22, each opening 28 is provided with a valve element 114, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown. The valve element 114 includes a seat 118 mounted in the opening 28 and a flexible nozzle section 122 that selectively opens to allow the regulated fluid to pass through the bottom plate 22. The regulated fluid can enter the pipeline directly or enter the regulated fluid manifold 104. The flexible nozzle section 122 includes a first section 124 and a second section 126 connected to the seat 118 by a first flexible hinge 128 and a second flexible hinge 130. The first section 124 and the second section 126 come together to form a barrier to the regulated fluid, Figure 5 , and when the inlet member 106 passes through the opening 28 that allows the regulated fluid to pass, the first section 124 and the second section 126 can spread apart (spread apat), Figure 6 .

[0043] Now we will refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 A regulated fluid supply system 140 according to another non-limiting example is described. The regulated fluid supply system 140 includes a central conduit 147 and a plurality of branch conduits 150. The central conduit 147 and the branch conduits 150 extend below the first surface 24 of the base plate 22. The central conduit 147 includes an inlet 154 and a terminal end 158. Each of the plurality of branch conduits 150 includes a first end section 160 and a terminal end section 162 fluidly connected to the central conduit 147. The terminal end 158 and each terminal end section 162 include a regulated fluid supply port 165. Each regulated fluid supply port 165 includes a valve element or a pivotable flapper 167 and is disposed in the wall 30.

[0044] In a non-limiting example, the seat 34 includes a nozzle 170 that is mounted to the support member 44 and extends rearwardly. With this arrangement, the seat 34 can be moved around the floor 22 to a desired position along the wall 30. When in the desired position, the seat 34 can be pushed toward the wall 30 so that the nozzle 170 enters the regulated fluid supply port 165, thereby opening the valve element 167. Thus, the seat 34 is fluidly connected to the regulated fluid supply system 140. At this point, the anchor system 50 can be activated to lock the seat 34 to the floor 22.

[0045] In this regard, it should be understood that the non-limiting examples presented herein describe a variable position vehicle seat, e.g., a seat that can be positioned almost anywhere on a vehicle floor. When in a selected position, the seat can be anchored to the floor and connected to an adjustable fluid supply system. The connection to the fluid supply system can occur while the seat is anchored to the floor or before anchoring. The seat can be released and moved around the passenger compartment to a selected position without the need for specialized tools, trained technicians, etc.

[0046] The terms "a" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0047] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0048] Unless stated to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0049] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0050] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A vehicle system, comprising: a bottom plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the bottom plate including a plurality of openings; a seat movably supported on the base plate, the seat comprising a frame having a support member; an anchor system mounted to the support member, the anchor system including a selectively deployable anchor that secures the seat to the floor through one of the plurality of openings; as well as A thermal control system is disposed in the seat, the thermal control system including a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet selectively connectable to a vehicle-based fluid supply system.

2. The vehicle system of claim 1 further comprising a supply of conditioned fluid flowing through the second side of the floor, the supply of conditioned fluid entering the inlet through a selected opening of the plurality of openings.

3. The vehicle system according to claim 2, wherein the seat includes a seat back and a seat base, the duct includes a first duct and a second duct, the first duct includes a first inlet arranged at the support member and a first outlet arranged in the seat back, and the second duct includes a second inlet arranged at the support member and a second outlet arranged in the seat base. 4 . The vehicle system of claim 2 , further comprising a valve element disposed in each of the plurality of openings, the valve element selectively opening when connected to the inlet. 5 . The vehicle system of claim 4 , wherein the valve element includes a flexible nozzle portion including a first section and a second section, the flexible nozzle portion selectively expanding through the inlet.

6. The vehicle system of claim 4, further comprising a regulated fluid manifold connected to the inlet, the regulated fluid manifold including a plurality of inlet members that selectively pass through selected ones of the plurality of openings.

7. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the anchor system includes a solenoid including a selectively deployable anchor, the solenoid being energized to extend the selectively deployable anchor through one of the plurality of openings.

8. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the inlet projects rearwardly from the seat, the inlet being selectively connectable to a fluid supply port of a wall mounted regulator.

9. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body defining a passenger compartment having a floor including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a plurality of openings formed in the floor; a seat movably supported on a first side of the floor, the seat comprising a frame having a support member; an anchor system mounted to the support member, the anchor system including a selectively deployable anchor that secures the seat to the floor through one of the plurality of openings; as well as A thermal control system is disposed in the seat, the thermal control system including a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet selectively connectable to a vehicle-based fluid supply system.

10. The vehicle of claim 9 further comprising a supply of conditioned fluid flowing through the second side of the floor, the supply of conditioned fluid entering the inlet through a selected opening of the plurality of openings.

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