Heating apparatus for automobile seats

• US 7,240,962 B2
• Filed: 08/04/2004
• Issued: 07/10/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Original Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Inventors: Kim, Hyo Seok
• Primary Examiner(s): Nelson, Jr.; Milton
• Application Number:
  US10/911,707
• Publication Number:
  US 20050099043A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,070 Days
• Field of Search: 297/217.3, 297/180.12, 297/217.1, 297/180.1, 180/53.8, 280/1, 219/202, 219/217
• US Class Current: 297/180.12
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/5685 Resistance

Abstract

A heating apparatus for automobile seats is disclosed. In particular, a heating wire is installed in the interiors of a seat. A piezoelectric element is installed between an automobile engine and each engine mount. The heating wire is energized by the power generated by each piezoelectric element when an engine vibrates. The seat is heated based on a heating operation of the heating wire.

Claims

1. A heating apparatus for a seat of an automobile, comprising:

a piezoelectric element disposed between an automobile engine and each engine mount adapted to support the engine;

a voltage amplifier that receives power generated by the piezoelectric element based on engine vibration and amplifies the power;

a heating unit that is installed in an interior of a seat and receives power from the voltage amplifier to heat the seat; and

an on and off switch for connecting and disconnecting the power supplied to the heating unit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said voltage amplifier includes:

a circular steel core in which a primary coil is wound on a first side thereof, and a secondary coil is wound on a second side thereof, to form a winding ratio with respect to the primary coil, wherein the primary coil of the circular steel core is connected with each piezoelectric element, and the secondary coil is connected with the heating unit of the seat, and an induction electromotive force of voltage generated and amplified in the secondary coil by the electromotive force of an primary coil supplied from each piezoelectric element is supplied to the heating unit of the seat.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a seating detection switch that is installed in the seat and is turned on by whether a passenger sits on the seat, thereby connecting power to the heating unit.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said seating detection switch includes:

a driving contact point that is elastically supported by a spring; and

a fixed contact point that contacts with the driving contact point when the driving contact point is pressed by the weight of a passenger sitting on the seat.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bimetal switch that is installed between the seat heating unit and the voltage amplifier, wherein said bimetal switch is automatically turned on and off.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an assist battery electrically connected with the piezoelectric element.