Automotive seat temperature regulation module

By embedding air vents and diffusers within the seat, the airflow from the air conditioning system is used to regulate the seat temperature, solving the problem of increased costs and maintenance probability associated with independent heating/cooling devices, and providing cost-effectiveness and improved comfort.

CN224447552UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03CHANGZHOU ZHONGTENG AUTO PARTS CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHANGZHOU ZHONGTENG AUTO PARTS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-24
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The separate heating/cooling devices for existing car seat temperature control functions increase costs and the probability of repairs, creating a configuration barrier, especially in mid-range models.

Method used

Multiple air vents and diffusers are embedded in the seat padding and connected to the seat via the circulation pipes of the car's air conditioning system. Polyurethane foam and fabric are used to form an air circulation channel to achieve the dispersion and regulation of hot or cold air, reducing the need for independent temperature control modules.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the cost and maintenance frequency of seat temperature control, while adapting to the seat curves to provide comfortable temperature control.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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  • Figure CN224447552U_ABST
    Figure CN224447552U_ABST
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Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of automotive seat technology, and in particular to an automotive seat temperature regulation module, comprising multiple air outlets, which are arranged in multiple groups. Each group of air outlets has a connecting pipe at its bottom. The air outlets and connecting pipes are embedded in the seat filling. Multiple parallel connecting pipes are connected at their ends to a connecting pipe assembly, the top of which extends into the filling. This utility model embeds multiple air outlets within the seat filling, and these outlets are connected to the connecting pipes. The connecting pipes are connected to the blower outlet of the existing automotive air conditioning system via a flow pipe. Under the action of the blower, hot or cold air is blown to the air outlets, dispersed in the filling, and then emitted from the seat to contact the occupants, thus achieving the seat temperature regulation function. This changes the current practice of installing heating wires / cooling devices in the seat, reducing seat costs and maintenance frequency.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive seat technology, and in particular to an automotive seat temperature regulation module. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of automotive comfort features, seat temperature control has become an important technological direction for enhancing the driving and riding experience. From seat heating in low-temperature winter environments to ventilation and cooling in high-temperature summer scenarios, the core of related technologies lies in improving the thermal environment of the seat surface through active temperature control. Publicly available technologies indicate that most existing seats with temperature control functions rely on adding independent heating or cooling devices to the inside of the seat.

[0003] Traditional heating systems utilize nickel-chromium alloy resistance wires or PTC thermistors embedded within the seat foam layer. When energized, these wires raise the seat temperature through the Joule heating effect. For example, mainstream models from Volkswagen and Toyota commonly employ 50-80W resistance wire heating, combined with NTC thermistors to achieve three temperature settings (e.g., 40℃, 45℃, 50℃). However, this approach requires additional heating circuitry and temperature control components.

[0004] There are more than two solutions for achieving cooling functionality. For example, for ventilation and cooling needs, a low-end solution relies on installing a DC brushless fan (800-1500 rpm) inside the seat, achieving air convection through the perforated leather surface; while a high-end solution introduces a semiconductor cooling chip (Peltier effect) or a heat pump system with a micro evaporator and compressor inside the seat. For example, the semiconductor cooling module in the Audi A8 consumes 80-120W and requires a cooling fan and temperature control circuit; new energy vehicles such as the NIO ES8 draw refrigerant from the car's air conditioning system and absorb heat through a micro evaporator inside the seat, but its structure requires customized air conditioning piping and compressor branch circuits.

[0005] With cars already equipped with a built-in air conditioning system (capable of both cooling and heating), existing seat temperature control technologies require the separate installation of heating wires, fans, thermoelectric coolers, and even miniature compressors, increasing costs. For example, thermoelectric cooling solutions increase hardware costs by 30%-50% compared to standard seats, while heat pump systems, requiring modifications to the air conditioning piping, can see cost increases exceeding 80%. This "repetitive temperature control" approach significantly raises overall vehicle manufacturing costs, particularly hindering the widespread adoption of this feature in mid-range models.

[0006] The addition of heating / cooling devices increases the number of electrical components and mechanical complexity inside the seat. For example, resistance wire heating modules are prone to wiring aging after long-term use, and the failure rate of the cooling fan for semiconductor cooling chips is about 2-3 times that of ordinary seat components. According to automotive repair data, seats equipped with independent temperature control devices have a 40% higher probability of after-sales repair than ordinary seats, especially due to compressor and pipe leaks in the cooling system, with repair costs reaching over a thousand yuan. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a car seat temperature control module, which aims to improve the problem of increased costs associated with installing independent temperature control modules such as heating wires and semiconductor cooling chips on the inside of the seat.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0009] A car seat temperature control module includes multiple air outlets, which are divided into multiple groups. Each group of air outlets has a connecting pipe at its bottom. The air outlets and the connecting pipes are embedded in the seat filling. The ends of the multiple parallel connecting pipes are connected to a connecting pipe assembly. The top of the connecting pipe assembly extends into the filling, and the bottom of the connecting pipe assembly passes through the seat and connects to a flow pipe laid on the vehicle floor. The flow pipe is connected to the air outlet of the blower of the car air conditioning system.

[0010] Furthermore, the filling material is made of polyurethane foam with an open structure, and the seat fabric is made of fabric; the filling material and the seat fabric form an air circulation channel.

[0011] Furthermore, each branch pipe is connected to multiple connecting pipes, the outer side of which is provided with an external thread structure, and the bottom of the air outlet is provided with an internal thread structure, and the air outlet is threaded onto the connecting pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, there is a height difference between two adjacent diversion pipes, and multiple diversion pipes are distributed along the slope of the seat.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting pipe assembly includes a vertical pipe, a horizontal pipe installed at the top of the vertical pipe, and multiple branch pipes installed above the horizontal pipe. A solenoid valve is installed on the vertical pipe, and the multiple branch pipes are distributed along the length of the horizontal pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, there is a height difference between two adjacent branch pipes, and multiple branch pipes are directly opposite multiple branch pipes, while the branch pipes and branch pipes are connected by elbows.

[0015] Furthermore, the air outlet includes a top plate and a connecting pipe integrally installed below the top plate. The upper side of the top plate is provided with multiple vent holes, and an annular convex plate is provided above the top plate. The annular convex plate and the vent holes are staggered.

[0016] Furthermore, a polygonal head is provided at the bottom of the connecting pipe, and an internal thread structure is provided on the inside of the connecting pipe.

[0017] The beneficial effects of adopting the technical solution of this utility model are:

[0018] 1. This utility model has multiple air outlets embedded in the seat filling, and these multiple air outlets are connected and installed on a distribution pipe. At the same time, the distribution pipe is connected to the blower outlet of the car's existing air conditioning system through a flow pipe. Under the action of the blower, hot or cold air can be blown to the air outlets, dispersed in the filling, and then emitted from the seat to contact the driver and passengers, realizing the seat temperature regulation function. At the same time, it changes the current situation of installing heating wires / cooling devices in the seat, reducing costs and maintenance probability.

[0019] 2. The multiple diversion pipes in this utility model are arranged at different heights to adapt to the curvature of the seat back area and the seat cushion area, thereby realizing the seat temperature regulation function without affecting comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature regulation module and the seat in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature regulation module in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting pipe assembly in this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air outlet and the diversion pipe in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the diversion tube in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the air outlet in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the air outlet in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the temperature regulation module and the blower in this utility model.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Filler; 2. Air outlet; 21. Top plate; 22. Ring convex plate; 23. Vent hole; 24. Connecting pipe; 25. Polygonal head; 26. Internal thread structure; 3. Diverter pipe; 31. Elbow; 32. Connecting pipe; 4. Pipe assembly; 41. Vertical pipe; 42. Horizontal pipe; 43. Solenoid valve; 44. Branch pipe; 5. Flow pipe; 6. Blower. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 8 As shown, in order to achieve seat temperature regulation based on the existing air conditioning system of a car, this embodiment provides a new seat temperature regulation module. This temperature regulation module is embedded in the seat filling 1 and then connected to the blower 6 of the car's air conditioning system via a circulation pipe 5 laid on the vehicle floor. When the car's air conditioning system is operating, hot or cold air can be delivered to the temperature regulation module and then dissipated from the seat filling 1, achieving cooling or heating of the driver's and passengers' buttocks and back.

[0032] like Figure 8 As shown, in existing automotive air conditioning systems, the outlet of the blower 6 is connected to the heat exchange components of the air conditioning system (such as the evaporator and heater core), and then the heat exchange components are connected to the vehicle's existing air ducts, which in turn are connected to the air outlets. In this embodiment, the flow pipe 5 is connected to the air duct via a T-junction and a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls the flow of air through the flow pipe 5, allowing gas to sequentially pass through the blower outlet, heat exchange components, air conditioning ducts and / or the flow pipe 5, and the various air outlets inside the vehicle and / or the temperature control module. During cooling, the outlet air flows through the evaporator and is cooled before being blown out as cold air through the flow pipe 5; during heating, the outlet air flows through the heater core and is heated before being blown out as hot air through the flow pipe 5.

[0033] Current automotive air conditioning systems typically include a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. Through the coordinated operation of these components, the refrigerant absorbs and releases heat via state changes (liquid → gas → liquid), thus cooling the air. Heating systems generally include a heater core, coolant circulation, and air heating. Coolant circulation involves the engine coolant being pumped through a system where a portion flows through the heater core and the remainder returns to the engine for heat dissipation. A blower directs air from inside or outside the vehicle (depending on the recirculation mode) towards the heater core. The air is heated as it passes through the core and then delivered into the vehicle through the vents.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to disperse the incoming gas within the seat via the temperature control module, it includes a connecting pipe assembly 4, multiple branch pipes 3, and multiple air outlets 2. The connecting pipe assembly 4 runs through the seat, with its bottom connected to the flow pipe 5 and its top connected to the multiple branch pipes 3. Furthermore, the multiple air outlets 2 are evenly distributed and connected to the multiple branch pipes 3. Therefore, the gas delivered from the flow pipe 5 is first initially dispersed by the branch pipes 3, and then further dispersed over a wider area by the multiple air outlets 2, thus quickly regulating the seat temperature.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, to achieve seat temperature regulation, the air outlet 2 and the diverter 3 are embedded in the seat filling 1. The filling 1 is made of polyurethane foam with an open structure, and the seat fabric is made of fabric. Therefore, by utilizing the breathability of the filling 1 and the seat fabric, an air circulation channel is formed. While ensuring that the air is dispersed within the seat, it is also convenient for the air to pass through the seat and come into contact with the skin of the driver and passengers, thereby regulating the body temperature of the driver and passengers.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to stably install the air outlet 2 on the diversion pipe 3 and to allow for disassembly as needed, multiple connecting pipes 32 are interconnected on each diversion pipe 3, and the outer side of the multiple connecting pipes 32 is provided with an external thread structure. The air outlet 2 includes a top plate 21 and a connecting pipe 24 integrally installed below the top plate 21. An internal thread structure 26 is provided on the inner side wall of the connecting pipe 24, and the internal thread structure 26 is adapted to the external thread structure. Therefore, the cooperation between the internal thread structure 26 and the external thread structure achieves a stable connection between the air outlet 2 and the connecting pipe 24.

[0037] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, in order to facilitate the connection between the air outlet 2 and the diverter pipe 3 by rotating the air outlet 2, a polygonal head 25 is provided at the bottom of the connecting pipe 24. The polygonal head 25 can be clamped with a wrench or other tools to control the rotation of the air outlet 2, so as to realize the assembly and disassembly of the air outlet 2.

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, with the air outlet 2 stably installed, multiple vent holes 23 are provided on the upper side of the top plate 21 to disperse and output the gas flowing into it. Additionally, an annular protrusion 22 is provided above the top plate 21, and the annular protrusion 22 is staggered with the vent holes 23. Therefore, under the action of the annular protrusion 22, it can abut against the filler 1, forming a gap between the filler 1 and the upper side of the top plate 21, facilitating gas output.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, to achieve the interconnection between the diversion pipe 3 and the flow pipe 5, the connecting pipe assembly 4 includes a vertical pipe 41, a horizontal pipe 42 connected to the top of the vertical pipe 41, and multiple branch pipes 44 connected above the horizontal pipe 42. The bottom of the vertical pipe 41 is connected to the flow pipe 5, and a solenoid valve 43 is connected to the vertical pipe 41. Therefore, a control key for the solenoid valve 43 can be installed on the vehicle's control panel or seat to facilitate the temperature adjustment of a particular seat. The multiple branch pipes 44 are distributed along the length of the horizontal pipe 42 and connected to multiple diversion pipes 3. Therefore, when the solenoid valve 43 is unobstructed, the gas in the flow pipe 5 can be guided to disperse into each diversion pipe 3.

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, since the backrest and seat cushion areas of the seat are mostly designed as non-planar structures, in order to adapt to their curved changes, there is a height difference between two adjacent diversion pipes 3, that is, multiple diversion pipes 3 are distributed along the slope of the seat. In addition, there is also a height difference between two adjacent diversion pipes 44, and multiple diversion pipes 44 are directly opposite multiple diversion pipes 3, and the diversion pipes 44 and diversion pipes 3 are connected by elbows 31.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automotive seat temperature regulating module, characterized by: It includes multiple air outlets (2), each of which is divided into multiple groups. Each group of air outlets (2) has a diversion pipe (3) connected to the bottom. The air outlets (2) and the diversion pipes (3) are embedded in the seat filling (1). The ends of the multiple parallel diversion pipes (3) are connected to a connecting pipe group (4). The top of the connecting pipe group (4) extends into the filling (1), and the bottom of the connecting pipe group (4) passes through the seat and is connected to a flow pipe (5) laid on the vehicle floor. The flow pipe (5) is connected to the air outlet of the blower (6) of the car air conditioning system.

2. The temperature control module for a vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein: The filling material (1) is made of polyurethane foam with an open structure, and the seat fabric is made of fabric; the filling material (1) and the seat fabric form a gas flow channel.

3. The temperature control module for a vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein: Each of the diversion pipes (3) is provided with multiple connecting pipes (32), and the outer side of the multiple connecting pipes (32) is provided with an external thread structure. The bottom of the air outlet (2) is provided with an internal thread structure (26), and the air outlet (2) is threaded onto the connecting pipe (32).

4. The automotive seat thermal conditioning module of claim 3, wherein: There is a height difference between two adjacent diversion pipes (3), and multiple diversion pipes (3) are distributed along the slope of the seat.

5. The automotive seat thermal conditioning module of claim 3, wherein: The connecting pipe assembly (4) includes a vertical pipe (41), a horizontal pipe (42) installed on the top of the vertical pipe (41), and multiple branch pipes (44) installed above the horizontal pipe (42). A solenoid valve (43) is installed on the vertical pipe (41), and the multiple branch pipes (44) are distributed along the length of the horizontal pipe (42).

6. The automotive seat thermal conditioning module of claim 5, wherein: There is a height difference between two adjacent branch pipes (44), and multiple branch pipes (44) are directly opposite multiple diversion pipes (3). At the same time, the branch pipes (44) and diversion pipes (3) are connected by elbows (31).

7. The temperature control module of claim 3, wherein: The air outlet (2) includes a top plate (21) and a connecting pipe (24) integrally installed below the top plate (21). The upper side of the top plate (21) is provided with a plurality of vent holes (23), and an annular convex plate (22) is provided above the top plate (21). The annular convex plate (22) and the vent holes (23) are staggered.

8. The automotive seat thermal conditioning module of claim 7, wherein: A polygonal head (25) is provided at the bottom of the connecting pipe (24), and the internal thread structure (26) is provided on the inner side of the connecting pipe (24).