Connector including clamp for fixing expandable bladder air channel

Abstract

To provide a connector including a clamp for fixing an expandable bladder air channel.SOLUTION: A connector includes: a connector body; and at least one nozzle projecting from the connector body. A clamp includes nozzle cavities having a shape corresponding to at least one nozzle and facing each other. The clamp is movable with respect to at least one nozzle, between an open non-clamp state and a close clamp state in which at least one nozzle is received by the nozzle cavities facing each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] The vehicle seat may include a massage assembly having inflatable cells or bladders. The bladders are connected to a valve arrangement via a fluid supply line. A pump provides air to the valve arrangement, which directs the air to the bladders to be inflated. The bladders may be sequentially inflated and deflated to provide a desired massage effect to a seated occupant.

[0002] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0003] [Figure 1] 1 shows a seat for an automobile. [Figure 2] 1 shows the seat bladder system of the seat. [Figure 3] 1 shows a connector with a clamp. [Figure 4] 1 shows a portion of a clamp in a closed state. [Figure 5] 1 shows how to assemble the air channels and connectors of the bladder system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Embodiments will now be described in more detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various illustrative embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0005] "One or more" includes functions performed by one element, functions performed, e.g., in a distributed manner, by two or more elements, several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0006] Terms such as "first," "second," and the like are sometimes used herein to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact can be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact can be referred to as a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. Although a first contact and a second contact are both contacts, they are not the same contact.

[0007] The terms used in the description of the various illustrative embodiments herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. When used in the description of the various illustrative embodiments and in the accompanying patent description, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" should also be understood to refer to and include any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should be further understood that, as used herein, the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising" explicitly state the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0008] As used herein, the term "if" is interpreted to mean "when" or "when" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," optionally depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "when determined" or "when [specified condition or event] is detected" is interpreted to mean "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [specified condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [specified condition or event]," optionally depending on the context.

[0009] 1 shows an example seat 20 for an automobile. In this example, the seat 20 includes a seat back 22 and a seat base 24. A seat frame 26 supports a cushion 28 within the seat back 22, which is covered by a trim 30a. In the seat base 24, the frame 26 supports a bottom seat cushion 34, which is covered by a seat trim 30b. While the example seat 20 is for an automobile, it should be understood that the example is applicable to other types of vehicles, such as, but not limited to, a motorcycle, a watercraft, an aircraft, or a locomotive.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a sheet system 36 for incorporation into sheet 20. The sheet system 36 includes a bladder system 38 including one or more inflatable bladders 40 and air channels 42 in fluid communication with the bladders 40 for inflating and deflating the bladders 40. By way of example, the bladders 40 are formed from polymer films (e.g., thermoplastic urethane) selectively bonded to form expandable cells. The bladders 40 are attached to one or more polymer film carrier substrates 44. For example, channels 42 are formed between two adjacent polymer films, where the films are welded along two weld lines to leave an airtight channel between the weld lines. Thus, the channels 42 are incorporated into the polymer films of the bladder system 38. Such a configuration is understood to be a "tubeless" bladder system because the channels are built into the polymer film carrier substrate 44 rather than provided as separate tubes.

[0011] Channel 42 is attached to connector 46, which is in fluid communication with valve bank 48. Valve bank 48 is in fluid communication with one or more pumps 50. A processor 52 is in communication with pumps 50 to control their operation. Processor 52 is also in communication with valve bank 48 to open and close valves in bank 48 to selectively provide air to bladder 40 via channel 42. Connector 46 serves to provide an airtight connection between channel 42 and valve bank 48.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows an example of a connector 46. The connector 46 is of a clamp type and includes a connector body 54 and at least one nozzle 56 protruding from the connector body 54 along a nozzle axis A. The connector body 54 includes an air inlet 55 in fluid communication with the nozzles 56. That is, each pair of nozzles 56 and its air inlet 55 defines a passageway through the connector 46. The valve bank 48 is connected to the air inlet 55 to provide airflow through the passageway to the bladder 40. In the example shown, the connector 46 has eight nozzles 56 that are parallel to one another (i.e., the nozzle axes A are parallel), but it should be understood that the number can vary depending on how many channels 42 are connected (one nozzle 56 for each channel 42). The connector body 54, in this example, is generally rectangular and elongated in one direction, thereby accommodating eight nozzles 56 spaced apart in a row. Each nozzle 56 is a relatively short, tapered tube that projects from a common side 54 a of the connector body 54 .

[0013] The nozzles 56 are positioned in a single row between the jaws 58 / 60 of the clamp 62. The jaws 58 / 60 of the clamp 62 include opposed nozzle cavities 64 that correspond in shape to the shape of the nozzles 56. For example, because the nozzles 56 are cylindrical, the cavities 64 are semi-cylindrical recesses such that, when the jaws 58 / 60 are brought together, approximately half of each nozzle 56 is received in the cavity of the jaw 58 and the other half of each nozzle 56 is received in the opposed cavity 64 of the jaw 60, with a small clearance around the nozzle 56 relative to the sides of the cavity 64. In this regard, the clamp 62 is movable relative to the nozzles 56 between an open, unclamped state ( FIG. 3 ) and a closed, clamped state ( FIG. 4 ) in which the nozzles 56 are received in the opposed nozzle cavities 64.

[0014] The clamp 62 is attached to the connector body 54. For example, each jaw 58 / 60 is connected to the body 54 by a hinge 66 / 68. The hinges 66 / 68 are attached to opposite sides 54b / 54c of the connector body 54, respectively. The jaws 58 / 60 are rotatable about their respective hinges 66 / 68 between an open state and a closed state. The hinges 66 / 68 may be mechanical hinges, such as butt hinges that are fixed between the jaws 58 / 60 and the connector body 54, or living hinges as shown. For example, a living hinge is a one-piece, thin, flexible element that connects the jaws 58 / 60 and the connector body 54. Such a living hinge may be molded from plastic together with the clamp 62 and the body 54, for example, by injection molding.

[0015] FIG. 4 shows a portion of the clamp 62 with the jaws 58 / 60 in a closed position. When the jaws 58 / 60 are closed, the nozzle 56 fits (i.e., compactly) into the cavity 64, creating a gap between the nozzle 56 and the sides of the cavity 64, where the channel 42 fits around the nozzle 56. Therefore, when the jaws 58 / 60 are closed, the jaws 58 / 60 clamp the channel 42 onto the nozzle 56, preventing the channel 42 from slipping off the nozzle 56 and providing an airtight connection. As shown in FIG. 3, the clamp 62 may further include a lock 70 that secures the clamp 62 in a closed position. In the example shown, the clamp 62 includes a lock 70 at each end of the clamp 62. For example, the lock 70 includes a lock arm portion 70a on the jaw 60 and a latch portion 70b on the jaw 58. The locking arm portion 70a is rotatable so that when the jaws 58 / 60 are closed, the locking arm portion 70a is pivoted toward the jaw 58 and engages the latch portion 70b. The locking arm portion 70a captures the latch portion 70b and prevents the jaws 58 / 60 from moving apart and coming out of the closed position. As will be appreciated, the locking arm portion 70a can alternatively be on the jaw 58 and the latch portion on the jaw 60.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for assembling the connector 46 and air channel 42. The method includes attaching the air channel 42 to the nozzle 56. For example, the bladder system 38 and connector 46 are brought close to one another to align the channel 42 with the nozzle 56. The channel 42 is then slid over the nozzle 56. A clamp 62 then closes around the nozzle 56. The jaws 58 / 60 of the clamp 62 press the air channel 42 against the nozzle 56 to form an airtight connection. If additional sealing is desired, a rubber seal may be provided in a groove 72 in the jaws 58 / 60. Once the jaws 58 / 60 are closed, a lock 66 is engaged to secure the jaws 58 / 60 and prevent retraction of the channel 42 from the nozzle 56. The polymer film of the bladder system 38 is flexible and not rigid enough to remain reliably connected to the nozzle 56. Thus, the clamp 62 of the connector 46 serves to secure the bladder system 38 in an airtight manner.

[0017] Although combinations of features are shown in the described examples, not all of them need to be combined to realize the benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In other words, a system designed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure does not necessarily include all of the features shown in any one of the drawings, or all of the portions shown schematically in the drawings. Furthermore, selected features of one example embodiment may be combined with selected features of other example embodiments.

[0018] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature, rather than limiting. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art without necessarily departing from the disclosure. The scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0019] 20 sheets 22 Seat back 24 seat base 26 Seat frame 28 cushions 30a trim 30b Seat trim 34 Bottom seat cushion 36 seat system 38 Bladder System 40 inflatable bladders 42 air channels 44 Polymer film carrier substrate 46 Connectors 48 valve banks 50 pump 52 processors 54 Connector body 54a Common Aspects 54b, 54c side 55 Air inlet 56 nozzles 58, 60 Joe 62 Clamp 64 Nozzle Cavity 66, 68 hinges 70 Rock 70a Lock arm part 70b Latch part 72 Groove A Nozzle shaft

Claims

1. A connector, a connector body and at least one nozzle protruding from the connector body; a clamp including an opposing nozzle cavity corresponding in shape to said at least one nozzle; Including, The clamp is movable relative to the at least one nozzle between an open, unclamped condition and a closed, clamped condition in which the at least one nozzle is received in the opposing nozzle cavity.

2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the clamp is attached to the connector body.

3. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the clamp includes first and second opposing jaws attached to the connector body by first and second hinges, respectively, the first and second jaws being rotatable between the open and closed positions.

4. 4. The connector of claim 3, wherein the first and second hinges are living hinges.

5. The opposed nozzle cavities include: a first semi-cylindrical cavity in the first jaw; a second semi-cylindrical cavity in the second jaw; and The connector of claim 3 , comprising:

6. The connector of claim 5 , wherein the at least one nozzle extends into the first and second semi-cylindrical sections when the clamp is in the closed state.

7. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the clamp includes at least one lock that secures the clamp in the closed position.

8. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector body includes at least one air inlet, the at least one air inlet being in fluid communication with the at least one nozzle.

9. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle includes a plurality of nozzles that are tapered tubes each protruding from the connector body along a respective nozzle axis, the nozzle axes being parallel to one another.

10. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle comprises a plurality of nozzles, the opposing nozzle cavities comprise a plurality of opposing nozzle cavities, and the plurality of nozzles are received in the plurality of opposing nozzle cavities in the closed state.

11. A sheet, Bladder system and a connector body and at least one nozzle protruding from the connector body; a clamp including an opposing nozzle cavity corresponding in shape to said at least one nozzle; Including, the bladder system includes at least one inflatable bladder and at least one air channel in fluid communication with the at least one inflatable bladder; the at least one air channel is received by the at least one nozzle; The clamp is movable relative to the at least one nozzle and the at least one air channel between an open, unclamped state and a closed, clamped state, and in the closed state, the clamp presses against the at least one air channel to form an airtight connection.

12. 12. The seat of claim 11, wherein the clamp includes first and second opposing jaws attached to the connector body by first and second hinges, respectively, and the first and second jaws are rotatable between the open and closed positions.

13. At least one of the first and second opposing jaws: a sealing channel intersecting the opposed nozzle cavities; a seal disposed within the seal channel that presses the at least one air channel against the at least one nozzle; The sheet of claim 12 comprising:

14. The seat of claim 11 , wherein the clamp includes at least one lock that secures the clamp in the closed position.

15. 1. A method comprising: attaching at least one air channel to at least one nozzle of the connector; closing a clamp around the at least one nozzle; Including, the at least one nozzle protruding from a connector body of the connector; the at least one air channel is within a bladder system including at least one inflatable bladder in fluid communication with the at least one air channel; the clamp includes an opposing nozzle cavity corresponding in shape to the at least one nozzle; the at least one nozzle and the at least one air channel are received in the opposing nozzle cavities when the clamp is in a closed state; The clamp presses the at least one air channel against the at least one nozzle to form an airtight connection.

16. The attaching of the at least one air channel to the at least one nozzle includes: inserting a tip of said at least one nozzle into an open end of said at least one air channel; sliding the at least one air channel over the at least one nozzle; 16. The method of claim 15, comprising:

17. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising actuating a lock on the clamp, the lock preventing the clamp from moving from the closed state to the open state.

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