NECK FAN FOR A VEHICLE SEAT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

Abstract

The present teachings relate to a neck fan for a vehicle seat for generating a usable air flow that emerges from the neck fan toward a passenger, said neck fan being provided with at least one air conveying device for generating a usable air flow in the region of a headrest or the upper end of a seat back. It is provided that one or more compensating means are provided, by means of which asymmetrical climatic conditions caused by interfering currents in the area surrounding a passenger can be compensated for, and that one or more compensating means act asymmetrically on the usable air flow and/or impart an asymmetry to the cross-section of the usable air flow, at least in the region of an outlet of the neck fan, said asymmetry relating to at least one geometric or thermodynamic parameter.

Claims

1. A neck fan for a vehicle seat for generating a usable air flow emerging from the neck fan toward a passenger, the neck fan being comprising: at least one air conveying device for generating a usable air flow in a region of a headrest or an upper end of a seat back, wherein one or more compensating means are provided, by means of which asymmetrical climatic conditions caused by interfering currents in an area surrounding a passenger can be compensated for, and in that one or more compensating means act asymmetrically on the usable air flow and/or impart an asymmetry to a cross-section of the usable air flow, at least in the region of an outlet of the neck fan, the asymmetry relating to at least one geometric or thermodynamic parameter.

2. The neck fan according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet has a plurality of outlet openings arranged adjacent to one another or spaced from one another for cooperatively expelling the usable air flow from the neck fan toward the passenger, from a first outlet opening to a first side of a neck of a passenger and a second outlet opening to a second side of the neck of a passenger.

3. The neck fan according to claim 1, wherein in at least one operating mode, the neck fan is controlled in a way in which the asymmetry of the usable air flow relates to at least one of the neck fans following parameters: a distribution of a temperature profile over the outlet, the distribution the flow velocity over the outlet, a distribution of pressure over the outlet, a spread of an outflow angle over the outlet, and a degree of deviation of an outflow direction of a homogeneously directed flow of usable air from the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

4. The neck fan according to claim 1, wherein a magnitude of the parameter that is realized asymmetrically in the usable air flow increases at least partially along the outlet of the neck fan in the horizontal direction from a vehicle center axis toward a vehicle outer side, or is directed toward the vehicle outer side.

5. The neck fan according to claim 1, wherein to compensate for asymmetries in the neck region, at least one of the following parameters of the usable air flow is influenced in: flow direction, shape of dispersion cone, temperature, velocity, pressure, and at least one of the following functional components is provided as a compensating means: a temperature control device, a heating device, a cooling device, an air conveying device, and/or a flow guiding element.

6. The neck fan according to claim 1, wherein the neck fan has at least second of said functional components in redundant number, in two temperature control devices, two air conveying devices, and/or two flow guiding elements.

7. (canceled)

8. The neck fan according to claim 1, wherein the neck fan includes a control device, which in at least one operating mode influences the usable air flow, preferably-asymmetrically to a longitudinal axis of the usable air flow and/or the vehicle, based upon data that are acquired in the vehicle.

9. The neck fan according to claim 1, wherein at least one air conveying device has at least one: an aperture, an opening cross-section of which can be adjusted via the control device, to adjust a volume of a temperature-controlled usable air flow, a blower, which is mounted pivotably to adjust the direction of the usable air flow, a flow guiding element, an orientation of which can be adjusted to adjust a direction of a temperature-controlled usable air flow.

10. The neck fan according to claim 1, wherein the neck fan includes at least one of: at least two air conveying devices that can be controlled independently of one another in terms of conveying output, and at least two heating devices that can be controlled independently of one another in terms of heating output; wherein at least one air conveying device is assigned to a subset of a plurality of heating devices, and/or in that at least one heating device is assigned to a subset of a plurality of air conveying devices, and wherein the subset may be a subset of one.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. A control method for controlling at least one usable air flow that emerges in a region of a headrest of a vehicle seat from an outlet of a neck fan, comprising the following steps: detecting an interfering current acting on the at least one usable air flow, determining a nature and/or intensity of a compensation response for appropriately influencing the usable air flow dependent upon nature and/or intensity of the interfering current, implementing a determined compensation response by generating a usable air flow that emerges from the outlet of the neck fan, asymmetrically with respect to at least one thermodynamic parameter relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and/or of the usable air flow.

15. The control method according to claim 14, wherein a compensation response includes an adjustment of a flow direction, a outflow angle, a velocity, a temperature, a pressure, and/or a distribution of at least one of these parameters horizontally within the usable air flow, and wherein an implementation of an adjustment response takes place at least approximately in real time.

16. (canceled)

17. The control method according to claim 14, wherein the usable air flow passes through an aperture, and the opening cross-section of the aperture is increased or decreased to adjust the pressure and/or the volume flow rate of the at least one temperature-controlled usable air flow, and wherein at least one blower and at least one temperature control device cooperate to generate the usable air flow, wherein the temperature control device is or has a cooling device or a heating device, wherein the at least one blower is pivoted to adjust a flow direction, wherein the output of the at least one blower is controlled to adjust the usable air flow, and/or wherein the output of the temperature control device is controlled via the control device.

18. The control method according to claim 14, wherein an interfering current, acting on the usable air flow is detected by sensors.

19. The control method according to claim 14, wherein at least one first blower and at least one first heating device cooperate to generate a first partial usable air flow, wherein at least one second blower and at least one second heating device cooperate to generate a second partial usable air flow, wherein the output of the first blower and the output of the second blower are controlled independently of one another to implement an intended compensation response, and/or wherein the output of the first heating device and the output of the second heating device are controlled independently of one another to implement an intended compensation response.

20. A neck fan having: at least one air conveying device for conveying a usable air flow, at least one temperature control device for controlling a temperature of the usable air flow, at least one control device for controlling at least one air conveying device, and/or the at least one temperature control device, wherein the control device, the at least one air conveying device, and the at least one temperature control device form a modular unit.

21. The neck fan according to claim 20, wherein a control device includes at least one carrier having at least one of: electrical functional components of the control device are mounted on the at least one carrier; the at least one carrier and a plane of rotation of two impellers are arranged longitudinally in relation to one another; the at least one carrier is a plate; the at least one carrier is at least substantially rectangular in shape; a width of a rectangle corresponds to a diameter of an impeller to which a temperature control device is connected upstream, with a maximum tolerance of twice a specified value, and a minimum tolerance of one-half the specified value; and a length of a rectangle corresponds to a diameter of two impellers, with a maximum tolerance of twice a specified value, and a minimum tolerance of one-half the specified value.

22. (canceled)

23. The neck fan according to claim 21, wherein the control device has at least one carrier, on which electrical functional components of the control device are mounted, and to which at least one temperature control device and at least one air conveying device are attached wherein the at least one carrier has at least one of: the at least one carrier is an electrical circuit board; the at least one carrier is a component of a control device of a temperature control device and carries electrical circuits for controlling the output of the temperature control device; the at least one carrier is a component of a control device of an air conveying device and carries electrical circuits for controlling the output of the air conveying device; the at least one carrier carries a stator of at least one impeller; the at least one carrier carries a stator of at least one radial blower; the at least one carrier carries a stator of at least two radial blowers; and the at least one carrier carries at least two radial blowers.

24. The neck fan according to claim 20, wherein the neck fan includes at least one of: at least one contact plate of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element is plugged into an electrical circuit board and soldered in place, and all electrically contacted contact plates of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element are inserted in a same insertion direction into the electrical circuit board and are soldered to the circuit board on a side of the circuit board opposite the PTC heating element; and wherein the neck fan includes two impellers that include at least one of: axes of rotation of the two impellers are arranged parallel to one another; impellers rotate in a same plane of rotation; axes of rotation of the impellers are arranged at an angle in relation to a flow direction of a usable air flow expelled by a respective air conveying device; axes of rotation of the impellers are arranged at an angle in relation to a flow direction of a usable air flow expelled by a respective air conveying device; axes of rotation of the impellers are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another in relation to a usable air flow expelled by the neck fan; axes of rotation of the impellers are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another in relation to the longitudinal axis of the neck fan; and the impellers are a component of radial blowers; the distances between two axes of rotation of the impellers are greater than a sum of a radii of the two impellers; the impellers are arranged in helical housings or housing sections, which are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another; and the two impellers rotate in opposite directions of rotation.

25. (canceled)

26. The neck fan according to claim 20, having two impellers with at least one of: the two impellers are identical in shape; the stators of the two impellers are mounted on opposite sides of a plane of rotation; and each of the impellers rotates in a same direction of rotation as a respective stator; and wherein the neck fan includes at least one of: the two impellers draw air in axially along a respective axis of rotation, and expels the air radially; the axial intake of air into the impeller occurs from at least one side of the plane of rotation and the axial intake of air occurs via a through opening in a housing on a side that faces away from a control device; and an axial intake of air into the impeller occurs from both sides of the plane of rotation and the axial intake of air occurs via a through opening in a housing on a side that faces away from a control device and the axial intake of air further occurs through a lateral gap between control device and impeller.

27. (canceled)

28. The neck fan according to claim 20, comprising a carrier in a housing having at least one of: the housing has at least one holding section, on which the neck fan can be connected to the seat; the housing has at least one housing shell, which corresponds to the support section and which accommodates the functional components of the neck fan; all functional components of the neck fan that require fastening are mounted on a housing shell, and at least one holding section is free of attachments, allowing the at least one holding section to serve solely for mounting of the housing shell and the neck housing at the location of use thereof; and wherein the neck fan includes a carrier in a housing that includes at least one of: the housing has at least one support section to which a carrier is attached; the housing has at least one cover, which corresponds to the support section and which at least largely encloses the functional components of the neck fan; the housing has two helical housings or housing sections, each of which accommodates one impeller; the cover has a divider for delimiting the working spaces of the two impellers in relation to one another, and for at least hampering the passage of air from one working space to the other; the cover has at least one air through opening; the support section is free of through openings for air; the support section is free of dividers because the working spaces of the two impellers are delimited from one another by the cover and the carrier; and the carrier has two rounded sections, the shape of which at least partially follows the outer radius of the impellers concentrically.

29. (canceled)

Description

[0076] In the following, details of the invention will be explained. These embodiments are intended to clarify the invention. However, they are merely exemplary in character. Of course, within the scope of the invention defined by the independent claims, one or more described features may also be omitted, modified, or supplemented. And of course, the features of different embodiments may also be combined with one another. What is important is that the concept of the invention be substantially implemented. Where a feature is at least partially implemented, that feature is considered to be fully implemented or substantially fully implemented. Substantially in this context means, in particular, that the implementation allows the desired benefits to be achieved to a noticeable extent. In particular, this can mean that a corresponding feature is at least 50%, 90%, 95% or 99% implemented. If a minimum quantity is specified, more than this minimum quantity can obviously also be used. If the number of a component is specified as at least one, this also includes embodiments having two, three or any other multiple number of components. Descriptions relating to one object can also be applied to the majority of or all other similar objects. Unless otherwise stated, intervals include their boundary points. Alan is hereinafter meant as an indefinite article and may mean a single but also at least one. In the following, reference will be made to:

[0077] FIG. 1 a schematic view of a vehicle having a neck fan according to the invention.

[0078] FIG. 2 an enlarged detail view of a headrest of the vehicle with the neck fan according to the invention;

[0079] FIG. 3 the headrest of FIG. 2 with the neck fan in a different operating mode;

[0080] FIG. 4 a heating device, such as is used for the neck fan of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0081] FIG. 5 a perspective view of the neck fan of FIGS. 2 and 3 laterally from the front

[0082] FIG. 6 a perspective view of the neck fan of FIG. 5, laterally from above, in an exploded view

[0083] FIG. 7 a second embodiment of a neck fan in an exploded view from above at the front

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 4, with vehicle seats 8, 8 and the headrests 2, 2 thereof. In the present case, vehicle 4 is embodied as a motor vehicle, in particular as an automobile, but in other embodiments it may also be embodied as a watercraft, a railcar, or an aircraft.

[0085] A passenger 6, 6 is seated in each of the vehicle seats 8, 8. Each of the two headrests 2,2 has a neck fan 28, 28, via which the head, shoulder, and/or neck region 16, 16 of the respective passenger 6, 6 can be ventilated and temperature controlled. The operation of the neck fans 28, 28 will be described in the subsequent figures.

[0086] In FIG. 1, the driver side window 10 and the passenger side window 10 of vehicle 4 are open, so that interfering currents 12 and 12, respectively, are entering the vehicle interior 14 in the area of the respective window sides 18, 18. The interfering air currents 12 and 12 influence the ventilation and temperature control of the neck regions 16 and 16, respectively, where they generate swirling air currents that are undesirable in practice. Interfering currents 22 and 22 can also develop in the region of interior sides 20 and 20, which face away from window sides 18 and 18, respectively. For example, interfering currents 22 and 22 may be generated by a ventilation system 24 positioned in the vehicle interior 14, or may be moved by the more distant driver side window 10 or passenger side window 10 in each case, toward the head, shoulder, and/or neck region 16 or 16 of the more distant passenger 6 or 6 in each case.

[0087] Headrest 2 has a neck fan 28, which in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 includes two air conveying devices 26 and 26 for generating usable air flows 30 and 30, respectively. These air conveying devices are formed by blowers 27 and 27.

[0088] In addition, neck fan 28 has two temperature control devices 31, in this case two heating devices 32 and 32. Each air conveying device 26 and 26 is assigned its own heating device 32 or 32, respectively. Usable air flows 30 and 30 can be heated via heating devices 32 and 32, respectively. If such a temperature control device contains a cooling device or is composed of such a device, the air can also be cooled, or the temperature thereof controlled accordingly.

[0089] Further provided is a control device 38. Control device 38 is connected to air conveying devices 26 and 26 and to heating devices 32 and 32. For example, a serial bus communication system, in particular a LIN system, may be provided, via which control device 38 is informed as to whether a driver side window 10 and/or a passenger side window 10 are open and/or whether a ventilation system 24 is in operation. This enables control device 38 to infer the presence of a respective interfering air current 12 or 22. It is also possible for at least one sensor (not shown) for directly or indirectly detecting interfering currents 12 and 22 to be positioned in the region of headrest 2 or in the region of the head, shoulder, and/or neck region 16. Control device 38 can be connected to the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may be embodied as a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, and/or a temperature sensor. In practice, for example, embodiments have proven advantageous in which two or more NTC sensors are provided, which detect surface temperatures on the surface of an aperture 36 and transmit information in this regard to control device 38. It is also possible for at least one infrared sensor to be provided, which is provided for identifying or detecting the skin temperature of a passenger 6. Control device 38 can be connected to the at least one infrared sensor. Based upon the skin temperature ascertained by the infrared sensor, control device 38 can arrive at information regarding the interfering air currents 12 and 22 and can identify measures for appropriately influencing the temperature-controlled usable air flows 34 and 34.

[0090] Control device 38 preferably ascertains the nature and intensity of an interfering current by analyzing one or more state parameters, e.g. the degree of opening of windows, performance data for a vehicle air conditioning system, the temperature, the amount of solar irradiation, and/or pressure conditions, and/or the change in such values over time. It obtains these data via sensors in the region around the neck of a passenger and/or via a central vehicle control unit. Based upon the acquired data concerning the interfering current, the control device then identifies appropriate measures for responding to the interfering current, designed to compensate for the interfering current. Control device 38 can also be designed to establish a relationship between the interfering current and the influence on the temperature-controlled usable air flow 34 generated in the region of headrest 2. Further, air conveying devices 26 and 26 can preferably be controlled independently of one another to adjust the volume and/or the direction of the respective temperature-controlled usable air flow via control device 38, e.g. taking the established relationship into account. FIG. 2 shows a strong interfering current 12 in the region of window side 18, whereas in the region of interior side 20 only a slight interfering current 22 is formed. Air conveying device 26 that is assigned to window side 18 is thus controlled to operate with increased output, and therefore, usable air flow 30 is increased in volume due to the strong interfering current 12. In contrast, air conveying device 26 that is assigned to interior side 20 is controlled to operate with a reduced or constant output, and therefore, usable air flow 30 is not increased or is increased only slightly in volume due to the weak interfering current. By increasing the usable air flow 30, i.e. by increasing the mass and/or the volume of the conveyed air, interfering current 12 can be counteracted, so that the ventilation and temperature control of passenger 6 in the head, shoulder, and/or neck region 16 are maintained at least largely without impairment.

[0091] In the operating state shown in FIG. 2, the output rate of air conveying devices 26 and 26 is increased or decreased as required, by means of control device 38, to adjust the mass and/or volume of the temperature-controlled usable air flow 34, 34. However, it is alternatively or additionally possible for aperture 36 to have an opening cross-section that can be increased and decreased in size to adjust the volume of the temperature-controlled usable air flow 34, 34. In particular, aperture 36 can have a plurality of louvers for this purpose, the orientation of which is adjustable. The flow volume and/or the flow velocity of the usable air flow 34, 34 can thereby be adjusted. In this way, it can be throttled, in particular, or adjusted with respect to its direction of flow, its swirl, or its degree of flow expansion.

[0092] FIG. 3 shows a further operating state in which the neck fan according to the invention can be operated. For adjusting the usable air flow 34, 34, it can preferably be additionally or alternatively provided that the direction of flow thereof from an outlet can be changed. For this purpose, air conveying devices 26, 26 can be pivoted about an angle of rotation to adjust the direction of usable air flow 30, 30, 34, 34. The angle of rotation is preferably determined by control device 38, dependent upon the interfering current 12, 22. Each of blowers 27, 27 is equipped with an impeller 29, 29. A pivot axis for each of the blowers 27, 27 extends along the axis of rotation for the respective impeller 29, 29. As is clear from FIG. 3, an interfering current 12 in the region of a window side 18 is shown as greater than an interfering current 22 in the region of an interior side 20. In such a situation, a blower 27 that is assigned to the window side 18 is pivoted about a greater angle of rotation than a blower 27 that is assigned to the interior side 20. In this way, interfering currents 12 and 22 can be at least approximately compensated for, so that at least approximately constant current conditions prevail over time, or at least approximately constant temperature control can be carried out over time in the head, shoulder, and/or neck region 16 of passenger 6.

[0093] In one conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention, in a first step an interfering current 12, 12 22, 22 acting on the passenger and/or on the at least one usable air flow 34 or 34 in the region of headrest 2 or 2 is detected.

[0094] Thereafter, in a second step, a suitable new flow direction of the usable air flow 34, 34 or a suitable adjustment of the old flow direction thereof is determined. The extent to which an adjustment of the previous volume flow rate is required is also determined, and/or a new output volume or output rate is established. A relationship could also be established between the interfering current 12, 12, 22, 22 and the influence of the at least one temperature-controlled usable air flow 34 or 34 that is respectively formed in the region of headrest 2 or 2.

[0095] In the third step, the flow direction of usable air flow 34, 34 and/or the output rate of at least one air conveying device 26, 26 are then adjusted. In this way, an at least approximately constant temperature control of the head, shoulder, and/or neck region 16 or 16 of a respective passenger 6 or 6 can advantageously be effected.

[0096] In the vehicle, swirling air currents that differ in terms of their orientation and intensity can occur as a result of different operating and environmental conditions (roof open or closed; windows open or closed; convertible top with or without wind deflector; different speeds and different environmental temperatures).

[0097] It is therefore expedient for the neck fan to readjust its required air volume and its heating output asymmetrically and preferably automatically.

[0098] For this purpose, the output rate of at least one air conveying device can preferably be controlled independently of at least one heating output of at least one heating device.

[0099] If a neck fan has a plurality of air conveying devices, these can preferably be controlled independently of one another. If a plurality of heating devices are provided, these too can preferably be controlled independently of one another. This enables an optimal adjustment to the operating and environmental conditions in each case. In each case a plurality of spatially separated and spaced apart modules of air conveying device, temperature control device, and/or aperture can cooperate as a neck fan. This uncoupled control also enables the same neck fan to be used in different installation locations (i.e., for example on both the driver side and the passenger side).

[0100] An additional automatic influence on the outflow direction results in an optimal adjustment to the respective operating and environmental conditions, without intervention by the user. The necessary data regarding the individual states and conditions (e.g. speed, external temperature, roof open, etc.) can be supplied, for example, via a LIN communication link for controlling the module. Data could also be acquired separately via sensors of any type (e.g. infrared thermometers for detecting the temperature of the skin, for example on the neck, or the surface temperature of the clothing, or the air outlet aperture; two or more NTC sensors that detect surface temperature changes at different locations on the outlet or on an air outlet aperture; backpressure sensors, etc.), which are positioned in the temperature control or heating module or in one of the surrounding components. A control algorithm is used to adjust the volume flow rate to be provided and/or the required heating output of the heating module.

[0101] The output of at least one heating device and/or at least one air conveying device can be controlled, taking into account data that are acquired or supplied by the vehicle. In this way, an asymmetric counterflow that arises as a result of vehicle and environmental conditions, and an uneven flow into the associated area in question can be compensated for, and a symmetrical distribution of warm air in the area in question can be achieved.

[0102] It may be expedient to combine a plurality of heating devices to form a single heating device, as shown in FIG. 4. For this purpose, a plurality of heating devices preferably are not simply interconnected electrically in series or in parallel. Rather, they have at least one shared mechanically load-bearing component. In addition, each preferably has at least one electrically conductive load-bearing component that is functionally identical but that cannot be used by the other heating device. In FIG. 4, two small, flat PTC heating panels 41, 41 are provided. Each of these carries on its two surfaces corrugated heat conducting plates 42, 42, 42, 42, which help to transfer heat from the small PTC heating panels 41, 41 to air flowing through the heat conducting plates. Each of the small PTC heating panels is assigned its own potential terminal 43, 44 via a heat conducting plate on its one surface, this terminal forming part of a supporting structure in the form of a contact plate. In addition, each of the small PTC heating panels is assigned a common potential terminal 45 via a heat conducting plate on its other surface, which connection forms a further part of a supporting structure in the form of a common contact plate.

[0103] In such a heating device, an electric potential can be applied to at least two, preferably to all PTC heating panels independently of one another, each at its own potential terminal. To the extent that this deviates from the potential at the common contact plate, the respective heating device receives the energy required there at that moment for heating.

[0104] At least one of the potential terminals can have a protruding contact region 46, 46, 46, which facilitates the contacting of the potential terminal, e.g. via soldering or plug connections. In the simplest case, such a contact region projects in the form of a sheet extension beyond the section that is required by a respective heating device. However, at least one contact region can also be bent or curved one or more times, so that all contact areas can be installed simultaneously with a single movement, e.g. by plugging or inserting the heating device into a multi-pin connector.

[0105] A portion of the increased heating output on the window side is channeled toward the interior of the vehicle by an increased opposing wind. If the heating device is composed of a plurality of heating devices, as in FIG. 4, it may be expedient to operate the different partial heating devices at different heating output levels when the windows are lowered. In that case, e.g. the heating output of a component of the heating device disposed centrally in the vehicle may be lower than the heating output of a component of the heating device provided on the outer side of the vehicle. A uniform distribution is nevertheless achieved. The same applies similarly to the air output rate when a plurality of blowers is provided. The adjustment can be made by increasing or reducing the output of the components (air conveying device and heating device) and by a separate or coordinated output adjustment.

[0106] An automatic mechanical adjustment of the angle of incidence of the module components likewise enables a symmetrical flow into the affected area despite an asymmetrical opposing current.

[0107] To achieve an optimal effect, a variable direction of rotation with different angles is possible. This is possible for individual heating devices or air conveying devices, or for a plurality of these.

[0108] An automatic aperture or flap adjustment can likewise effect a symmetrical flow into the affected area, despite an asymmetrical opposing flow.

[0109] It can be expedient for a neck fan to have at least one target area sensor, which is connected to control device 38 and which directly and/or indirectly ascertains the interfering current 12, 12, 22, 22 in the region of headrest 2, 2. These include, for example, a flow sensor and/or a temperature sensor.

[0110] The neck fan is preferably integrated into the upper region of a seat back, into a headrest, and/or into a roofliner, or is mounted thereon.

[0111] In the prior art, neck fan and control device are separate units. They can therefore be installed only in headrests that are specially designed for this purpose.

[0112] The invention therefore further relates to a neck fan 28 having

[0113] at least one air conveying device 26 for conveying a usable air flow,

[0114] at least one temperature control device 31 for controlling the temperature of the usable air flow,

[0115] at least one control device 38 for controlling at least one air conveying device 26 and/or at least one temperature control device 31.

[0116] Control device 38, at least one air conveying device 26, and at least one temperature control device 31 form a modular unit. A neck fan of this type is small and compact.

[0117] It is less than half the size of previous neck fans on the market. As a result, it can be integrated into a variety of common headrests and integral seats.

[0118] Particularly useful is has a neck fan in which the control device includes at least one carrier 50 having at least one of the following features:

Electrical functional components of the control device are mounted on the carrier.

[0119] The carrier and the plane of rotation of two impellers are arranged longitudinally in relation to one another.

[0120] The carrier is a plate.

[0121] The carrier is at least substantially rectangular in shape.

[0122] The width of the rectangle corresponds approximately to the diameter of an impeller to which a temperature control device is connected upstream.

[0123] The length of the rectangle corresponds approximately to the diameter of two impellers.

[0124] Approximately in this case means with a maximum tolerance of twice the specified value, and a minimum tolerance of one-half the specified value.

[0125] It is also useful for the control device to include at least one carrier 50 on which electrical functional components of the control device are mounted, and to which at least one temperature control device and at least one air conveying device are attached. The carrier preferably has at least one of the following characteristics:

The carrier is an electrical circuit board (printed circuit board).

[0126] The carrier is a component of a control device of a temperature control device and carries electrical circuits for controlling the output of the temperature control device.

[0127] The carrier is preferably also a component of a control device of an air conveying device, and carries electrical circuits for controlling the output of the air conveying device.

[0128] The carrier carries a stator 5 of at least one impeller or of at least one radial blower, preferably of two radial blowers.

[0129] The carrier carries at least two radial blowers.

[0130] A control device of this type thus controls at least one blower and/or at least one temperature control device.

[0131] It preferably controls all of the temperature control devices provided in the neck fan and all blowers.

[0132] At least one contact plate of a PTC heating element is preferably connected and soldered to the electrical circuit board. Preferably, all electrically contacted contact plates of a PTC heating element are plugged into the electrical circuit board in the same insertion direction and are soldered to the circuit board on a side of the circuit board opposite the PTC heating element. This type of assembly is quick and saves on cable.

[0133] Two impellers preferably have at least one of the following features:

[0134] The axes of rotation of the two impellers are arranged parallel to one another.

[0135] The impellers rotate in the same plane of rotation.

[0136] The axes of rotation of the impellers are angled in relation to the flow direction of the usable air flow expelled by the respective air conveying device. Angled in this case more particularly means perpendicular.

[0137] The axes of rotation of the impellers are angled in relation to the flow direction of the usable air flow expelled by the respective air conveying device. Angled in this case more particularly means perpendicular.

[0138] The axes of rotation of the impellers are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another in relation to a usable air flow expelled by the neck fan.

[0139] The axes of rotation of the impellers are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another in relation to the longitudinal axis of the neck fan.

[0140] The impellers are a component of radial blowers.

[0141] The distances between the two axes of rotation of the impellers are greater than the sum of the radii of the two impellers.

The impellers are disposed in helical housings or housing sections 65, which are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another.

[0142] The two impellers rotate in opposing directions of rotation.

[0143] In such an arrangement, the two impellers can also be mirror-symmetrical to one another. However, since this requires the impellers to be arranged in mutually opposite orientations, two mirror-symmetrical types of impellers are required.

[0144] It is therefore particularly cost-effective for two impellers of identical shape to be used. In that case, one of the impellers is installed upside down. That is, the stators of the two impellers are mounted on opposite sides of the plane of rotation. The two impellers therefore rotate in the opposite direction of rotation relative to one another. However, each rotates in the same direction as its respective stator.

[0145] The two impellers preferably draw air in axially along their axis of rotation and expel it radially. The axial intake of air into the impeller takes place from at least one side of the plane of rotation, as shown in FIG. 7. More particularly, air enters a housing 60 via a through opening 70 on a side thereof that faces away from control device 60.

[0146] However, air can also enter the impeller axially from both sides of the plane of rotation. In that case, air enters, in particular, via a through opening in a housing 60 on a side that faces away from control device 60. Air is also taken in through a lateral gap 74 between control device and impeller. This arrangement makes it possible to generate a high air flow rate despite a small size.

[0147] An advantageous neck fan, shown in FIG. 6, having a carrier 50 in a housing 60 has at least one of the following features:

[0148] Housing 60 has at least one holding section 62, on which the neck fan can be connected to the seat.

[0149] Housing 60 has at least one housing shell 64, which corresponds to the support section and which accommodates the functional components of the neck fan.

[0150] All the functional components of the neck fan that require fastening are mounted on housing shell 64, and holding section 62 is free of such connections, allowing it to be used solely for mounting the housing shell and the neck fan at the location of use.

[0151] This makes it possible to produce a standard module including the housing shell, which can be easily and cost-effectively adapted to different locations of use by using holding sections that are suitable for the respective application.

[0152] According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a neck fan preferably has a carrier 50 in a housing 60 having at least one of the following features:

[0153] housing 60 has at least one support section 69 to which a carrier 50 is attached.

[0154] Housing 60 has at least one cover 68, which corresponds to support section 69 and at least largely encloses the functional components of the neck fan.

[0155] The housing has two helical housings or housing sections 65, each of which accommodates one impeller.

[0156] Cover 68 includes a divider 66 for delimiting the working spaces of the two impellers from one another and for at least hampering the passage of air from one working space to the other.

[0157] Cover 68 includes at least one air through opening, preferably at least two, preferably at least one intake opening 71 and at least one outlet opening 72.

[0158] Support section 69 can be free of openings for air passage.

[0159] Support section 69 is free of dividers, because the working spaces of the two impellers are delimited from one another by cover 68 and carrier 68.

[0160] The carrier has two rounded sections 51, the shape of which at least partially follows the outer radius of the impellers concentrically.

[0161] If necessary, the separation of the working spaces can be further improved by seals between the carrier for the circuit board and the boundary 66 of cover 68. Thus, in this case, the blowers do not have a separate housing; rather, the housing of the neck fan functions as a blower housing and encloses the impeller of the blower. This is aimed at minimizing space requirements while providing high ventilation and temperature control output. It further serves to reduce costs, since savings on material and components such as blower housing, blower circuit board, and blower connection lines can be realized. The resulting neck fan is more robust and more compact. The noise level generated by the neck fan is decreased because temperature control devices, impellers, and flow paths are better matched.

[0162] The control device integrated into the common housing of the neck fan can communicates with the vehicle via a LIN bus. The control device can preferably monitor the functionality of at least one electrical component. In the event of a malfunction, it can shut off or restart the affected components temporarily or permanently.

[0163] The housing is preferably made entirely of polymeric material. The support section and its counterpiece are preferably connected solely via snap-in connections made of the same material as the housing, without adhesives, screws, or other sealing materials. The neck fan is also preferably assembled solely by means of snap-in connections of the neck fan.

[0164] At least one stator is preferably pressed into carrier 50.

[0165] The control device also handles the communication between the neck fan and the vehicle, the seat, and the respective control devices thereof.