SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE SEAT WITH FLEXIBLE HEATING

Abstract

System for a vehicle seat (4) with a cushion (10), comprising: a movable element (6) configured to be located behind the cushion (10) of the vehicle seat (4) and configured to move and exert a force on an occupant supported by the cushion (10) of the vehicle seat (4), wherein the movable element (6) comprises a pneumatic cushion, an inflatable cushion, a massage device, a mechanical device, a lumbar support or a combination thereof; a heater (30) that covers the cushion (10) and is attached to the cushion (10) by a fastening means, the heater (30) comprising: a flexible carrier layer (40), and a heating element (50), wherein the vehicle seat (4) has a trim cover (80), the heating element (30) is arranged between the cushion (10) and the trim cover (80), and the flexible support layer (40) between the cushion (10) and the trim cover (80) stretches or moves while the movable element (6) moves.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present teachings relate generally to heaters and in particular to heaters for use in seats, armrests or other parts of motor vehicles that are contacted by an occupant, and preferably to a heater that is integrated into an object which changes its shape and / or size during use, and wherein the heater is movable when the object changes its shape and / or size. BACKGROUND

[0002] For many years, industry has been working on the design of improved heating elements for manufactured products such as seats, mirrors, furniture handles, motor vehicles, and other transportation vehicles. Examples of such heating elements are disclosed in 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 in published U.S. Patent Application No. 2010 / 0289303, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. These heating elements extend over a structure that exhibits flexibility, while the structure generally maintains the same size. Furthermore, these heaters can be connected to the structure (e.g., seat) over a larger area, so that the heater moves with the structure. For example, if an occupant sits in a seat, the seat and heater move in unison.From US 7 862 113 B2, DE 10 2009 008 421 A1 and DE 11 2006 000 116 B4, a comfort assembly in a seat cushion, a massage device in a vehicle seat and a device for directing air for air conditioning a body support device are known.

[0003] It would be interesting to have a heater that allows a structure (e.g., a seat, armrest, or other occupant contact area) to change its shape. A heater is needed that is connected to a structure and allows the structure, or a component within the structure, to move without damaging the heater. Ideally, it would be a flexible heater that expands and contracts as the structure changes shape. The heater needs to have a wire with a pattern that allows the heater's support layer to move without being restricted by the wire. The support layer and the wires can be configured to move as sections of the structure or moving element move. SUMMARY

[0004] The present teachings provide: an air-conditioned system comprising: a movable element arranged in a recess of a cushion and forming part of an occupant support surface with the cushion; a heater covering the cushion and the movable element, the heater comprising: a flexible carrier layer, a heating element and an adhesive layer, wherein the flexible carrier layer comprises adhesive on opposing longitudinal edge regions and the adhesive bonds the heater directly or indirectly to the cushion; and wherein the adhesive layer anchors the heater while the flexible carrier layer stretches or moves with the movable element as the movable element moves.

[0005] The present teachings provide: an air-conditioned system comprising: a movable element arranged in a recess of a cushion and forming part of an occupant support surface with the cushion; a heater superimposed on the cushion and the movable element, the heater comprising: a flexible carrier layer, a heating element, and an adhesive layer, wherein the flexible carrier layer comprises adhesive on opposite longitudinal edge regions and the adhesive is connected to a side wall of a groove located on opposite sides of the cushion, the side wall extending in a direction away from an occupant; and wherein the adhesive layer anchors the heater in the groove and the flexible carrier layer expands or moves relative to the movable element during its movement.

[0006] The present teachings provide: an air-conditioned system comprising: a movable element arranged in a recess of a cushion and forming part of an occupant support surface with the cushion; a heater superimposed on the cushion and the movable element, the heater comprising: a flexible carrier layer, an adhesive layer, and a heating element comprising: a first leg extending along a first side of the movable element from a first end to a second end, a second leg extending along a second side of the movable element from the first end to the second end, and a connecting leg connecting the first leg and the second leg at one of the first and second ends, the first leg and the second leg each extending from a region of the occupant support surface outside the movable element to a center of the movable element;and wherein the adhesive layer anchors the heating element and the flexible support layer stretches or moves relative to the moving element during its movement.

[0007] The present teachings provide: an air-conditioned system comprising: a movable element arranged in a recess of a cushion and forming part of an occupant support surface with the cushion; a heater covering the cushion and the movable element, the heater comprising: a flexible carrier layer, a heating element; and an adhesive layer comprising a slot, wherein the adhesive layer anchors the flexible carrier layer of the heater and / or the slot in the flexible carrier layer separates during the movement of the movable element and moves relative to the movable element such that the slot accommodates the movement of the movable element.

[0008] The present jigs provide a heater that allows a structure (e.g., a seat, armrest, or other occupant contact area) to change shape. The present jigs provide a heater that is connected to a structure and allows the structure or a component within the structure to move without damaging the heater. The present jigs provide a flexible heater that expands and contracts when the structure changes shape. The present jigs provide a heater with a wire that has a pattern allowing the heater's support layer to move without being restricted by the wire. The present jigs provide wires configured to move when sections of a structure or a moving element moves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a top view of a climate control system above a structure; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 1 along line XX; Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 1 along lines 3-3; Fig. 4 is a top view of a climate control system above a structure; Fig. 4A is a close-up of a recess and heating elements; Fig. 5 is a top view of a climate control system above a structure; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 5 along line XX; Fig. 7 is a top view of a climate control system above a structure; Fig. 8A is a top view of a heater; Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 8A along line VIII-VIIl; and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a heater connected to a seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The explanations and illustrations contained herein are intended to familiarize other people skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art can adapt and apply the teachings in their numerous forms as best suits the requirements of a particular application. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the teachings presented here are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. The scope of the teachings should therefore not be determined with reference to the foregoing description, but rather with reference to the attached claims and the entire scope of equivalents to which these claims refer. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes.Other combinations are also possible, as can be seen from the following claims, which are hereby also included in this written description by reference.

[0010] The present teaching is based on providing an improved heating system suitable for integration into a variety of manufactured articles. For example, the heating system can be integrated into or attached to the structures of various manufactured articles, such as buildings, furniture, transport vehicles (e.g., boats, trains, aircraft, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, buses, snowmobiles, or others), or the like. Alternatively, the heating system can be integrated into or attached to various components of transport vehicles, such as seats, benches, panels, footwells, floor mats, or other components with which an occupant comes into contact. The heating system of the present teaching can be arranged anywhere in a vehicle, most advantageously on components that generally come into contact with a vehicle occupant, including armrests, user interfaces, seats, steering wheels, or others.The heater can be used for other heating applications outside of a vehicle (e.g., bedding, chairs, or massage devices).

[0011] The heating element is particularly suitable for integration into a motor vehicle seat. Specifically, it is suitable for integration into the seat section (with or without padding), the backrest section (with or without padding), the headrest section, or a combination thereof. The heating element can be located between two layers of the seat. It can be positioned beneath a fabric layer (e.g., cloth, leather, imitation leather, etc.) and on top of a cushion or backrest (e.g., a foam support for the user). In one aspect, the present invention utilizes a structure that makes it particularly suitable for use beneath a perforated leather or imitation leather seat cover. The heating element can be directly connected to a seat cushion. It can be indirectly connected to a seat cushion. The heating element can operate independently of any moving part.The heating element can be indirectly connected to the seat cushion via a layer extending between the cushion and the heating element. The heating element can be connected to a seat cushion with one or more intermediate layers positioned between the cushion and the heating element. The heating element can be connected to one or more support layers, and these support layers can be connected to a cushion. The heating element can be positioned above one or more lumbar supports, air-filled lumbar supports, one or more mechanical lumbar supports, or a combination thereof. The heating element is flexible and can move with and / or adapt to the movement of one or more parts of the structure, one or more parts integrated into the structure, or a combination thereof.The heating element can be flexible enough to move with the lumbar support as it expands and contracts. This makes these heating elements particularly interesting for use in combination with a climate-controlled seat (e.g., a ventilated, actively cooled (e.g., using a thermoelectric device or module), or actively heated seat).

[0012] An air-conditioned seat may include one or more air conveyors. The one or more air conveyors may move air through one or more inserts located within or above the backrest cushion, seat cushion, or both. The one or more inserts may distribute the air from the air conveyor. The one or more air conveyors may include a thermoelectric device (TED). The TED may heat air as it enters or exits the air conveyor. The TED may cool air as it enters or exits the air conveyor. The air may be blown through the insert, the heater, perforations in the seat cover (e.g., trim layer), or a combination thereof. An example of an air-permeable seat and heater device is U.S. Patent No. 6,064,037, which is incorporated herein by reference.The TED can blow in hot air while the heater simultaneously warms the seat, thus providing both conduction and convection heating. The heater can operate independently of the TED blowing in heat, and vice versa. A ventilated seat can include one or more air blowers. The heater described herein can be positioned so that a fluid moves over it and is heated. The heated fluid can then move within the trim shell and subsequently to the occupant to provide comfort and / or warmth. The trim shell can include one or more deflectors so that a fluid flows back and forth through and / or over the heater. The heater can be positioned centrally within the trim shell (i.e., it is a middle layer that the fluid must flow through and / or around), so that the heater acts as a deflector.Preferably, the heater includes one or more through-holes, allowing fluid to pass through it and come into contact with an occupant. The heater can be used as a diffuser to distribute the fluid onto the occupant. The heater can be used in conjunction with a spacer layer (e.g., a sheath that distributes the fluid). The heater can have predefined through-holes that allow air to be directed to predetermined positions. The through-holes in the heater can align with the through-holes in the padding.

[0013] The heating system described herein can be used for any vehicle seat. Some vehicles may incorporate one or more recessed areas (hereinafter also referred to as grooves or channel areas) between adjacent sections of upholstery material, such as polymer foam padding or an area between two or more foam pads. The upholstery may also be free of grooves. Preferably, the heating system can be used with a seat that includes one or more channel areas. The one or more channel areas may extend longitudinally (e.g., along the length of a heater or away from an occupant), laterally (e.g., along the width of the heater or under the occupant), or in both directions.Preferably, the heaters described herein may have a section designed to be placed in the groove area of ​​a cushion, allowing the heater to be attached there without impairing its performance. The one or more heaters may extend across the groove. The one or more heaters may be free of any section extending into the groove. The one or more grooves may be free of adhesive or any part of the heater extending into the groove. Preferably, the heater and the adhesive bond to a side wall of the groove. The side wall of the groove is a vertical wall of the groove. The side wall of the groove may face away from an occupant. The side wall of the groove may extend at an angle to an occupant support (e.g., approximately a 90-degree angle). The groove may comprise two side walls connected by a base.The floor can essentially run parallel to the occupant support surface. However, the heater can also be used without entering a groove area (i.e., it can fit into an area of ​​the seat in such a way that it does not enter a groove area).

[0014] The heating element comprises at least one pair of longitudinal edges (e.g., a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge) and at least one pair of side edges (e.g., a first side edge and / or a second side edge). The longitudinal edges can generally be parallel to each other. The side edges can generally be parallel to each other. The heating element can comprise a plurality of zones. Each plurality of zones can comprise one or more movable elements, two or more movable elements, three or more movable elements, or four or more movable elements. The heating element is preferably divided into four zones. The four zones can be separated from each other by grooves, through holes, slots, recesses, tabs, or a combination thereof. The longitudinal edges, zones, or a combination thereof can comprise a support layer, heating elements, or both connected together.

[0015] The backing layer can serve to support the heating elements. The backing layer can be flexible. The backing layer can be elastic. The backing layer can be elastically deformable. The backing layer can be plastically deformable. The backing layer can be wrinkle-free. The backing layer can be complementary in shape to the padding, the moving element, or both. The backing layer can comprise elastane, rubber, an elastomer, woven, non-woven, extruded, a solid material, a porous film, woven, non-woven, polyester, or a combination thereof. The backing layer can be flexible. The backing layer can be stretchable. The backing layer can stretch by 1 mm or more, by 2 mm or more, by 3 mm or more, or by 5 mm or more. The backing layer can stretch approximately 5 cm or less, approximately 3 cm or less, or approximately 1 cm or less.The support layer can be sufficiently extensible to allow the flexible support layer to move with the moving element without preventing the moving element from performing a predetermined movement. The material properties of the support layer can make it flexible. The support layer can include one or more features that introduce flexibility into an otherwise inflexible support layer. The support layer can include features that introduce flexibility into the support layer, and the support layer can be flexible. The features can be one or more slots.

[0016] The slots can serve to introduce flexibility into the substrate. The slots can be perforations. The slots can be cuts in the substrate. The slots can be material removed from the substrate. The slots can be free of material to be removed. The slots can move apart when the moving element moves. The slot can provide flexibility to the substrate, allowing the substrate and the heating element to move with the moving element. The slots can expand, move apart, move outward, bend, or a combination thereof. The slots can allow one or more lumbar supports to expand and contract without interference from the heating wires. The one or more slots can run longitudinally, transversely, or in both directions.The edges of the slots can move away from each other during the movement of the moving element. The slots can be used in conjunction with through holes.

[0017] The through-holes can allow fluid to flow through the support layer. The through-holes can align with the through-holes in the cushion. The through-holes can allow fluid to flow into contact with an occupant. Through-holes can extend through the heater, the cushion, or both. The through-hole can allow fluid from one or more blowers to be in contact with an occupant on a seat or cushion. The through-holes can be inserted between the heating elements.

[0018] The one or more heating elements can serve to provide warmth to an occupant. The one or more heating elements can be connected to the flexible carrier layer. The one or more heating elements can generate heat when operating voltage is applied. The one or more heating elements can include an insulator that surrounds a metallic section of the heating element. The one or more heating elements can be a wire. The one or more heating elements can be connected to the carrier layer by a sewing thread. The one or more heating elements can be connected to one or more power cables, one or more temperature sensors, or both.

[0019] The one or more power cables can function for power supply, control, or both. The one or more power cables can supply power to the heating elements, causing them to generate heat. The one or more power cables can provide a signal to a temperature sensor. The one or more power cables can switch the heating elements on and off depending on a measurement signal from the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be a PTC, NTC, thermistor, or a combination thereof. The one or more power cables, the thermistor, or both can be partially or completely covered by one or more patches.

[0020] The one or more patches can form part of the support extending over the top of the temperature sensor, the power cables, or both. The one or more patches can protect the temperature sensor, the power cables, or both. The one or more patches can cover a connection between the power cables, the temperature sensor, the heating elements, or a combination thereof.

[0021] The one or more heating elements can serve to provide heat and move with the movable elements, the flexible support layer, or both. The one or more heating elements can comprise one or more legs, two or more legs, three or more legs, four or more legs, one or more connecting legs, or a combination thereof. The one or more first legs can extend along a first side of the movable elements, the recesses, the support layer, or a combination thereof. The one or more second legs can extend along a second side of the movable elements, the recesses, the support layer, or a combination thereof.If a third leg is present, it may be located on a second side of the support layer and then on a first and second side of the movable elements, recesses, support layer, or a combination thereof. The flexible support layer may have a movable area between the first and second legs. The heating elements must not impede the movement of the flexible support layer. The heating elements may move with the flexible support layer, so that the flexible support layer moves as the movable element moves. The first and second legs may be connected by a connecting leg. The connecting leg may allow the heating element to be a continuous wire.The one or more connecting legs may extend over the movable element, around the movable element, near the movable element, or a combination thereof. The one or more legs may be wavy, serpentine, zigzag, finger-shaped, toothed, or a combination thereof. The one or more first and second legs may remain on opposite sides of a centerline with respect to the movable element, the recess, or both. The first and second legs may extend toward each other from an area outside the movable element and stop before meeting, then extend away from each other. The first leg, the second leg, or both may generally be U-shaped and extend toward a centerline between the first and second legs.The first leg, the second leg, or both can be such that they do not cross a center line, the center of a movable element, or either. One or more legs can be movable relative to each other. The carrier layer can be free of adhesive around the legs.

[0022] The adhesive may be located only within the grooves. The adhesive may be such that the carrier layer can flex along with the moving elements. The adhesive may be located on a side wall of the groove. The adhesive may be without contact with a support surface. The adhesive may be without contact with any surface facing the occupant. The adhesive may be without contact with the recess or the moving element, extend over the moving element, extend over the recess, or a combination thereof. The adhesive may have elastomeric properties and flex when the carrier layer bends. The adhesive may be bonded to a padding surface. The adhesive may not be located within the grooves. The adhesive may not extend over the moving element. The adhesive may be without contact with all areas except those within the grooves.The adhesive can be located in Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4 of the heater, or a combination thereof. The adhesive can be arranged along one or more longitudinal edges, one or more side edges, or both. The adhesive can be located in one or more edge regions. The adhesive can extend along the first side of a channel and the second side of a channel. The adhesive can be located in an edge region. The adhesive can be a liquid, a solid, a semi-solid, or a combination thereof. The adhesive can be tacky at room temperature. The adhesive can be on a carrier. The adhesive can be covered by a non-stick coating. The adhesive can be double-sided. The adhesive can be a peel-and-stick adhesive. The adhesive can be curable. The adhesive can be non-curing. The adhesive can adhere to one or more different materials.The adhesive can bond to polyester, foam, film, woven material, non-woven fabric, or a combination thereof. The one or more flexible backing layers can move with the one or more pads, the one or more movable elements, or both.

[0023] The one or more movable elements can function in such a way that they move independently of the occupant. The one or more movable elements can move circularly in a direction perpendicular to the padding surface, longitudinally, laterally, towards an occupant, or a combination thereof. The movable elements can include one or more spherical elements that can be brought into contact with an occupant to massage them. The one or more movable elements are a pneumatic pad, a massage device, a mechanical lumbar support, an inflatable lumbar support, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the movable element comprises approximately two or more, about four or more, about six or more, or about eight or more movable elements.The moving elements are located behind the upholstery, or a combination thereof, within or above the upholstery, such that the movement of the moving element moves the heater, the trim cover, or both. The moving elements can move in such a way as to exert a force on the occupant. The one or more moving elements can be located in a backrest, upholstery, armrest, cushion, or a combination thereof. The one or more moving elements can be arranged within a recess in upholstery, so that the moving elements cannot be felt by an occupant when the moving element is in an off position.

[0024] The one or more pads can function to support an occupant, the heater, moving parts, or a combination thereof. The one or more pads can include one or more recesses that accommodate the one or more moving parts, such that a top surface of the one or more moving parts is coplanar with a surface of the pad (i.e., a pad surface). The one or more recesses can extend partially through the pad. The one or more recesses can support the one or more moving parts and the heater. The one or more recesses can allow the heater to extend over the moving parts when the moving parts are not activated, so that the heater is essentially planar. The one or more pads can include a pad surface that supports an occupant.The one or more cushions may include one or more through-holes. The one or more cushions may be connected to or include an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system may include heating, ventilation, active heating, active cooling, or a combination thereof. One or more cushions of the seat may include ventilation, active cooling, active heating, or a combination thereof. The seat may include one or more air conveyances (e.g., blowers) in fluid connection with the one or more cushions, so that air can be blown onto or away from the user.

[0025] The one or more air conveyors may include a heating device, a cooling device, or both (i.e., a thermoelectric device (TED)). The TED can be used to heat and / or cool air blown onto the user. The air conveyor and the TED can be housed in the seat in many different configurations. For example, the TED and / or the air conveyor can be used in any manner described in any of the following U.S. patents: RE38,128; 4,923,248; 5,626,021; 6,164,719; 6,439,658; 6,619,736; 6,629,724; 6,676,207; 6,840,576; 6,857,697; 6,869,139; 6,869,140; 6,976,734; 7,040,710; 7,083,227; 7,100,978; 7,213,876; 7,301,441; 7,338,117; 7,356,912; 7,475,938; 7,506,938; 7,510,239; 7,587,901; 7,618,089 and 7,637,569 or the published US patent application No. 2009-0218855.The heater can be positioned on one or more cushions in such a way that it does not restrict the fluid movement from the blower. The TED and the heater can both generate heat simultaneously; however, the TED or the heater can also be used separately. The heater can be used to generate heat in an active heating system instead of a TED. Preferably, the heater is not used when the TED is used to cool the user. The air conveyor and the TED can be used in conjunction with an insert disclosed herein to deliver air evenly and consistently to the user.

[0026] The seat heater can be used in conjunction with an occupant sensor. An occupant sensor can be used on any seat in conjunction with a heater. Preferably, an occupant sensor may only be used on passenger seats. The heater may include one or more fixings or tabs (hereinafter referred to as fixings) so that the heater and / or the occupant sensor are aligned with the seat. The fixings may be of any shape, size, quantity, or combination thereof, so that the heater and / or the occupant sensor are aligned. There may be two, three, four, five, or even six fixings on a heater. The fixings may preferably be located at the edges of the heater. The heater may be placed below the occupant sensor, in the upholstery, under the upholstery, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the heater is located above the occupant sensor.The fixings can be in the form of printed markings on the occupant sensor and corresponding markings on the heater. Preferably, the fixing is a hole or cutout in the occupant sensor and / or the heater that aligns with the holes or cutouts in the heater. The fixings can be used for the correct mounting of the occupant sensor, the heater, or both in a manufactured article (e.g., a seat).

[0027] The heater can be used in conjunction with a seat that includes ventilation, active cooling, active heating, or a combination thereof. The heater can be used with a ventilated, active cooling, active heating, or a combination thereof that utilizes a shell configuration for distributing heat and / or cooling air. An example of a shell is illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 6,869,140, ​​which is incorporated by reference. The heater can be placed above the shell. The heater can be placed below the shell. The heater can be placed inside the shell. The heater can be used to warm the fluid as it passes through from the blower on its way to the occupant. The heater can form part of the shell (i.e., the heater can be mounted to form the top of the shell). The shell can include a top, a bottom, and one or more connecting walls.The heater can be attached to the casing by welding, gluing, adhesive tape, bonding, or similar methods. Preferably, the heater is ultrasonically welded to one or more connecting walls to form a casing. The ultrasonic techniques described herein can be used to ultrasonically weld the heater to the other surfaces, thus forming a casing. Preferably, the heater and the other surfaces are made of a similar material (e.g., plastic). The casing can comprise at least three layers. These at least three layers can include a bottom layer, a three-dimensional spacer, and an top layer. The top and bottom layers can be ultrasonically welded along the circumference, with the spacer located between them. The top layer can include holes or cutouts for air circulation. The casing can be attached to the air conveyor.The heating element can be inserted into the casing using the spacer. The heater can also be inserted into the casing without adding a spacer. The heater can perform the same functions as the spacer.

[0028] The heating system can be controlled using pulse width modulation (PWM) in combination with the self-regulating properties of the material with a positive temperature coefficient. Accordingly, the PWM can be set so that the heating system receives different power settings for heating at different temperatures.

[0029] The heater can include a controller and a system wiring harness. The controller can receive input signals from the user. For example, if a user changes the temperature setting from high to low, the controller receives the signal. The controller can send output power to the heater. Once the controller receives the input signal from the user, for example, it can send the required duty cycle to the heater, causing the heater to become warmer or cooler. The system wiring harness can continue to receive power from the power source, allowing it to send power to the heater. The system wiring harness can include the controller. It is considered that the controller could calculate the duty cycle required to control the heater and then send the calculated duty cycle to the heater.Preferably, the system wiring harness will determine the required duty cycle and send the known duty cycle to the heating system.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 represents a structure 2. The structure 2 is a seat 4 with a movable element 6. The seat 2 comprises a cushion 10 with a groove (not shown) and recesses (not shown). The recesses are spread apart and form a first zone 22 and a second zone 24, which are separated by a groove 12 from a third zone 26 and a fourth zone 28. A groove 12 is also located along the sides of the heater 30, where the grooves 30 are located near the first longitudinal edge 32 and the second longitudinal edge 34. The first longitudinal edge 32 and the second longitudinal edge 34 are connected by a first side edge 36 and a second side edge 38. An adhesive 60 connects the first longitudinal edge 32 and the second longitudinal edge 34, respectively, to a side wall (not shown) of a groove (not shown).The heater 30 and the pad 10 each include a through-hole 16 and 44, respectively, through which air can be introduced into a section of the air-conditioned system not shown. The heater 30 includes a heating element 50 and tabs 46 located along the first side edge 36. A thermistor 70 is located near the second side edge 38.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line XX, showing the layers. A patch 62 extends over a section of the heating elements 50 and the flexible carrier layer 40. The heating elements 50 are connected to the flexible carrier layer 40 by a seam 64 that extends over and under the flexible carrier layer 40. The adhesive 60 extends under the flexible carrier layer 40 to cover the seam 64. A cover 80 covers a section of the heater 30 where current enters the heater 30.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a cushion 10 with a heater 30 extending over the cushion 10 (e.g., padding or backrest). The cushion 10 includes a groove 12 with a pair of opposing side walls 12A and a base 12B connecting the opposing side walls 12A. An adhesive 60 is connected to a side wall 12A of the groove 12 on opposite sides of the cushion 10. The cushion 10 includes recesses 14 with movable elements 6. The movable elements 6 are extendable or movable 8. The heater 30 extends over and rests on a padding surface 11 of the cushion 30, and a cover 80 extends over the heater 30 to form a support surface 82.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 represents a structure 2 with a heater 30. The heater 30 extends over the movable elements 6, which are located in the recesses 14. The heater 30 comprises a flexible support layer 40, which is bonded to opposite sides with adhesive 60, and a heating element 50, which is connected to the flexible support layer 40. The flexible support layer 40 includes slots 42 that extend over the movable element 6 such that the slots can open to accommodate the movement of the movable element 6.The heating element 50 comprises a first leg 52 extending along and over a first side of the recess 14 and a movable element 6, a second leg 54 extending along and over a second side of the recess 14 and the movable element 6, and a connecting leg 56 connected to the first leg 52 and the second leg 54 and extending along a third side of the recess 14 and the movable element 6.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4A shows a close-up of the movable element 6 in the recess 14 with the first leg 52, the second leg 54 and the connecting leg 56. The slot 42 extends between the first leg 52 and the second leg 54, so that the first leg 52 and the second leg 54 are movable relative to each other in the direction of the arrows.

[0035] Fig. 5 represents the adhesive 60, which extends over a section of the movable element 6 and the recess 14. The first leg 52, the second leg 54, and the connecting leg 56 of the heating element 50 are partially covered with the adhesive 60 and each extend at least partially over the movable element 6 and the recess 14, with a space arranged between the first leg 52 and the second leg 54 such that the movement (e.g., the expansion) of the flexible carrier layer 40 moves the first leg 52 and the second leg 54 apart.

[0036] Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line XX, showing the layers. A patch 62 extends over a section of the heating elements 50 and the flexible carrier layer 40. The heating elements 50 are connected to the flexible carrier layer 40 by a seam 64 that extends over and under the flexible carrier layer 40. The adhesive 60 extends under the flexible carrier layer 40 to cover the seam 64. A cover 80 covers a section of the heater 30 where current enters the heater 30.

[0037] Fig. Figure 7 represents the adhesive 60 with windows in the areas above the movable element 6 located in the recess 14. The heating element 50 does not cross the movable element 6 and comprises a first leg 52, a second leg 54, and a connecting leg 56 that joins the first leg 52 and the second leg 54 in such a way that when the movable element 6 is moved, the heating element 30 is not restricted by the heating element 50 and moves with the movable element 6.

[0038] Fig. Figure 8A is a top view of a heater 30. The heater 30 is divided into four zones (zone one 22, zone two 24, zone three 26, and zone four 28), and one or more moving elements 6 are located in each of the zones. The heater 30 comprises a heating element 50 connected to a flexible support layer 40. The heating element 50 is divided into a first leg 52 and a second leg 54. The flexible support layer 40 includes through holes 16 and extends over moving elements. The heating element 50 is connected to a power cable 72 and a thermistor 70, and the thermistor 70 is partially covered by a patch 62.

[0039] Fig. Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the heater 30 along line VIII-VIII. The heater comprises a flexible carrier layer 40 and a heating element 50, which is connected to the flexible carrier layer 40 by a seam 64 extending over and under the flexible carrier layer 40. A patch 62 extends over wires extending from a power cable 72 and is connected to the flexible carrier layer 40 by adhesive 60 in an edge region of the heater 30.

[0040] Fig.Figure 9 represents the heater 30, which is located between a cushion 10 and a cover 80. The heater 30 is bonded to the cushion surface 11 near grooves 12 by an adhesive 60. The heater 30 extends over movable elements 6 located in a recess 14. The movable elements 6 are shown moving into a form 8, in which the heater 30 is moved away from the cushion surface 11.

[0041] All numerical values ​​listed herein encompass all values ​​from the lower to the upper value in increments of one unit, provided that there is a separation of at least two units between a lower and a higher value. For example, if it is specified that the quantity of a component or a value of a process variable, such as temperature, pressure, time, and the like, is from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, then it is intended that values ​​such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc., are explicitly listed in this description. For values ​​less than one, a unit such as 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 is considered appropriate.These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the lowest and highest enumerated values ​​are expressly to be regarded in this application as being specified in a similar manner.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of "approximately" or "nearly" in conjunction with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "approximately 20 to 30" is intended to include "approximately 20 to approximately 30," including at least the specified endpoints.

[0043] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "essentially consisting of" used to describe a combination includes the identified elements, constituents, components, or steps and any other elements, constituents, components, or steps that do not substantially affect the fundamental and novel features of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "having" to describe combinations of elements, constituents, components, or steps herein also includes embodiments that consist substantially of or comprise the elements, constituents, components, or steps.

[0044] Multiple elements, parts, components, or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, part, component, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, part, component, or step can be subdivided into multiple separate elements, parts, components, or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "an" to describe an element, part, component, or step is not intended to exclude other elements, parts, components, or steps.

[0045] It is understood that the above description is intended to be explanatory and not limiting. Many embodiments and applications beyond the examples mentioned will become apparent to the person skilled in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the teaching should therefore be determined not by reference to the foregoing description, but by reference to the appended claims and the entire scope of equivalents to which these claims refer. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the following claims does not constitute a waiver of such subject matter, nor should it be assumed that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter. 2 Structure 4-seater 6. Movable element 8 Movement of the moving element 10 cushions 11 Upholstery surface 12 gully 12A Side wall 12B Floor 14 recess 16 through hole 20 Air-conditioned system 22 Zone 1 24 Zone 2 26 Zone 3 28 Zone 4 30 Heating 32 First longitudinal edge 34 Second longitudinal edge 36 First side edge 38 Second side edge 40 Flexible carrier layer 42 slots 44 Through hole 46 tab 50 heating elements 52 First thigh 54 Second thigh 56 Connecting legs 60 adhesive 62 patches 64 Sewing 70 Thermistor 80 Fairing cover 82 support surface

Claims

[1] System for a vehicle seat (4) with a cushion (10), comprising: a movable element (6) configured to be located behind the cushion (10) of the vehicle seat (4) and configured to move and exert a force on an occupant supported by the cushion (10) of the vehicle seat (4), wherein the movable element (6) comprises a pneumatic cushion, an inflatable cushion, a massage device, a mechanical device, a lumbar support or a combination thereof; a heater (30) that covers the cushion (10) and is attached to the cushion (10) by a fastening means, the heater (30) comprising: a flexible carrier layer (40), and a heating element (50), wherein the vehicle seat (4) has a trim cover (80), the heating element (30) is arranged between the cushion (10) and the trim cover (80), and the flexible support layer (40) between the cushion (10) and the trim cover (80) stretches or moves while the movable element (6) moves. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a ventilation system comprising a shell and an air conveyor configured to move air through the shell. [3] System according to claim 2, wherein the heating element (30) is arranged above the shell. [4] System according to claim 2, wherein the heating element (30) is arranged inside the shell. [5] System according to claim 4, wherein the shell comprises a lower layer and an upper layer and the heating element (30) is located between the lower layer and the upper layer. [6] System according to claim 5, wherein the shell is free of a spacer between the lower layer and the upper layer. [7] System according to claim 2, wherein the heating element (30) is arranged below the shell. [8] System according to claim 1, wherein the movable element (6) is arranged in a recess (14) in the cushion (10). [9] System according to claim 2, wherein the shell comprises a lower layer, an upper layer and a spacer between the lower layer and the upper layer. [10] System according to claim 2, wherein the heater (30), the cushion (10) or both have one or more through-holes (16) through which an airflow generated by the air conveyor can flow. [11] System according to claim 1, wherein the cushion (10) has a groove (12) defined between opposing side walls and the heater (30) does not project into the groove (12). [12] System according to claim 1, wherein the heating element (30) extends in or over a groove (12) of the cushion (10). [13] System according to claim 1, wherein the flexible support layer (40) is perforated and has a slot (42) so that the flexible support layer (40) is movable at the slot (42). [14] A system for a vehicle seat (4) with a cushion (10), the system comprising: a movable element (6) configured to be located near the cushion (10) and to move and to exert a force on an occupant supported by the cushion (10) of the vehicle seat, wherein the movable element (6) is a pneumatic cushion, an inflatable cushion, a massage device, a mechanical device, a lumbar support or a combination thereof, a heater (30), wherein the heater (30) comprises: a flexible support layer (40) and a heating element (50); a ventilation system that includes a casing and an air conveyor, which is configured to create an airflow that flows through the shell; wherein the flexible support layer (40) stretches or moves with the movable element (6) when the movable element (6) moves; and where the heater (30), the cushion (10) or both are one or have several through-holes (16) through which an airflow generated by the air conveyor flows, wherein the movable element (6) is located behind the cushion (10). [15] System according to claim 14, wherein the heating element (30) is located in front of the cushion (10). [16] System according to claim 14, wherein the movable element (6) is arranged in a recess (14) of the cushion (10).

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