Combination seat heater and pneumatic system and methods of making and installing same

Abstract

A comfort system for a vehicle seat includes a heating system including a carriage and one or more heating elements configured to generate heat; a pneumatic system, the pneumatic system comprising a carriage and one or more air chambers, the one or more air chambers configured to be inflated and deflated; the bracket of the pneumatic system is connected to the bracket of the heating system at one or more connection regions prior to installation of the comfort system in the vehicle seat.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of US 63 / 432,779 filed on December 15, 2022 and US63 / 462,574 filed on April 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] This application relates to vehicle seats, and more particularly to a comfort system for a vehicle seat that includes a combined seat heater and a pneumatic system, a method of manufacturing or assembling the combined seat heater and the pneumatic system, and a method of installing the combined seat heater and the pneumatic system in a vehicle seat. Background art

[0004] Some vehicle seats include one or more comfort features for enhancing occupant comfort. For example, some vehicle seats include one or more thermal systems to provide heating and / or cooling functions to the occupants of the vehicle seat. Other vehicle seats include one or more pneumatic systems to provide massage and / or lumbar support functions for the occupants.

[0005] While providing such comfort features improves occupant comfort and satisfaction, such systems may unexpectedly complicate vehicle seat design; require multiple comfort systems to be provided to the vehicle seat manufacturer from multiple suppliers; and complicate the vehicle seat assembly time and process and increase the vehicle seat assembly time and process. It may be desirable to improve the current state of the prior art.

[0006] For example, it may be desirable to reduce the number of separate or individual comfort systems in a vehicle seat without reducing the number of comfort features available in the vehicle seat. It may be desirable to combine certain comfort systems or comfort features to reduce the number of separate systems shipped to the vehicle seat assembly plant and reduce the number of separate systems that must be installed in the vehicle seat. Summary of the invention

[0007] This application provides a vehicle seat, a comfort system for a vehicle seat that includes a combined seat heater and a pneumatic system, a method of manufacturing or assembling the combined seat heater and the pneumatic system, and a method of installing the combined seat heater and the pneumatic system in a vehicle seat.

[0008] The present application provides a comfort system for a vehicle seat. The comfort system according to the present application may include a thermal system and a pneumatic system. The thermal system and the pneumatic system may be combined or connected together to form the comfort system. The comfort system may include a spacer layer located between the thermal system and the pneumatic system. The comfort system according to the present application may advantageously reduce the number of separate or individual systems in the vehicle seat without reducing the number of comfort features available in the vehicle seat.

[0009] The present application provides a comfort system for a vehicle seat and a method for manufacturing the comfort system, including: a thermal system including a carrier; a pneumatic system including a carrier; an optional spacer layer located between the carrier of the thermal system and the carrier of the pneumatic system; and one or more connection areas, wherein the carrier of the thermal system is connected to the carrier of the pneumatic system. The spacer layer is not located in one or more connection areas between the carrier of the thermal system and the carrier of the pneumatic system. The one or more connection areas may be located outside or beyond the perimeter or coverage area of the spacer layer. The spacer layer may include cutouts, and the one or more connection areas may pass through the cutouts. In the one or more connection areas, the carrier of the thermal system may be directly connected to the carrier of the pneumatic system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle and a vehicle seat.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat including the comfort system.

[0012] Figure 3 A is a perspective view of the heating system.

[0013] Figure 4A is a perspective view of the pneumatic system.

[0014] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the pneumatic system.

[0015] Figure 5 shows the comfort system.

[0016] Figure 6A is a rear perspective view of the comfort system.

[0017] Figure 6B is a front perspective view of the comfort system of a seat cushion attached to the backrest of a vehicle seat.

[0018] Figure 7 is a detailed view showing a connection area located in an upper groove.

[0019] Figure 8 is a detailed view showing a connection area located in a middle groove.

[0020] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a comfort system of a seat cushion attached to a vehicle seat.

[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a thermal system.

[0022] Figure 11A is a perspective view of a massage system.

[0023] Figure 11B is Figure 11A a detailed view of the area identified as 11B in

[0024] Figure 12 a front view of a spacer layer.

[0025] Figure 13 is a bottom view or a rear view of the comfort system.

[0026] Figure 14 is a bottom view or a rear view of the comfort system.

[0027] Figure 15 is a bottom view or a rear view of the comfort system.

[0028] Figure 16 is a bottom view or a rear view of the comfort system.

[0029] Figure 17 is an exploded side view of the comfort system and the seat cushion.

[0030] Figure 18 is an exploded side view of the comfort system and the seat cushion.

[0031] Figure 19 is an exploded side view of the comfort system and the seat cushion.

[0032] Figure 20 is an exploded side view of the comfort system and the seat cushion. Detailed Description

[0033] The present application provides a comfort system. The comfort system can be an insert or a component that includes two or more comfort-generating functions. The comfort system can be a combination of two or more systems that are typically installed as separate components in a vehicle seat. For example, the comfort system can include a pneumatic system such as a massage or lumbar support system and a thermal system such as a heating system and / or a cooling system. Advantageously, the comfort system according to the present application can be installed in a vehicle seat in one installation process rather than two or more separate steps or processes.

[0034] The comfort system according to the present application can be assembled or connected off-site or offline outside the vehicle seat assembly location. Alternatively, the comfort system can be assembled or connected online according to the present application before being attached or installed in the vehicle seat. In some configurations, the attachment of two systems or components of a system can be performed before the comfort system is installed in the vehicle seat. Alternatively, the attachment of two systems or components of a system can occur when or after the comfort system is installed in the vehicle seat.

[0035] The comfort system according to the present application utilizes one or more spacer layers. The spacer layer can be used to reduce the transparency or visibility of one or more elements or components of the comfort system through the A surface of the vehicle seat. The spacer layer can be used to provide additional cushioning and / or support for the occupant in the vehicle seat. The spacer layer can be thick enough to provide cushioning and additional comfort for the occupant and reduce the transparency of any comfort function through the A side of the vehicle seat without disturbing any massage or lumbar support function of the pneumatic system. The spacer layer can be used to change the feel of the seat, increase or decrease the intensity of the massage or lumbar support function of the pneumatic system seen and / or felt by the occupant, or both. The spacer layer can be a breathable material or layer. The spacer layer can be used to promote uniform distribution of air flow. The spacer layer can be an airtight material or layer. The spacer layer can be made of fabric, wool, and / or felt material, spunbond material, polyester material, PET material (polyethylene terephthalate), foam, plush foam, or a combination thereof. The spacer layer can be felt or a similar material, or a spacer fabric, such as a spacer fabric provided by German MuellerTextile.

[0036] The spacer layer can be configured to substantially maintain its three-dimensional shape when subjected to compression and / or other types of forces. The spacer layer can include internal pores or channels that allow air or other fluids to pass through. For example, the spacer layer can include an internal grid or other structure having internal openings. The spacer layer can be a screen or mesh. The spacer layer can be compressible, elastic, resilient, or a combination thereof. The spacer layer can be breathable, compression-resistant, and / or made of foam, plastic, and / or polymer materials. The spacer layer can have sufficient resilience to prevent crushing of the spacer layer when the occupant sits on or leans back against the vehicle seat. The spacer layer can include an upper fabric layer, a lower fabric layer, and a plurality of fibers extending therebetween.

[0037] The spacer layer can be formed of or composed of one or more materials, such as honeycomb foam materials, materials with channels and pipelines formed therein, 3D materials or spacer fabrics, mesh fabric, spacer plates, etc. As an example, a preferred material is sold under the trade name It is sold and available from Mueller Textil GmbH in Germany or Mueller Textiles, Inc., Rhode Island, USA. Other preferred spacer layers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,777,320, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0038] The bracket of the heating system can be used to carry or support one or more conductors. The bracket can be a flexible substrate. The bracket can be elastic. The bracket can be elastically deformable. The bracket can be plastically deformable. The bracket can be wrinkle-free. The bracket can be complementary in shape to a vehicle seat, a backrest, a seat portion, a massage system, or a combination thereof. The bracket can include spandex, rubber, elastomer, woven material, non-woven material, extruded material, solid material, porous sheet, woven material, non-woven material, polyester, or a combination thereof. The bracket can be a flexible substrate. The bracket can be stretchable. The bracket can stretch by about 1 mm or more, about 2 mm or more, about 3 mm or more, or about 5 mm or more. The bracket can stretch by about 5 cm or less, about 3 cm or less, or about 1 cm or less. The bracket can be stretchable enough such that the substrate moves with the pneumatic system without wrinkling or restricting the pneumatic system from making a predetermined movement. The material properties of the bracket can render the substrate flexible. The bracket can include one or more features introducing flexibility, such as one or more slits, recesses, orifices, through-holes, etc. The bracket of the heating system can be made of the same material as the bracket of the pneumatic system. The bracket of the heating system can be made of a different material from the bracket of the pneumatic system. In some configurations, the bracket can limit stretching or deformation. In other words, the bracket can be made of a rigid or substantially rigid material.

[0039] One or more heating elements can be used to generate heat. One or more heating elements can be connected to a flexible substrate. One or more heating elements can generate heat when power is applied. One or more heating elements can include an insulator around a metallic portion of the heating element. One or more heating elements can be wires. One or more heating elements can be connected to one or more power lines, one or more temperature sensors, or both.

[0040] One or more heating elements can be conductors formed of one or more materials. Such materials can include metals, plastics, polymeric materials, elastomers, glass and optical materials, organic materials, inorganic materials, or combinations thereof, etc. Exemplary metals that can partially or fully constitute the conductive element include, but are not limited to, copper, aluminum, silver, tin, tungsten, gold, platinum, etc. Exemplary polymeric materials that can partially or fully constitute the conductive element include conductive polymers such as polyaniline, conjugated polymers, doped polymers, or combinations thereof, etc. In one embodiment, the conductive element can be provided as a polymeric material with a dispersion of metal or carbon black.

[0041] The carrier of the pneumatic system can be used to carry or support one or more airbags or air chambers. The carrier can be a flexible substrate. The carrier can be elastic. The carrier can be elastically deformable. The carrier can be plastically deformable. The carrier can be wrinkle-free. The carrier can be complementary in shape to a vehicle seat, a backrest, a seat portion, a heating system, or combinations thereof. The carrier can include spandex, rubber, elastomer, woven material, non-woven material, extruded material, solid material, porous sheet, woven material, non-woven material, polyester, or combinations thereof. The carrier can be a flexible substrate. The carrier can be stretchable. The carrier can stretch by about 1 mm or more, about 2 mm or more, about 3 mm or more, or about 5 mm or more. The carrier can stretch by about 5 cm or less, about 3 cm or less, or about 1 cm or less. The carrier can be stretchable enough such that the substrate moves with the pneumatic system without wrinkling or restricting the pneumatic system from making a predetermined movement. The material properties of the carrier can render the carrier flexible. The carrier can include one or more features introducing flexibility, such as one or more slits, recesses, orifices, through-holes, etc. The carrier of the pneumatic system can be made of the same material as the carrier of the heating system. The carrier of the pneumatic system can be made of a different material from the carrier of the heating system. In some configurations, the carrier can limit stretching or deformation. In other words, the carrier can be made of a rigid or substantially rigid material.

[0042] One or more of any of the connectors disclosed herein can be used to connect a heating system to a pneumatic system to form a comfort system or an overall assembly as disclosed herein. One or more connectors can also or alternatively connect components to a cushion or frame or suspension of a vehicle seat. One or more connectors can be disposed at one or more connection areas. However, in some configurations, one or more connectors can be disposed in areas other than connection areas. This can be the case where, for example, additional connections are needed to keep and ensure that two brackets remain connected and attached, and one or more connectors can pass through the thickness of a bracket of the pneumatic system, a bracket of the heating system, or both. In some configurations, a connector can pass through only one of these brackets. In some configurations, a connector can pass through both brackets and into the cushion. Such a connector can also ensure that the two brackets remain attached and secure or connect the comfort system to the cushion. In some configurations, a connector can deform one or both of these brackets and / or the cushion. For example, if the connector is a heat weld, radio frequency (RF) weld, or other type of seal or adhesive, one or more of the brackets and the cushion can be deformed. In other configurations, the connector can be a removable connector or fastener, such as a push pin or a clip. This can allow the brackets to be separated in the event of a need for repair to the massage system, heating system, comfort system, cushion, seat, or a combination thereof.

[0043] One or more connectors can be fasteners, and the fasteners can be used to: attach or connect one or more airbags or air chambers to a bracket of a massage system; attach or connect a bracket of a heating system to a bracket of a massage system; connect a spacer layer to one or both brackets; connect or attach a comfort system to a vehicle seat or seat foam; and so on. One or more connector fasteners can be or can include one or more fastening components and / or fastening methods, and the one or more fastening components and / or fastening methods include: lamination, tape, double-sided tape, single-sided tape, pressure-sensitive adhesive, glue, epoxy resin, hog ring, stitching, sewing, welding, high-frequency welding, infrared (IR) welding, RF welding, ultrasonic welding, sealing, heat sealing, heat melting, chemical fixation, hook-and-loop fastener, staple, rivet, pin, button, snap, hoop, strip, or a combination thereof.

[0044] Figure 1 Vehicle 10 is shown. Vehicle 10 includes one or more vehicle seats 12.

[0045] Figure 2Shows a vehicle seat 12. The vehicle seat 12 includes a seat portion 14 and a backrest portion 16. The seat portion 14 includes a cushion 18, and the backrest portion 16 includes a cushion 20. The cushions 18, 20 can be discrete cushions for each of the portions 14, 16. The cushions 18, 20 can be a combined cushion that extends over or across the two portions 14, 16. A covering or decorative layer can cover the cushions 18, 20. The vehicle seat 12, the seat portion 14, and / or the backrest portion 16 can include a comfort system 100. The comfort system 100 can include a thermal system (i.e., a heating system and / or a cooling system) 102 and a pneumatic system 104.

[0046] Figure 3 A and Figure 3 B each show the heating system 102. The heating system 102 can be of the type disclosed in any of the following: U.S. Patent Nos. 7,560,670, 7,285,748, 7,223,948, 6,838,647, 6,710,303, 6,150,642, 5,451,747, 4,931,627, and 4,777,351, and / or U.S. Patent Publications Nos. US20200406797 and 2010 / 0289303, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0047] The heating system 102 can include a carrier 106. The carrier 106 can be configured as a base or structure to which or on which the elements of the heating system 102 are attached or supported. The carrier 106 can be a fabric material provided as a sheet or panel. The shape of the carrier 106 can be provided in various configurations, which can depend on several factors such as the vehicle seat design, the area intended to be heated by the heating system 102, etc. In some configurations, the carrier 106 can have a simple rectangular or square shape. In other configurations, the carrier 106 can have a complex geometric shape or form, such as Figure 3 the geometric shape or form shown in Figure 3 The carrier 106 in

[0048] can be intended to provide heat to other different areas of the seat, including the side frame area.

[0049] The heating system 102 may include one or more heating elements 108. The one or more heating elements 108 may be one or more wires or conductors arranged on, below, or at least partially integrated into the thickness of the bracket 106. The shape of the one or more heating elements 108 may be provided in various configurations, which may also depend on several factors such as the vehicle seat design. For example, the one or more heating elements 108 may be wound, meandered, zigzagged, etc. on the bracket 106. The one or more heating elements 108 may obtain power from a power source 110 and then generate heat in response to the supply of power. The heat may warm the surface of the vehicle seat and thus provide warmth to the occupant in the vehicle seat.

[0050] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The pneumatic system 104 is shown. The pneumatic system 104 may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2012 / 0313420 and / or US21013 / 0127226, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes. The pneumatic system 104 may be configured to provide massage and / or lumbar support functions and amenities for the occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0051] The pneumatic system 104 may include a bracket 112. Although Figure 4A the pneumatic system 104 in [reference] is shown as including two separate pieces or brackets 112, the pneumatic system 104 may include only a single bracket 112, or the system 104 may include more than two separate brackets 112. The number, their size, and / or their shape of the brackets 112 may depend on the vehicle seat configuration. The bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 may extend between an upper edge 113 and a lower edge 115.

[0052] The bracket 112 may be a fabric material provided as a sheet or panel. The bracket 112 may be made of a suitable material, such as one or more cloth, wool, and / or felt materials, spunbond materials, polyester materials, PET materials (polyethylene terephthalate), or a combination thereof. The bracket 112 may be made of the same material or a different material as the bracket of the heating device.

[0053] The bracket 112 may include one or more apertures 136. One or more apertures 136 may be provided in the bracket 112 to allow one or more connectors to extend through the bracket 112 to assist in connecting the bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 to the bracket 106 of the heating system 102, to the cushion 20, or a combination thereof. One or more apertures 136 may be provided to allow air to pass through the system 100, such as for a ventilated seat application. One or more apertures 136 may be provided to allow the bracket 112 or the system 100 to be bent or flexed without wrinkling or folding in the bracket or the system.

[0054] The pneumatic system 104 may include one or more air bags or air chambers 114. One or more air bags or air chambers may be inflated and deflated with air or other fluid or gas to adjust the profile, dimensions, and / or shape of the air chamber 114 to provide one or more comfort functions, such as massage and / or lumbar support. Air, fluid, or gas may be supplied to one or more air chambers 114 via one or more air sources 116 (such as pumps, actuators, inflators, tanks, etc., or a combination thereof), and one or more air sources are connected to one or more air chambers 114 via one or more hoses 117.

[0055] For example, by filling and exhausting one or more of the air chambers 114, certain comfort functions can be achieved in a vehicle seat, such as lumbar support applications, seat depth adjustment, massage functions, and / or occupant alerts.

[0056] One or more air chambers 114 may be made of a suitable material, such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or other plastic or rubber or rubber-like materials.

[0057] One or more air chambers 114 may be attached or fixed to the bracket 112 via one or more connectors 118. One or more air chambers 114 may be attached or fixed to adjacent air chambers 114 via one or more connectors 118. One or more connectors 118 may be used to connect or fix one or more air chambers 114 to the bracket 112 and / or adjacent air chambers 114 to prevent or limit undesired separation or movement of the air chambers 114 relative to each other and the bracket 112. However, one or more connectors 118 are still capable of allowing one or more air chambers 114 to be inflated and deflated to expand, contact, and move to provide the desired comfort functions. One or more connectors 118 may include any number and combination of the following: adhesives, welding, high-frequency welding, RF welding, ultrasonic welding, sealing, heat sealing, sewing, stitching, pins, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, staples, straps, double-sided tape, single-sided tape, hoops, strips, sleeves, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0058] Figure 5 Illustrates comfort system 100. Comfort system 100 includes heating system 102 and pneumatic system 104. The carriage 112 of pneumatic system 104 can be connected to the carriage 106 of heating system 102 in one or more connection areas 120 to form an integral assembly and comfort system 100.

[0059] One or more connection areas 120 can be provided on one or both sides of the longitudinal axis A of heating system 102 or comfort system 100 or pneumatic system 104. The connection areas 120 can be symmetrically provided on both sides of the longitudinal axis A. However, in some other configurations, the connection areas 120 can be entirely provided on one side of the longitudinal axis A, or be asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0060] The connection areas 120 can be spaced apart from one or more through holes 136 defined in the carriage 106 of heating system 102 (see also Figure 7 ). In other words, the connection areas 120 can be provided in an area of comfort system 100 that does not interfere with one or more through holes 136 in the carriage 106, and the through holes 136 can be used to pass connectors through the seat cover or trim layer to the cushion 20 to fasten the seat cover or trim layer to the cushion 20, with comfort system 100 therebetween. Additionally, one or more connection areas 120 can be spaced apart from any openings in system 100, and the openings can be used to pass or route any cables or sensors (such as occupant sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) through the openings. However, in some configurations, one or more orifices can be provided in the connection areas 120 if required based on space requirements.

[0061] One or more of the connection areas 120 can include one or more connectors 122. One or more connectors 122 can include any number or combination of the following: adhesives, welding, high-frequency welding, RF welding, ultrasonic welding, sealing, heat sealing, sewing, stitching, pins, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, staples, tapes, double-sided tapes, single-sided tapes, etc., or any combination thereof. One or more connection areas 120 and / or connectors 122 can be provided in an area that does not affect the performance of heating system 102 and / or pneumatic system 104.

[0062] One or more connection areas 120 can be a pad, or can cover a suitable surface area of the carriages of the heating system and the pneumatic system to ensure a suitable and sufficient connection between the two connectors. Since the connection areas 120 are used to connect the two carriages together, and thus connect the two systems together to form a single integral assembly, it is important that the connection areas 120 and the number of connection areas 120 are sufficient to maintain the connection during the life of the assembly.

[0063] The bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 may include one or more tabs 124. One or more tabs 124 may extend laterally outwardly from or beyond a main extension or edge of the bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104. As shown, the tabs 124 may be located in a generally central region of the bracket 112 and / or the comfort system. However, in some configurations, one or more tabs 124 may extend from the bracket 112 in a laterally inward direction (e.g., toward the central longitudinal axis A). In some configurations, one or more tabs 124 may be disposed in an upper region of the bracket 112, a lower region of the bracket 112, or both. A connection region 120 may be provided in the region of one or more tabs 124. In other words, the tabs 124 may be connecting tabs 124 that engage or attach to the bracket 106 of the heating system 102. The tabs 124 may be symmetrically disposed on both sides of the longitudinal axis A. However, in certain other configurations, the tabs 124 may be provided entirely on one side of the longitudinal axis A or may be asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0064] In some configurations, one or more tabs may also or alternatively extend from the bracket of the heating system. In such a configuration, one or more tabs of the bracket of the heating system may be connected to a mating region or zone or connection region 120 of the bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104.

[0065] As Figure 5 shown, the pneumatic system 104 may be attached or connected to the back or B side of the heating system 102. However, depending on the vehicle seat design and application, in some configurations, the pneumatic system 104 may also or alternatively be attached or connected to the front or A side of the heating system 102.

[0066] After forming an integral assembly or comfort system 100 by connecting or attaching the brackets 106, 112 via connectors 122 at one or more connection regions 120, the upper edge 107 of the bracket 106 of the heating system 102 may extend above or beyond the upper edge 113 of the bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104. However, in other configurations, one or more upper edges 113 of the bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 may extend beyond the upper edge 107 of the bracket 106 of the heating system 102.

[0067] After forming an integral assembly or comfort system, the lower edge 115 of the bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 may extend beyond or below the lower edge 109 of the bracket 106 of the heating system 102. However, in some configurations, the lower edge 109 of the bracket 106 of the heating system 102 may extend beyond the lower edge 115 of the bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104.

[0068] After forming the integral assembly or comfort system, one or more tabs 124 of the bracket 110 of the pneumatic system 104 can be arranged adjacent to the lateral edge 111 of the bracket 106 of the heating system 102. However, in some configurations, one or more tabs 124 can extend beyond the lateral edge 111 of the bracket 106, or one or more lateral edges 111 can extend beyond the tabs 124.

[0069] Figure 5 Also shown are one or more air chambers 114 connected to the back side of the bracket 112. That is, a portion of the connector 118 of the air chamber 114 can extend through the bracket 112 and connect to the back side of the bracket 112.

[0070] Figure 6A The comfort system 100 is shown. The bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 is attached to the bracket 106 of the heating system 102 in one or more connection areas 120 via one or more connectors 122 for forming the integral assembly and system 100. The pneumatic system 104 is attached to the back or B side of the heating system 102 such that one or more air chambers are sandwiched between or located between the two brackets 106, 112. However, the air chambers should not be tightly sandwiched between the two brackets 106, 112 in order to limit the movement and / or amount by which the air chambers can expand when inflated with air or fluid. However, in some configurations, it may be desirable to tightly sandwich these air chambers between the brackets 106, 112 such that when the air chambers are inflated, the air chambers can fully expand and protrude through the brackets so that the occupant can feel the inflated air chambers. This may require one or both of the brackets to be made of a sufficiently elastic or stretchable or compliant material. On the other hand, the other of the brackets (e.g., the bracket to which the air chamber is attached) can be made of a more rigid or less stretchable material in order to allow the air chamber to expand only in one direction (i.e., in the direction towards the occupant in the vehicle seat).

[0071] The comfort system 100, the heating system 102, and / or the pneumatic system 104 can be connected to one or more controllers 125. One or more controllers 125 can be used to control the operation of the systems 100, 102, and / or 104.

[0072] Also refer to Figure 6B , where the comfort system 100 is shown as being connected or attached to the A surface 22 of the cushion 20 of the backrest of the vehicle seat. However, in other configurations, the comfort system 100 can be connected or attached to the opposite B surface of the cushion of the vehicle seat. This application can also be applied to the attachment of the comfort system 100 to the cushion of the seat portion of the vehicle seat.

[0073] To install or attach the comfort system 100 to the mat 20, one or more connection areas in the connection area 120 can be aligned or positioned on one or more features of the mat 20. One or more features can be one or more grooves in the mat. The grooves can be located in the upper region of the mat, the lower region of the mat, the middle region of the mat, the left side of the mat, or the right side of the mat. In some configurations, one or more features can be the A surface of the mat (i.e., the surface that is not a groove). In some configurations, one or more features to which the comfort system can be attached are the top, bottom, sides, or even the dorsal or B side of the mat. In some configurations, by at least partially inserting the comfort system into a cavity, orifice, slit, or other perforation in the mat, one or more features to which the comfort system can be attached can be the interior portion of the mat.

[0074] More specifically, one or more connection areas 120 disposed at the upper region 126 of the comfort system 100 can be generally aligned with the groove 24, which can be referred to as the upper groove 24 of the mat 20. More specifically, one or more connection areas 120 disposed at the middle region 128 of the comfort system 100 can be generally aligned with another groove 26, which can be referred to as the middle groove 26 of the mat 20. More specifically, one or more connection areas 120 disposed at the lower region 130 of the comfort system 100 can be generally aligned with the lower region 28 of the mat 20. During the process of installing or attaching the comfort system 100 to the mat 20, the comfort system 20 can be installed on the A surface 22 of the mat 20.

[0075] More specifically, with reference to Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Figure 7 , one or more connection areas 120 disposed at the upper region 126 of the comfort system 100 can be folded or inserted into the upper groove 24 of the mat 20.

[0076] More specifically, with reference to Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Figure 8 , one or more connection areas 120 disposed in the middle region 128 of the comfort system 100 can be folded or inserted into the middle groove 26 of the mat 20.

[0077] By folding or tucking the connection region 120 into the corresponding grooves 24, 26, the connection region 120 and the connectors 122 in the connection region can be removed or spaced apart from any part of the vehicle seat that can come into contact with the occupant. In other words, if the connection region 120 and / or the connectors 122 were placed directly on the A surface of the cushion 20, the occupant in the vehicle seat could feel the connection region 120 and / or the connectors 122 piercing their back, which could provide an unwanted sensation or effect. Additionally, by tucking the corresponding connection regions 120 and connectors 122 into the grooves 24, 26, the comfort system 100 can be better secured to the cushion 20 to prevent relative movement or separation of the comfort system 100 from the cushion 20. One or more connection regions 120 in the lower region 130 of the comfort system 100 can be disposed against the A surface of the cushion 20 in the lower region 28 of the cushion 20.

[0078] Connectors or fasteners (such as clips, pins, or other mechanical fasteners) can extend through the brackets 106 of the heating system 102 and / or the brackets 110 of the pneumatic system 104 and into the cushion 20. Connectors (such as clips, pins, or other mechanical fasteners) can extend through the connection region 120 and into the cushion 20. Connectors (such as clips, pins, or other mechanical fasteners) can extend through only one of the brackets 106 or 110 and into the cushion 20. Connectors (such as clips, pins, or other mechanical fasteners) can extend through the connection region 120 and into the cushion 20.

[0079] After the connection region 120 is folded or tucked into the grooves 24, 26, the connector 132 can be placed into the grooves 26, 28 to further press the connection region 120 into the grooves 26, 28 and hold the connection region 120 in the grooves. The connector 132 can be a rod, trim strip, or other fastener, such as any connector or fastener disclosed herein.

[0080] From Figure 7 it can also be seen that one or more apertures 136 remain unblocked by the brackets and connection regions of the heating and pneumatic systems.

[0081] Figure 9Shows a comfort system 100 installed in a cushion 20 of a vehicle seat. The A surface 22 of the cushion 20 includes one or more recesses or depressions 30. The pneumatic system 104 of the comfort system 100 is configured to be in the recesses 30. More specifically, after the air chambers 114 of the comfort system 100 are placed in the recesses 30, the heating system 102 will be arranged above the pneumatic system 104. In this orientation, the air chambers 114 are arranged between the bracket 106 of the heating system 102 and the bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104. Then, a decorative layer or other covering layer can be installed above the heating system 102 of the comfort system 100 to complete the vehicle seat 10.

[0082] During use, the heating system 102 can generate heat, which causes the decorative layer or other covering layer to heat up and provide heat to the occupant in the vehicle seat. The pneumatic system 104 can be activated, which will cause one or more air chambers 114 to be filled or inflated with air, which will cause the air chambers 114 to expand and thus move or bulge sections of the bracket 106 of the heating system 102, such that the occupant in the vehicle seat can feel the pressure change inside the air chambers 112 as a massage and / or lumbar support function.

[0083] After the heating system 102 and the pneumatic system 104 are connected or joined together to form an integral assembly or a single unit comfort system 100, the comfort system 100 can then be installed in the vehicle seat 12 as a single integrated system, which can simplify the installation method and reduce the installation time at the vehicle seat assembly factory. For example, those skilled in the art can understand that if the pneumatic system 104 is provided as a system separate from the heating system 102, then the operator or assembly technician needs to be trained to install the pneumatic system 104 into the vehicle seat. Then the operator or technician will need to be trained to install the heating system 102 into the vehicle seat. This will add additional time and burden to the operator and the assembly method. In addition, in the case of finding problems with the pneumatic system 104 and / or the heating system 102, the operator will need to disassemble the heating system and reach the pneumatic system. In addition, the vehicle seat assembly factory will need to provide additional storage space for the separate part numbers of the separate heating system and pneumatic system. However, by combining these two systems 102, 104 into a single combined system 100, one or more of the foregoing steps or problems can be avoided.

[0084] Figure 10FIG. 102 shows a thermal system 102. The thermal system 102 may be a heating system. The thermal system 102 may be a cooling system. The thermal system 102 may be configured to provide heating and / or cooling functions or effects for an occupant of a vehicle seat. The thermal system 102 may be of the following types and / or may include at least partially or fully the teachings disclosed in any of the following: U.S. Patent Nos. 7,560,670, 7,285,748, 7,223,948, 6,838,647, 6,710,303, 6,150,642, 5,451,747, 4,931,627, 4,777,351, Patent Publication Nos. US20200406797 and / or 2010 / 0289303, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0085] The thermal system 102 may include a bracket 106. The bracket 106 may be configured as a base or structure to which elements of the thermal system 102 or the comfort system 100 are attached or supported. The bracket 106 may be provided as a sheet, panel, and / or substrate. The shape of the bracket 106 may be provided in various configurations, which may depend on one or more factors, such as vehicle seat design, the area intended to be temperature-controlled (heated and / or cooled) by (or not intended to be) the thermal system 102, etc. For example, in some configurations, the bracket 106 may have a simple rectangular or square shape. In other configurations, the bracket 106 may have a complex geometric shape or form, such as Figure 3 the geometric shape or form shown in

[0086] The bracket 106 of the thermal system 102 may be made of a suitable material, which may be or may include one or more fabric, wool, and / or felt-like materials. The bracket 106 may be a polyester material, a polyester dot-bonded material, a woven or non-woven material, or a combination thereof. The bracket 106 may be flexible and / or configured to conform to the various support and / or adjacent geometries of the vehicle, the vehicle seat, and / or other adjacent structures.

[0087] The bracket 106 of the thermal system 102 can extend between opposite upper edges or tabs and lower edges or tabs 107, and between opposite lateral edges or tabs 111. The edges can be the end edges or regions of the body or main extension of the bracket 106. The tabs can be extensions, fins, protrusions, projections, or cantilevered portions that extend or project away from the body of the bracket 106. The tabs can be made of the same material as the remainder of the bracket body or can be made of a material different from the bracket body. The tabs can be a single integral part of the remainder of the bracket 106 or can be attached to the bracket via one or more suitable fasteners (i.e., any suitable fasteners disclosed or mentioned herein, including: tape, stitches, threads, hook-and-loop fasteners, glue, welding, etc.). The bracket 106 can include one or more apertures 121. The one or more apertures 121 can be located anywhere on the bracket body and / or one or more tabs 111.

[0088] The thermal system 102 can be a heating system and can also be referred to herein as the heating portion 129. The heating portion 129 can be a heating pad that can include one or more heating elements 108. The one or more heating elements 108 can be one or more wires or conductors disposed on, under, and / or integrated into the material of the bracket 106. The shape of the one or more heating elements 108 can be provided in various configurations, which can also depend on one or more factors such as vehicle seat design. For example, the one or more heating elements 108 can be resistance wires that are wound, meandered, zigzagged, etc. on the bracket 106. The one or more heating elements 108 can be configured to obtain power from a power source 110 and then generate heat in response to the power source. The heat can warm the surface of the vehicle seat and thus provide warmth to the occupant.

[0089] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The pneumatic system 104 is shown. The pneumatic system 104 can be of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. US2012 / 0313420 and / or US21013 / 0127226, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0090] The pneumatic system 104 can include a bracket 112. Although Figure 11A the pneumatic system 104 in[X]is shown as including two separate brackets 112, the pneumatic system 104 can include only a single bracket 112, or the system 104 can include more than two separate brackets 112. The number of brackets 112, their dimensions, and / or their shape can also depend on the vehicle seat configuration and the areas intended to be provided with massage or lumbar support functions and the areas not intended to have massage and / or lumbar support functions.

[0091] The bracket 112 can be configured as a base or structure to which elements of the pneumatic system 104 or the comfort system 100 are attached or supported. The bracket 112 can be provided as a sheet, panel, and / or substrate. The bracket 112 can be a fabric material provided as a sheet, panel, or substrate. The bracket 112 can be made of a suitable material, such as one or more cloth, wool, and / or felt materials, spunbonded materials, polyester materials, PET materials (polyethylene terephthalate), or combinations thereof. The bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 can be made of the same material or a different material than the bracket 106 of the thermal system 102.

[0092] The bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 can extend between an upper edge or tab 113 and a lower edge or tab 115. The bracket 112 can have one or more lateral edges or tabs 119. The edge can be an end edge or region of the body of the bracket 112. The tab can be an extension, flap, protrusion, projection, or cantilever portion extending away from the body of the bracket 112. The tab can be made of the same material as the remainder of the bracket 112 or can be made of a different material than the remainder of the bracket 112. The tab can be a single integral part of the remainder of the bracket 112 or can be attached to the bracket via one or more suitable fasteners (i.e., any suitable fasteners disclosed or mentioned herein, including: tape, stitches, threads, hook-and-loop fasteners, glue, welding, etc.).

[0093] The bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 can include one or more apertures 123. The one or more apertures 123 can be provided at any location on the body of the bracket 112 or tab 119. The one or more apertures 123 can be configured to allow one or more fasteners to extend through the bracket 112 to assist in connecting the bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 to the bracket 106 of the thermal system 102, to the cushion 20, or both. Thus, referring back Figure 10 to, one or more fasteners can also extend through the apertures 121 in the bracket 106 to connect the brackets 106, 112 together, and / or to connect or attach the brackets 106, 112 and / or the comfort system 100 to the vehicle seat. The one or more apertures 121 in the bracket 106 of the thermal system 102 can be configured to allow air to pass through the thermal system 102 for ventilation comfort system applications.

[0094] The pneumatic system 104 may include one or more airbags or air chambers 114. The one or more airbags or air chambers may be configured to be inflated and deflated with air or other fluid to adjust the contour, size, and / or shape of the air chamber 114 to provide comfort functions (e.g., massage, lumbar support, etc.). Thus, in some configurations, the pneumatic system 104 may also or alternatively be referred to as a lumbar support system 104, a massage system 104, or a combination thereof. Air, fluid, or gas may be supplied to the one or more air chambers 114 via one or more fluid sources 116 (such as pumps, actuators, inflators, tanks, etc., or combinations thereof), and the one or more fluid sources are connected to the one or more air chambers 114 via one or more hoses 117.

[0095] The one or more air chambers 114 may be attached or fixed to the bracket 112 via one or more connectors or fasteners 118. The one or more air chambers 114 may be attached or fixed to adjacent air chambers 114 via one or more fasteners 118. One or more fasteners 118 may be used to connect or fix the one or more air chambers 114 to the bracket 112 and / or adjacent air chambers 114 to prevent or limit the accidental separation or movement of the air chambers 114 relative to each other and the bracket 112. However, the one or more fasteners 118 are still capable of allowing the one or more air chambers 114 to be inflated and deflated to expand, contact, and move so as to provide the desired comfort functions. The one or more fasteners 118 may include any fastener disclosed herein.

[0096] In some configurations, the one or more fasteners 118 may be configured to connect the one or more air chambers 114 to the bracket 106 of the thermal system 102, to the spacer layer 122, to the cushion 18 of the vehicle seat 12, or combinations thereof.

[0097] Figure 12 A spacer layer 138 is shown. The spacer layer 138 may be defined by or be within a perimeter, boundary, or covering area 140. The spacer layer 138 may be a material provided as a sheet or panel. The spacer layer 138 may actually have any size and / or shape. For example, in Figure 12 , the spacer layer 138 is provided in a rectangular shape, in Figure 14 , the spacer layer 138 is provided in an H shape; in Figure 15 , the spacer layer 138 is provided as discrete sheets.

[0098] Figure 13 , Figure 14 , and Figure 15Each shows a comfort system 100. The comfort system 100 includes a thermal system or heating system 102, the thermal system or heating system 102 including a bracket 106; a pneumatic system 104, the pneumatic system 104 including a bracket 112; and a spacer layer 138 disposed between the brackets 106, 112.

[0099] The bracket 106 of the thermal system 102 and the bracket 112 of the pneumatic system 104 are connected in one or more connection regions 120. The connection region 120 can be the region of the part where the two brackets 106, 112 in the system 100 are connected or joined together. One or more fasteners can be used to connect the two brackets together. The bracket 106 and the bracket 112 can be connected together before (or during or after) the comfort system 100 is installed in a vehicle seat. One or more connection regions 120 can be located in the region of the comfort system 100 where no spacer layer 138 is disposed between the two brackets 106, 112. In other words, the spacer layer 138 is not located between the brackets 106, 112 that are joined or connected together. In this regard, the brackets 106, 112 can be guided to be connected together in one or more connection regions. Alternatively, one or more other layers, components or structures other than the spacer layer 138 can be provided between the brackets 106, 112 in one or more connection regions 120. In a non-limiting example, fasteners such as adhesives, tapes, glues, etc. can be provided between the brackets 106, 112 in one or more connection regions 120.

[0100] By not including the spacer layer 138 in one or more connection regions 120, a stronger connection between the brackets 106, 112 can be achieved. For example, if the brackets 106, 122 are intended to be connected together via welding, the spacer layer 138 can be made of a material that is not suitable for welding. For example, the spacer layer 138 can have a thickness that exceeds the length of a suitable fastener, for example, if the brackets 106, 122 are intended to be connected together via switches, pins, rivets, etc. In another example, if the brackets 106, 122 are intended to be connected together via tapes, glues, double-sided tapes, pressure-sensitive tapes, etc., only one fastener, rather than multiple fasteners (i.e., a fastener for connecting the spacer layer 138 to the bracket 106 and then another fastener for connecting the spacer layer 138 to the bracket 112), needs to be provided between the brackets 106, 112.

[0101] However, in some configurations, a spacer layer 138 can be provided between the brackets 106, 112 in one or more connection regions 120.

[0102] Additionally or alternatively, one or more fasteners may extend through one or more apertures 120, 121 in two brackets 106, 112 to connect the two systems 102, 104 together, which may also be referred to herein as the connection region 120. One or more fasteners may engage apertures 121, 123 in a region of the comfort system 100 where no spacer layer 138 is disposed between the two brackets 106, 112. In other configurations, one or more connectors may engage the two brackets 106, 112 without any apertures 121, 123 being pre-defined in the brackets.

[0103] In other words, the connection region 120 may be located around the outer perimeter or periphery of the comfort system 100 or the brackets 106, 112; the connection region 120 may be located within or inside the boundary of the outer perimeter or periphery of the comfort system 100 or the brackets 106, 112; or both. The connection region 120 may be where only the brackets 106, 112 are directly or indirectly connected together. The connection region 120 may not have any spacer layer 138. The connection region 126 may include other layers or structures between the brackets 106, 112 that are not spacer layers.

[0104] The spacer layer 138 may be used to reduce the see-through of the seat assembly. For example, when the air chamber is inflated and / or deflated, the spacer layer 138 may be used to reduce the visible see-through and / or protrusion of the pneumatic system 104 or the air chamber 114 through the A surface of the cover sheet or layer of the vehicle seat. The spacer layer 138 may be used to provide additional cushioning or support for the occupant. The spacer layer 138 may be used to change the feel of the seat, increase or decrease the intensity of the massage or lumbar support function of the massage system 104, or both, and the intensity of the massage or lumbar support function may be seen and / or felt by the occupant. Thus, the spacer layer 138 may be mainly disposed in the region where the air chamber 114 is located, as Figure 14 is the case. By not having the spacer layer 138 in the regions where there is no air chamber positioning, this may result in cost and weight savings. The spacer layer 138 may be used to reduce or isolate the noise generated by the massage system during the inflation and deflation of the air chamber. However, the spacer layer 138 may be located anywhere between the systems 102, 104 and / or the brackets 106, 112.

[0105] Specifically refer to Figure 15, the connection regions 120 can be located at the tabs 111, 119 of the brackets 106, 112. One or more connection regions 120 can be located at the tabs 111, 119 in the region of the comfort system 100 where no spacer layer 138 is disposed between the two brackets 106, 112. The tabs 111, 119 can extend away from the bodies of the brackets 106, 112. In some configurations, the tab 119 or the bracket 112 can be attached to the bracket 106. In such a configuration, the bracket 106 can have no tabs 111, or the tab 119 can be connected to the bracket 106 only in a region that does not include any tabs. The tab 119 can be connected to the bracket 106 at the connection region 120.

[0106] In Figure 15 , one or more connection regions 120 can be located at the lateral outer regions of the system 100. In other configurations, one or more connection regions 120 can be located between the two elongate brackets 112.

[0107] Figure 16 The comfort system 100 is shown. The comfort system 100 includes a thermal system 102 and a pneumatic system 104. The thermal system 102 includes a bracket 106, and the massage system 104 includes a bracket 112. A spacer layer 138 can be disposed between the two brackets 106, 112. The comfort system 100 can include connection regions 120. The connection regions 120 can be arranged around the entire perimeter of the comfort system 100. This means that one or more connection regions 120 can be located at all 4 edges. However, in some configurations, the connection regions 120 can be located at one or more edges, two or more edges, three or more edges, etc. of the comfort system 100.

[0108] The size or coverage area of the spacer layer 138 can be smaller than the size or coverage area of the bracket 106 and / or the bracket 112. The spacer layer 138 can be disposed between the two brackets and is not located in the connection regions 120. The spacer layer 138 can move freely within the boundary or perimeter of the comfort system 100 and within the perimeter of the connection regions 120. In such a configuration, the brackets 106, 112 can form an envelope around the spacer layer 138. In some configurations, not all edges or the perimeter of the comfort system 100 have connection regions 120, but one or more edges or the perimeter of the comfort system 100 can have no connection regions 120. This means that the spacer layer 138 can be inserted or removed between the two brackets 106, 112 while at least one of the edges or regions of the brackets 106, 112 remains connected together. The connection regions 120 can be continuous regions joined together. In some configurations, the connection regions 120 can be discontinuous or intermittent regions that include spaces or air pockets between fasteners or devices that connect the brackets together in the connection regions 120.

[0109] The connection region 120 in any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be formed by placing two brackets 106, 112 together in a flat planar orientation and then using one or more of any of the fasteners disclosed herein to connect the two brackets together. Alternatively, one of the brackets 106, 112 can be folded over the edge of the other bracket 106, 112. Alternatively, one or more fasteners can pass through or be located between the brackets 106, 112 in a region that does not include any spacer layer 138.

[0110] Figure 17 The comfort system 100 and seat cushion 18 or 20 are shown. The comfort system 100 includes a thermal system 102 and a pneumatic system 104. The thermal system 100 includes a heating section 106 and a ventilation section 130. The heating section 106 can include a heating element configured to generate heat in response to being supplied with electrical power from a power source. The ventilation section 142 can be of the type disclosed in US 6,869,140B2 and / or US 7,862,113B2, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The ventilation section 142 can include one or more layers arranged to form a bag or air distribution structure having open spaces therein. The ventilation section 142 can include a blower or air augmenter 132 that can be connected via one or more ducts, passages, or tails 146 to the bag structure or air distributor, and the one or more ducts, passages, or tails can extend around the cushion 18 as Figure 17 shown and / or can extend through the thickness of the cushion 18. Although Figure 17 the example shown depicts the blower or air augmenter 144 at the B side of the cushion 18, it should be understood that the blower or air augmenter 144 can be arranged within the thickness of the cushion 18 (e.g., between the A side and the B side of the cushion) or can be located at the A side of the cushion. Similarly, the cushion 18 can also be or alternatively be the cushion 20.

[0111] The ventilation section 142 can be arranged between the pneumatic assembly 104 and the heating section 106. The pneumatic system 104 can be connected to the ventilation section 142 and / or the heating section 106 via one or more of the connection regions disclosed herein. In such an embodiment, the ventilation section 142 will not be located in the connection region.

[0112] Figure 18 The comfort system 100 and seat cushion 18 are shown. Figure 18 The comfort system 100 of Figure 17 can be substantially similar to the system shown in but with a spacer layer 138 added between the cushion 18 and the pneumatic system 104.

[0113] Figure 19 shows the comfort system 100 and the seat cushion 18. Figure 19 The comfort system 100 of may be substantially similar to Figure 17 the system shown in, but an intervening layer 138 is added between the pneumatic system 104 and the ventilation section 142.

[0114] Figure 20 shows the comfort system 100 and the seat cushion 18. Figure 20 The comfort system 100 of may be substantially similar to Figure 17 the system shown, but an intervening layer 138 is added between the cushion 18 and the pneumatic system 104.

[0115] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint other technicians in the field with the invention, its principles, and its practical applications. The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its many forms, as may be most suited to the requirements of a particular use.

[0116] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the invention as set forth are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application. Thus, the scope of the teachings should not be determined with reference to this specification, but rather should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the following claims is not a waiver of such subject matter, nor should it be considered that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0117] A plurality of elements or steps may be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step may be divided into separate plural elements or steps.

[0118] The disclosure of "a" or "one" for describing an element or step is not intended to exclude additional elements or steps. For example, the disclosure of "a connector" does not limit the teachings to a single connector. Instead, for example, the disclosure of "a connector" may include "one or more connectors".

[0119] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe different elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, without departing from the teachings herein, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0120] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "beneath" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both an above and a below orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatial relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0121] The invention illustratively disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein.

[0122] Any element, component, region, layer, and / or section disclosed herein need not be limited to a single embodiment. Instead, any element, component, region, layer, and / or section disclosed herein may be replaced, combined, and / or modified with any element, component, region, layer, and / or section disclosed herein to form one or more embodiments not specifically shown or described herein.

[0123] For all purposes, the disclosures of all articles and reference documents (including patent applications and publications, test specifications) are incorporated by reference. Other combinations are possible as will be gathered from the following claims, which are also incorporated by reference into this specification.

[0124] Reference Numerals:

[0125] 10 Vehicle

[0126] 12 Vehicle Seat

[0127] 14 Seat Portion

[0128] 16 Backrest

[0129] 18 Pad

[0130] 20 Pad

[0131] 22 A Surface

[0132] 24 Upper groove of pad 20

[0133] 26 Middle groove of pad 20

[0134] 28 Lower region of A surface of pad 20

[0135] 30 Recess or depression in pad 20

[0136] 100 Comfort system

[0137] 102 Heating system

[0138] 104 Pneumatic system

[0139] 106 Bracket for heating system 102

[0140] 107 Upper end edge of bracket 106 of heating system 102

[0141] 108 Heating element of heating system 102

[0142] 109 Lower end edge of bracket 106 of heating system 102

[0143] 110 Power supply

[0144] 111 Lateral edge or tab of bracket 106 of heating system 102

[0145] 112 Bracket for pneumatic system 104

[0146] 113 Upper end edge of bracket 112 of pneumatic system 104

[0147] 114 Airbag or air chamber

[0148] 115 Lower end edge of bracket 112 of pneumatic system 104

[0149] 116 Air source

[0150] 117 Hose

[0151] 118 Connector for connecting air chamber 114 to bracket 112

[0152] 119 Lateral edge or tab of bracket 112

[0153] 120 Connection area

[0154] The orifice in bracket 106 of 121

[0155] The connector in connection area 120 of 122

[0156] The orifice in bracket 112 of 123

[0157] 124 Connection tab

[0158] 125 Controller

[0159] The upper region of comfort system 100 of 126

[0160] The middle region of comfort system 100 of 128

[0161] The lower region of comfort system 100 of 130

[0162] 132 Connector

[0163] The through hole in bracket 106 of heating system 102 of 136, for attaching the comfort system to the spacer layer 138 of the mat

[0164] The covering area of spacer layer 138 of 140

[0165] 142 Ventilation section

[0166] 144 Blower or air booster

[0167] 146 Duct, passage or tail

Claims

1. A comfort system for a vehicle seat, comprising: a heating system including a bracket and one or more heating elements configured to generate heat; a pneumatic system including a bracket and one or more air chambers configured to be inflated and deflated; wherein, before installing the comfort system in the vehicle seat, the bracket of the pneumatic system is connected to the bracket of the heating system at one or more connection areas.

2. The comfort system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more air chambers are located between the bracket of the pneumatic system and the bracket of the heating system.

3. The comfort system according to claim 2, wherein, The bracket of the pneumatic system includes one or more tabs that extend laterally away from a main extension or a longitudinal extension of the bracket of the pneumatic system, and the one or more tabs are connected to a lateral edge of the bracket of the heating system at the connection area.

4. The comfort system according to claim 1, wherein, The comfort system includes a spacer layer located between the bracket of the heating system and the bracket of the pneumatic system.

5. The comfort system according to claim 4, wherein, The spacer layer is not located in the one or more connection areas between the bracket of the heating system and the bracket of the pneumatic system.

6. The comfort system according to claim 5, wherein The one or more connection areas are located outside or beyond the perimeter or coverage area of the spacer layer.

7. The comfort system according to claim 6, wherein, The spacer layer includes cutouts, and one or more connectors connecting the bracket of the heating system to the bracket of the pneumatic system in the one or more connection areas pass through the cutouts.

8. The comfort system according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The heating system is a heating system, and the pneumatic system includes one or more airbags or air chambers configured to be inflated and deflated to provide lumbar support and / or a massage function.

9. The comfort system according to claim 4 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The spacer layer includes a ventilation bag structure into which air flow is directed, and the spacer layer is configured to distribute the air flow in the direction of an occupant in the vehicle seat.

10. The comfort system according to claim 4 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bracket of the heating system includes a body and one or more tabs protruding outward from the body, and the bracket of the pneumatic system includes a body and one or more tabs protruding outward from the body; wherein the one or more tabs of the bracket of the heating system are connected to the one or more tabs of the bracket of the pneumatic system by one or more connectors in the one or more connection areas.

11. The comfort system according to claim 4 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bracket of the heating system and the bracket of the pneumatic system are connected together to form an envelope around the spacer layer.

12. The comfort system according to claim 4 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The spacer layer is attached to the bracket of the heating system or the bracket of the pneumatic system by one or more fasteners in areas other than the one or more connection areas, and in areas other than the one or more connection areas, the bracket of the heating system is connected to the bracket of the pneumatic system.

13. The comfort system according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bracket of the heating system and the bracket of the pneumatic system are connected together along two or more edges of the comfort system.

14. The comfort system according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The brackets of the thermal system and the brackets of the pneumatic system are joined together along three or more edges of the comfort system.

15. The comfort system according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The comfort system is configured to be attached to the cushion of the vehicle seat, wherein one or more of the connection areas are configured to be folded or tucked into the upper groove or the middle groove of the cushion, or one or more of the connection areas are configured to be placed against the A surface of the cushion.

16. A method of manufacturing a comfort system according to claim 1, wherein, The method includes joining together the brackets of the thermal system and the brackets of the pneumatic system in the one or more connection areas before installing the comfort system in the vehicle seat.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the method comprises: An intervening layer is disposed between the brackets of the thermal system and the brackets of the pneumatic system.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The disposing step includes disposing the intervening layer such that one or more connection areas are outside the perimeter or coverage area of the intervening layer.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein The one or more connection areas include one or more connectors that include radio frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, and / or adhesives.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein The comfort system is configured to be attached to the cushion of the vehicle seat, wherein one or more of the connection areas are configured to be folded or tucked into the upper groove or the middle groove of the cushion, or one or more of the connection areas are configured to be placed against the A surface of the cushion.

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