Vehicle ventilation seat pipeline butt joint equipment

Abstract

An apparatus for a vehicle ventilation seat is disclosed. The apparatus may include a seat cushion duct divided into a first seat cushion duct and a second seat cushion duct and configured to supply air to a seat cushion; and a blower installed between the first seat cushion duct and the second seat cushion duct and configured to blow air into the seat cushion duct. The apparatus further includes a seatback duct mounted to a seatback rotatably connected to the seat cushion, where the seatback duct is configured to communicably interface to the seat cushion duct when the seatback is rotated to the deployed position, and to be separated from the seat cushion duct when the seatback is rotated to the folded position. The docking connector is configured to connect the seat cushion duct with the seat back duct and guide a docking position of the seat back duct with the seat cushion duct.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a duct docking apparatus for a vehicle ventilation seat. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a duct docking apparatus for a vehicle ventilation seat, which is capable of docking a duct of the ventilation seat at an unfolded position of a seatback or the like and separating the duct at a folded position of the seatback. BACKGROUND

[0002] The contents described in this BACKGROUND section merely provide background information and do not constitute prior art against the present disclosure.

[0003] Generally, a vehicle ventilation seat is a convenient apparatus configured to allow air generated by a blower to be blown through a duct to air vents in a seat cushion and a seatback, thereby quickly removing heat and moisture from buttocks and a back of a passenger seated on the seat, providing a cool and comfortable seating experience.

[0004] To achieve this, a blower for providing cool air and a duct serving as an air passage can be installed within the ventilation seat to guide air from the blower to the air vents in the seat cushion and the seatback. In a foldable seat configuration, such as a seat configuration in an SUV, movement of the seatback during folding can damage the connection between the ducts, making it difficult to use a single blower for both the seat cushion and the seatback. Accordingly, each portion can require a separate blower, which increases the complexity, weight, and cost of the system. SUMMARY

[0005] Other examples and embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed hereinafter.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for a vehicle ventilation seat, which can include a seat cushion duct divided into a first seat cushion duct and a second seat cushion duct and configured to supply air to a seat cushion; a blower installed between the first seat cushion duct and the second seat cushion duct and configured to blow air into the seat cushion duct; a seatback duct installed to a seatback rotatably connected with the seat cushion, wherein the seatback duct is configured to be dockable in communication with the seat cushion duct when the seatback is rotated to an unfolded position and to be separated from the seat cushion duct when the seatback is rotated to a folded position; and a docking connector configured to connect the seat cushion duct with the seatback duct and to guide a docking position of the seatback duct with the seat cushion duct when the seatback is rotated to the unfolded position.

[0007] In the above device, the docking connector can include a main body connected to the seat cushion duct, a docking guide rotatably coupled to the main body and can include a communication hole configured to enable the seat back duct to be communicably docked, and an elastic member configured to elastically support a guide pin formed on the docking guide and to provide an elastic force to rotate the docking guide from the main body when the seat back is switched to the folded position and separated from the seat cushion duct.

[0008] In the above device, the main body can include a guide groove into which the guide pin is inserted, and wherein the guide groove is configured to set a rotation path in which the docking guide is rotated by the elastic member.

[0009] In the above device, the docking guide can include an entrance portion formed by the communication hole, wherein the entrance portion is a stepped shape and has an inclined surface widened along a length direction of the entrance portion, and wherein the inclined surface guides the seat back duct to be aligned with the communication hole.

[0010] In the above device, the seat back duct can include a seal located at a boundary between the communication hole and the entrance portion and configured to maintain air tightness when the seat back duct is communicably docked with the seat cushion duct.

[0011] In the above device, the seal is located inside the communication hole when the seat back is further rotated in the unfolded position and an amount of coupling of the docking seat back duct is increased, wherein the amount of coupling corresponds to a degree to which the seat back duct is coupled with the communication hole.

[0012] In the above device, the seat back duct is installed in the center of the seat back, and wherein the seat back duct is docked to the seat cushion duct installed in the center of the seat cushion in a straight line direction by the docking connector.

[0013] In the above device, the seat back duct is provided with a fixing guide, and wherein the fixing guide is configured to fix the seat back duct in the seat back.

[0014] In the above device, the fixing guide can include a mounting bracket configured to support the seat back duct in a lateral direction, and an elastic member mounted on the mounting bracket and configured to elastically support the seat back duct in a forward direction perpendicular to the lateral direction.

[0015] According to the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle, which can include: a seat cushion duct divided into a first seat cushion duct and a second seat cushion duct and configured to supply air to a seat cushion at a center of the seat cushion; a blower installed between the first seat cushion duct and the second seat cushion duct and configured to blow air into the seat cushion duct; a seat back duct installed at a center of a seat back rotatably connected to the seat cushion, wherein the seat back duct is configured to be linearly communicably docked with the seat cushion duct when the seat back is rotated to an unfolded position, and to be separated from the seat cushion duct when the seat back is rotated to a folded position; and a docking connector configured to connect the seat cushion duct with the seat back duct, and to guide a docking position of the seat back duct with the seat cushion duct when the seat back is rotated to the unfolded position.

[0016] In the above apparatus, the docking connector can include: a main body connected to the seat cushion duct; a docking guide rotatably coupled to the main body and can include a communication hole configured to enable the seat back duct to be communicably docked; and an elastic member configured to elastically support a guide pin formed on the docking guide and to provide an elastic force to rotate the docking guide from the main body when the seat back is switched to the folded position and separated from the seat cushion duct.

[0017] In the above apparatus, the main body can include a guide groove into which the guide pin is inserted, and wherein the guide groove is configured to set a rotation path in which the docking guide is rotated by the elastic member.

[0018] In the above apparatus, the docking guide can include an entrance portion formed by the communication hole, wherein the entrance portion is stepped and has an inclined surface widened along a length direction of the entrance portion, and wherein the inclined surface guides the seat back duct to be aligned with the communication hole.

[0019] In the above apparatus, the seat back duct can include a seal located at a boundary between the communication hole and the entrance portion when the seat back duct is communicably docked with the seat cushion duct, and configured to maintain air tightness.

[0020] In the above apparatus, when the seat back is further rotated in the unfolded position and an amount of coupling of the docking seat back duct is increased, the seal is located inside the communication hole, wherein the amount of coupling corresponds to a degree to which the seat back duct is coupled with the communication hole.

[0021] In the above apparatus, the seat back duct is provided with a fixing guide, and wherein the fixing guide is configured to fix the seat back duct in the seat back.

[0022] In the above-described apparatus, the fixed guide can include a mounting bracket configured to support the seat back duct in a lateral direction, and an elastic member mounted on the mounting bracket and configured to elastically support the seat back duct in a forward direction perpendicular to the lateral direction.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method for a vehicle ventilated seat performed by a vehicle, which can include supplying air to a seat cushion through a seat cushion duct, the seat cushion duct being divided into a first seat cushion duct and a second seat cushion duct; blowing air into the seat cushion duct using a blower installed between the first seat cushion duct and the second seat cushion duct; rotating a seat back to an unfolded position, the seat back being rotatably coupled with the seat cushion, wherein during the rotation of the seat back to the unfolded position, a seat back duct installed to the seat back is communicably docked with the seat cushion duct to allow air flow; rotating the seat back to a folded position, wherein during the rotation of the seat back to the folded position, the seat back duct is separated from the seat cushion duct to interrupt the air flow; and aligning a docking position of the seat back duct with the seat cushion duct through a docking connector of the vehicle when the seat back is rotated to the unfolded position to facilitate the air flow.

[0024] In the above-described method, the docking connector can include a main body connected to the seat cushion duct; a docking guide rotatably coupled to the main body and can include a communication hole configured to enable the seat back duct to be communicably docked; and an elastic member configured to elastically support a guide pin formed in the docking guide and to provide an elastic force to rotate the docking guide from the main body when the seat back is switched to the folded position and separated from the seat cushion duct.

[0025] In the above-described method, the main body can include a guide groove into which the guide pin is inserted, and wherein the guide groove is configured to set a rotation path in which the docking guide is rotated by the elastic member.

[0026] It should be understood that the use of "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms used herein encompasses general motor vehicles such as passenger cars (including sport utility vehicles (SUVs)), public vehicles, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft (including various boats), aircraft, etc., and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuel derived from resources other than petroleum). The hybrid vehicle referred to herein means a vehicle having two or more power sources, for example, a vehicle powered by both gasoline and electricity.

[0027] The above and other features of the present disclosure will be discussed hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other features of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to certain examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of example only, and therefore are not limiting of the present disclosure, in which:

[0029] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 show examples of a ventilated seat;

[0030] Figure 3 show examples of a duct docking apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 and Figure 5 show examples of a gas supply path of a duct docking apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 show examples of a seat back duct of a duct docking apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7 show examples of a docking connector of a duct docking apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8A and Figure 8B show examples of a seat back unfolded position of a duct docking apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively;

[0035] Figure 9A and 9B show examples of a rotation of a seat back of a duct docking apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively;

[0036] Figure 10A and 10B show examples of a folded position of a seat back of a duct docking apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively;

[0037] Figure 11A , 11B and 11C show examples of a docking of a seat back duct with a duct docking apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, in sequence.

[0038] It should be understood that the drawings are not to scale as various aspects of the present disclosure are simplified for purposes of this disclosure. Specific design features, such as specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment.

[0039] In the drawings, reference numerals refer to the same or similar components throughout the several figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods of achieving the same will be apparent from embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] However, the present disclosure can be exemplified in various different forms, and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is more complete and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0043] In describing the present disclosure, if it is considered that a detailed description of the related known functions or structures will unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure, such a description is omitted, but it is understood by those skilled in the art.

[0044] For the present application and claims, the use of the exemplary phrase "at least one of A; B; or C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" means "at least one A, or at least one B, or at least one C, or any combination of at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C." In addition, the exemplary phrases used herein, such as "A, B, and C," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," and the like, can refer to each item listed or all possible combinations of the items listed. For example, "at least one of A or B" can refer to (1) at least one A; (2) at least one B; or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0045] According to the present disclosure, a docking pipe system is introduced for a ventilated automotive seat for managing airflow to both the seat cushion and the seat back. In a foldable seat configuration, such as in a seat configuration in an SUV, a ventilated seat can use separate blowers for these parts, as the rotation of the seat back during folding would disrupt the connection between the pipes. This adds complexity, cost, and weight. The proposed solution is a docking pipe structure that enables the use of a single blower for both the seat cushion and the seat back even when the seat back is folded. Key components include a docking connector, a docking guide, and a return spring to ensure seamless reconnection of the pipes after folding. The simplified pipe path can reduce air loss, improve airflow efficiency, and eliminate the need for additional blowers. This integrated design not only saves space and cost but also enhances airflow performance and noise reduction, resulting in faster cooling and quieter operation for passengers.

[0046] As Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the ventilated seat includes: a blower 3, which is installed at the bottom of the seat cushion 1 for air dispersion and ventilation; a first duct 4-1 configured to connect one exhaust portion of the blower 3 to the seat cushion 1; and a second duct 4-2 configured to connect the other exhaust portion of the blower 3 to the seat back 2. Considering the rotational trajectory of the seat back 2, the second duct 4-2 has a portion including a bellows 4-3.

[0047] When the seat back is folded down, as Figure 1B As shown, the bellows 4-3 can increase the length of the second pipe 4-2. However, since the second pipe 4-2, including the bellows 4-3, is exposed, the second pipe 4-2 may be damaged by interference from surrounding components or external forces.

[0048] Furthermore, when connecting the blower 3 to the second duct 4-2 for folding the seat back 2 becomes impractical, in addition to the blower 3 installed in the seat cushion 1, it is also possible to use... Figure 2 As shown, installing a separate blower 3 to blow air onto the seat back 2 would result in increased weight and cost.

[0049] Figure 3 An example of a duct docking device for a vehicle ventilated seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 An example of an air supply path for a duct docking device for a vehicle ventilated seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 6 An example of a seat back duct for a duct docking device for a vehicle ventilated seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 An example of a docking connector for a duct docking device for a vehicle ventilated seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8A and Figure 8B An example of the unfolded position of the seat back of a duct docking device for a vehicle ventilated seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 9A and Figure 9B An example of seat back rotation is shown in the duct docking device for a vehicle ventilated seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10A and Figure 10B An example of the folded position of the seat back of a duct docking device for a vehicle ventilated seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 11C Examples of docking between a seat back duct and a duct docking device for a vehicle ventilated seat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, are shown in sequence.

[0052] like Figure 3As shown, the duct docking apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a seat cushion duct 100, a blower 200, a seat back duct 300, and a docking connector 400.

[0053] As shown, the seat cushion duct 100 is divided into a first seat cushion duct 110 and a second seat cushion duct 120, and is configured to supply air to the seat cushion 10. Figure 4

[0054] Specifically, the seat cushion duct 100 is connected to one side and the other side of the blower 200, respectively. The first seat cushion duct 110 connected to one side of the blower 200 can be used as an air passage to discharge air to the lower body of the passenger including the hips of the passenger, and the second seat cushion duct 120 connected to the other side of the blower 200 can be used as an air passage to discharge air to the upper body of the passenger including the back of the passenger.

[0055] The blower 200 is installed between the first seat cushion duct 110 and the second seat cushion duct 120, and is configured to blow air into the seat cushion duct 100.

[0056] In addition, when the passenger operates the ventilated seat, the blower 200 operates to discharge air to the first seat cushion duct 110, the second seat cushion duct 120, and the seat back duct 300.

[0057] Therefore, as shown, the blower 200 discharges air to the lower body of the passenger through the first seat cushion duct 110 in the seat cushion 10, and discharges air to the upper body of the passenger through the second seat cushion duct 120 and the seat back duct 300 connected to the second seat cushion duct 120 in the seat back 20. Figure 5

[0058] The seat back duct 300 can be docked in communication with the second seat cushion duct 120 by being installed to the seat back 20, or can be separated from the second seat cushion duct 120 by being rotated together with the seat back 20 when the seat back 20 is rotated to a folding position with respect to the seat cushion 10.

[0059] The seat back duct 300 can be installed at the center of the seat back 20, and can be docked to the second seat cushion duct 120 of the seat cushion duct 100 installed at the center of the seat cushion 10 in a straight line direction by the docking connector 400.

[0060] ​​As described above, the second seat cushion duct 120 and the seat back duct 300 are connected to each other in a straight direction in the seat cushion 10 and seat back 20, thereby shortening the duct length and simplifying the duct path. Therefore, the loss of air volume discharged from the blower 200 can be minimized, thereby improving the airflow performance of the ventilated seat.

[0061] Furthermore, the seat back tube 300 may include a corrugated structure 320 along its length. Due to the corrugated structure 320, when the angle of the seat back 20 is adjusted while the seat back tube 300 is mating to the second seat cushion tube 120, the seat back tube 300 can maintain its connection with the mating connector 400 by selective deformation.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the seat back tube 300 may be provided with a fixing guide 310, which is configured to fix the seat back tube 300 in the seat back 20.

[0063] The fixed guide 310 may include a mounting bracket 312 and an elastic member 314.

[0064] The mounting brackets 312 are arranged in pairs. One of the pair is coupled to the left side of the seat back 20, and the other of the pair is coupled to the right side of the seat back 20. With this structure, the mounting brackets 312 can support the left-right movement of the seat back tube 300 within the seat back 20.

[0065] The elastic member 314 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 312a, which is respectively disposed on each of the pair of mounting brackets 312 and elastically supports the seat back tube 300 in the forward direction.

[0066] In other words, one side and the other side of the elastic member 314 are rotatably coupled to the connecting member 312a, respectively, so that the elastic member 314 pushes the seat back tube 300 forward by the elastic force acting on the corresponding position.

[0067] With this structure, the elastic member 314 secures the left, right, front, and rear portions of the seat backrest tube 300 in place, so that when the seat backrest 20 is rotated from the folded position to the unfolded position, the seat backrest tube 300 can be aligned with the docking connector 400 in a straight line. Therefore, when the seat backrest 20 is in the unfolded position, the seat backrest tube 300 can be easily docked with the second seat cushion tube 120.

[0068] Also, since the elastic member 314 is rotatably coupled to the connection member 312a, even when the angle of the seatback 20 is adjusted, the seatback duct 300 is angularly changed due to the corrugated structure 320, and since the elastic member 314 can rotate in the connection member 312a, the elastic support for the seatback duct 300 in the seatback 20 can be maintained (see Figure 11C ).

[0069] Meanwhile, as shown in Figure 7 , the docking connector 400 can connect the second seat cushion duct 120 and the seatback duct 300 to each other, and can guide the docking position of the seatback duct 300 to the second seat cushion duct 120 when the seatback 20 is rotated to the unfolded position.

[0070] To this end, as shown in Figure 9B , the docking connector 400 can include a main body 410, a docking guide 420, and an elastic member 430.

[0071] The main body 410 can be connected to the second seat cushion duct 120 while being fixed to the seat cushion 10 by bolting or other connection means.

[0072] The main body 410 includes a guide groove 412 into which a guide pin 422 formed on the docking guide 420 is inserted, wherein the guide groove 412 is configured to set a rotation path in which the docking guide 420 is rotated by the elastic member 430.

[0073] The guide groove 412 can have a curved shape so as to guide the movement of the guide pin 422 along the radius of rotation of the docking guide 420 which rotates about the rotation axis 410a.

[0074] The docking guide 420 is rotatably axially coupled to the main body 410 through the rotation axis 410a, and includes a communication hole H to enable the seatback duct 300 to be communicably docked while the main body 410 is connected to the second seat cushion duct 120.

[0075] Here, the docking guide 420 can include an entrance portion 424 formed by the communication hole H which gradually increases in size, as described below.

[0076] The inlet portion 424 has a stepped shape including an inclined surface in the docking guide 420 such that the size is increased from the communication hole H. The inclined surface is widened along the length direction of the inlet portion 424 such that the inclined surface guides the seat back pipe 300 to be aligned with the communication hole H. Accordingly, while the seat back pipe 300 is docked with the second seat cushion pipe 120 as the seat back 20 is switched to the unfolded position, the seat back pipe 300 can be stably positioned within the docking guide 420 due to the size of the inlet portion 424 being increased from the communication hole H, the seat back pipe 300 being separated from the second seat cushion pipe 120 when the seat back 20 is in the folded position.

[0077] Also, since the inlet portion 424 has the stepped shape including the inclined surface, when the seat back 20 is further rotated to the unfolded position while the seat back pipe 300 is positioned within the docking guide 420, the seat back pipe 300 can be easily guided into the communication hole H along the inclined surface.

[0078] Here, the seat back pipe 300 can be provided with a seal 330 (see Figure 6 ). The seal 330 is installed to surround the end of the seat back pipe 300 and is positioned at the boundary between the communication hole H and the inlet portion 424 so as to maintain air tightness when the seat back pipe 300 is communicably docked with the second seat cushion pipe 120.

[0079] Since the amount of coupling of the docked seat back pipe 300 is increased as the seat back 20 is further rotated in the unfolded position (see Figure 11C ), the seal 330 can prevent the discharged air from leaking between the inner surface of the communication hole H and the outer surface of the seat back pipe 300 when the seat back pipe 300 is inserted and placed in the communication hole H.

[0080] The elastic member 430 is elastically supported on a guide pin 422 (see Figure 9B ) formed in the docking guide 420 and provides an elastic force to rotate the docking guide 420 from the main body 410 when the seat back 20 is switched to the folded position and separated from the seat cushion pipe 100.

[0081] This is to allow the docking guide 420 to be rotated to a position where the seat back pipe 300 is connected by the elastic member 430. Accordingly, in the case where the docking guide 420 is rotated in this manner, when the seat back 20 is switched from the folded position to the unfolded position, the docking guide 420 has already been rotated by only the rotation of the seat back pipe 300, which allows the seat back pipe 300 to be connected to the docking guide 420, thereby easily docking the seat back pipe 300 with the second seat cushion pipe 120 in a communicable manner.

[0082] Hereinafter, switching of the seat back 20 from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state will be sequentially explained based on the above description of the structure of the duct docking apparatus for the vehicle ventilated seat according to the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0083] As shown in Figure 8A and Figure 8B , when the seat back 20 is in the unfolded state, the second seat cushion duct 120 and the seat back duct 300 are dockable to each other in communication through the docking connector 400.

[0084] Here, when the seat back 20 is rotated, as shown in Figure 9A , the seat back duct 300 is also rotated together and separated from the docking connector 400. When the seat back 20 is further rotated, as shown in Figure 10A and Figure 10B , the seat back duct 300 is also rotated together in a state in which the seat back duct 300 is separated from the docking connector 400.

[0085] In other words, since the passenger cannot be seated when the seat back 20 is in the folded state, the seat back duct 300 can be separated from the docking connector 400, and for this reason, the ventilated seat operation of discharging air to the seat cushion 10 and the seat back 20 by the blower 200 is allowed only when the docking connector 400 and the seat back duct 300 are connected to each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to additionally add the blower to blow air to the seat back 20, thereby achieving weight reduction and cost reduction.

[0086] Meanwhile, when the seat back 20 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, first, as shown in Figure 11A , the seat back 20 is rotated to the unfolded position, and the seat back duct 300 is rotated together to a position close to the docking guide 420.

[0087] Here, since the docking guide 420 is rotated to a position connected to the seat back duct 300 by the elastic member 430 at a point in time at which the docking guide 420 is separated from the seat back duct 300, when the seat back 20 is rotated, as shown in Figure 11B , the seat back duct 300 can be connected to the docking guide 420 and dockable to the second seat cushion duct 120 in communication. Here, the docking guide 420 is rotated within the main body 410 and located in a straight line with the second seat cushion duct 120 through the seat back duct 300.

[0088] In this state, as shown in Figure 11CAs shown, as the seatback 20 is further rotated, the seatback duct 300 is also rotated therewith, and thus the seatback duct 300 is moved downward, increasing the coupling amount of the seatback duct 300 inserted into the docking guide 420.

[0089] When the seatback duct 300 is docked with the second seat cushion duct 120 through the docking guide 420 as described above, as the coupling amount of the seatback duct 300 increases, the seal 330 is positioned in the communication hole H, thereby maintaining a reliable seal between the seatback duct 300 and the communication hole H, enabling the ventilated seat to operate effectively.

[0090] The present disclosure is made to solve the foregoing problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a duct docking apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle, in which the apparatus has the following features: when a seatback is in a deployed position in which a passenger can sit, a seatback duct installed to the seatback and a seat cushion duct installed to a seat cushion are airtightly docked with each other through a connection duct; and when the seatback is in a folded position, the seatback duct and the seat cushion duct are separated from each other in consideration of the possibility that the passenger can not be seated, thereby enabling air to be easily blown to the seatback and the seat cushion using only one blower when the passenger is seated.

[0091] In one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle, in which the apparatus includes: a seat cushion duct divided into a first seat cushion duct and a second seat cushion duct and configured to supply air to a seat cushion; a blower installed between the first seat cushion duct and the second seat cushion duct to blow air into the seat cushion duct; a seatback duct configured to be dockable in communication with the seat cushion duct by being installed to a seatback rotatably connected to the seat cushion, or to be separated from the seat cushion duct when the seatback is rotated to a folded position; and a docking connector configured to connect the seat cushion duct to the seatback duct and to guide a docking position of the seatback duct with the seat cushion duct when the seatback is rotated to a deployed position.

[0092] In one embodiment, the docking connector can include: a main body connected to the seat cushion duct; a docking guide rotatably coupled to the main body and including a communication hole enabling the seatback duct to be dockable in communication; and an elastic member configured to elastically support a guide pin formed in the docking guide and to provide an elastic force to rotate the docking guide from the main body when the seatback is switched to the folded position and separated from the seat cushion duct.

[0093] In another embodiment, the main body can include a guide groove into which the guide pin is inserted. The guide groove can set a rotation path in which the docking guide is rotated by the elastic member.

[0094] In still another embodiment, the docking guide can include an entrance portion formed by a communication hole having a gradually increasing size.

[0095] In still another embodiment, the seat back duct can include a seal located at a boundary between the communication hole and the entrance portion for maintaining air tightness in terms of the seat back duct being dockably communicated with the seat cushion duct.

[0096] In still another embodiment, the seal can be located inside the communication hole as the seat back is further rotated in the unfolded position and the amount of coupling of the docking seat back duct is increased.

[0097] In another embodiment, the seat back duct can be installed in the center of the seat back, and can be docked to the seat cushion duct installed in the center of the seat cushion in a straight line direction through the docking connector.

[0098] In still another embodiment, the seat back duct can be provided with a fixing guide configured to fix the seat back duct in place in the seat back.

[0099] In still another embodiment, the fixing guide can include an installation bracket configured to support the seat back duct in a left-right direction, and an elastic member installed on the installation bracket and configured to elastically support the seat back duct in a forward direction.

[0100] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for a ventilated seat of a vehicle, wherein the apparatus includes a seat cushion duct divided into a first seat cushion duct and a second seat cushion duct and configured to supply air to the seat cushion in the center of the seat cushion, a blower installed between the first seat cushion duct and the second seat cushion duct to blow air into the seat cushion duct, a seat back duct configured to be dockably communicated with the seat cushion duct in a straight line direction by being installed in the center of a seat back rotatably connected to the seat cushion, or to be separated from the seat cushion duct when the seat back is rotated to a folded position, and a docking connector configured to connect the seat cushion duct to the seat back duct and to guide a docking position of the seat back duct with the seat cushion duct when the seat back is rotated to an unfolded position.

[0101] In an embodiment, the docking connector can include a main body connected to the seat cushion duct, a docking guide rotatably coupled to the main body and including a communication hole enabling the seat back duct to be dockably communicated, and an elastic member configured to elastically support a guide pin formed on the docking guide and to provide an elastic force to rotate the docking guide from the main body when the seat back is switched to the folded position and separated from the seat cushion duct.

[0102] In another embodiment, the main body can include a guide groove into which a guide pin is inserted. Here, the guide groove can set a rotation path in which the docking guide is rotated by the elastic member.

[0103] In still another embodiment, the docking guide can include an entrance portion formed by a communication hole having a gradually increasing size.

[0104] In still another embodiment, the seat back duct can include a seal located at a boundary between the communication hole and the entrance portion in terms of the seat back duct being dockable in communication with the seat cushion duct, to maintain air tightness.

[0105] In still another embodiment, the seal can be located inside the communication hole when the seat back is further rotated in the unfolded position and the amount of coupling of the docking seat back duct is increased.

[0106] In still another embodiment, the seat back duct can be provided with a fixing guide configured to fix the seat back duct in place in the seat back.

[0107] In still another embodiment, the fixing guide can include a mounting bracket configured to support the seat back duct in a left-right direction, and an elastic member mounted on the mounting bracket and configured to elastically support the seat back duct in a forward direction.

[0108] As is apparent from the above description, the present disclosure provides the following effects.

[0109] According to the present disclosure, when the seat back is in a position in which a passenger can be seated, such as an unfolded position, the seat back duct mounted to the seat back and the seat cushion duct mounted to the seat cushion can be air-tightly docked with each other through a connection duct, and when the seat back is in a folded position, considering that a passenger can not be seated, the seat back duct and the seat cushion duct can be separated from each other, so that when a passenger is seated, air can be easily blown to the seat back and the seat cushion using only one blower.

[0110] Accordingly, air can be blown to the seat back and the seat cushion using one blower, so that it is not necessary to additionally install a blower inside the seat back in addition to the blower mounted to the seat cushion, achieving weight reduction and cost reduction.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, by positioning the seat back duct at the center of the seat back and the seat cushion duct at the center of the seat cushion, so that the seat back duct and the seat cushion duct are docked with each other at the unfolded position, the length of the ducts is reduced, and the path shape of the ducts is simplified, thereby minimizing flow loss and improving the airflow performance of the ventilated seat.

[0112] Further, according to the present disclosure, the blower is installed at the bottom of the seat cushion, away from the head of the passenger, reducing the blower operation noise felt by the passenger.

[0113] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made and all or part of the above-described embodiments can be selectively combined. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the technical concept of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for a ventilated vehicle seat, the device comprising: The seat cushion duct is divided into a first seat cushion duct and a second seat cushion duct, and is configured to supply air to the seat cushion. A blower is installed between the first seat cushion duct and the second seat cushion duct, and is configured to blow air into the seat cushion duct; A seat back tube is installed in a seat back that is rotatably connected to the seat cushion, wherein the seat back tube is configured as follows: When the seat back is rotated to the unfolded position, it connects communicatively with the seat cushion tube; and When the seat back is rotated to the folding position, it separates from the seat cushion tube; and The mating connector is constructed as follows: Connect the seat cushion tube to the seat back tube; and When the seat back is rotated to the unfolded position, the seat back tube is guided to the docking position with the seat cushion tube.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the mating connector comprises: The main body is connected to the seat cushion tube; A docking guide, rotatably coupled to the body, includes a connecting hole configured to allow the seat back tube to be dockably connected. and The elastic member is constructed as follows: A guide pin is elastically supported on the docking guide, and When the seat back is switched to the folded position and separated from the seat cushion tube, an elastic force is provided to rotate the docking guide from the main body.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the main body includes a guide groove in which a guide pin is inserted, and wherein the guide groove is configured to set a rotation path for the docking guide to be rotated by the elastic member.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the docking guide includes an inlet formed by the connecting hole, wherein the inlet is stepped and has an inclined surface that widens along the length of the inlet, and wherein the inclined surface guides the seat back tube to align with the connecting hole.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the seat back conduit includes a seal that is located at the boundary between the connecting hole and the inlet when the seat back conduit is communicatively connected to the seat cushion conduit, and is configured to maintain airtightness.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein when the seat back is further rotated in the unfolded position and the coupling amount with the seat back conduit increases, the seal is located inside the connecting hole, wherein the coupling amount corresponds to the degree of coupling between the seat back conduit and the connecting hole.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the seat back conduit is installed at the center of the seat back, and wherein the seat back conduit is connected in a straight direction to the seat cushion conduit installed at the center of the seat cushion via the mating connector.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the seat back conduit is provided with a fixing guide, and wherein the fixing guide is configured to fix the seat back conduit in the seat back.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the fixing guide comprises: The mounting bracket is configured to support the seat back tube in the lateral direction. and An elastic member is mounted on the mounting bracket and configured to elastically support the seat back tube in a forward direction perpendicular to the lateral direction.

10. A device for a ventilated vehicle seat, the device comprising: The seat cushion duct is divided into a first seat cushion duct and a second seat cushion duct, and is configured to supply air to the seat cushion at the center of the seat cushion. A blower is installed between the first seat cushion duct and the second seat cushion duct, and is configured to blow air into the seat cushion duct; A seat back tube is installed in the center of a seat back that is rotatably connected to the seat cushion, wherein the seat back tube is configured as follows: When the seat back is rotated to the unfolded position, it is connected in a straight line to the seat cushion tube; and When the seat back is rotated to the folding position, it separates from the seat cushion tube; and The mating connector is constructed as follows: Connect the seat cushion tube to the seat back tube; and When the seat back is rotated to the unfolded position, the seat back tube is guided to the docking position with the seat cushion tube.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the mating connector comprises: The main body is connected to the seat cushion tube; A docking guide, rotatably coupled to the body, includes a connecting hole configured to allow the seat back tube to be dockably connected. and The elastic member is constructed as follows: A guide pin is elastically supported on the docking guide, and When the seat back is switched to the folded position and separated from the seat cushion tube, an elastic force is provided to rotate the docking guide from the main body.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the main body includes a guide groove in which a guide pin is inserted, and wherein the guide groove is configured to set a rotation path for the docking guide to be rotated by the elastic member.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the docking guide includes an inlet formed by the connecting hole, wherein the inlet is stepped and has an inclined surface that widens along the length of the inlet, and wherein the inclined surface guides the seat back tube to align with the connecting hole.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the seat back conduit includes a seal that is located at the boundary between the connecting hole and the inlet when the seat back conduit is communicatively connected to the seat cushion conduit, and is configured to maintain airtightness.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein when the seat back is further rotated in the unfolded position and the coupling amount of the seat back conduit increases, the seal is located inside the communication hole, wherein the coupling amount corresponds to the degree of coupling between the seat back conduit and the communication hole.

16. The device of claim 10, wherein the seat back conduit is provided with a fixing guide, and wherein the fixing guide is configured to fix the seat back conduit in the seat back.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the fixing guide comprises: The mounting bracket is configured to support the seat back tube in the lateral direction. and An elastic member is mounted on the mounting bracket and configured to elastically support the seat back tube in a forward direction perpendicular to the lateral direction.

18. A method for a vehicle ventilated seat performed by a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: Air is supplied to the seat cushion through seat cushion pipes, which are divided into a first seat cushion pipe and a second seat cushion pipe. A blower is used to blow air into the seat cushion duct, and the blower is installed between the first seat cushion duct and the second seat cushion duct. The seat back is rotated to the unfolded position, wherein the seat back is rotatably coupled to the seat cushion, wherein during the rotation of the seat back to the unfolded position, a seat back duct installed on the seat back is communicatively connected to a seat cushion duct to allow airflow. The seat back is rotated to a folded position, wherein during the rotation of the seat back to the folded position, the seat back duct is separated from the seat cushion duct to interrupt airflow; and When the seat back is rotated to the unfolded position, the docking position of the seat back tube is guided to align with the seat cushion tube via the vehicle's docking connector to promote airflow.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mating connector comprises: The main body is connected to the seat cushion tube; A docking guide, rotatably coupled to the body, includes a connecting hole configured to allow the seat back tube to be dockably connected. and The elastic member is constructed as follows: A guide pin is elastically supported on the docking guide, and When the seat back is switched to the folded position and separated from the seat cushion tube, an elastic force is provided to rotate the docking guide from the main body.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the body includes a guide groove in which a guide pin is inserted, and wherein the guide groove is configured to set a rotation path for the docking guide to be rotated by the elastic member.

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