VENTILATION DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE SEAT AND VARIABLE VENTILATION SEAT USING THE SAME

Abstract

Ventilation device for a vehicle seat, the ventilation device comprising: a main duct (120) configured such that a first end thereof is connected to a fan (110) and a second end thereof is coupled to a seat frame (30) so that air can flow therebetween; and a connecting duct (200) formed such that a first end thereof is connected to the second end of the main duct (120) and a second end thereof is connected to a seat cushion (10), and formed in a bellows shape with a variable length so that air can flow between the seat frame (30) and the seat cushion (10) even when a distance between the seat frame (30) and the seat cushion (10) is changed; a connector (130) configured such that a central portion thereof is formed with a through hole, a peripheral portion thereof is coupled to the seat frame (30), and a first side thereof is fixed to the second end of the main channel (120) so that the main channel (120) is fixed to the seat frame (30), wherein the first end of the connecting channel (200) is connected to a second side of the connector (130) to communicate with the main channel (120), wherein the connecting channel (200) is formed by combining a plurality of annular foils (210) together in a bellows shape, and wherein of the plurality of annular foils (210) forming the connecting channel (200), a foil arranged at the first end of the connecting channel (200) is a solid foil that is attached to the second side of the connector (130) or is formed with the connector (130) by insert injection molding.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a ventilation device for a vehicle seat and a variable ventilation seat using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ventilation device for a vehicle seat and a variable ventilation seat using the same, in which air can flow to a seat to provide comfort to an occupant. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Various techniques are used in a vehicle seat to provide a comfortable environment since an occupant often sits on the seat for long periods of time.

[0003] Accordingly, the use of a vehicle seat with a ventilation system that improves occupant comfort by blowing air or absorbing air has increased.

[0004] The ventilated seat communicates with a blower and a seat cushion and blows or sucks air from the blower to form an airflow on a contact surface between an occupant and the seat.

[0005] In this case, a movable system for adjusting the seat's posture, position, height, etc., among other comfort functions of the seat, can be used. When a gap between the seat cushion and the seat frame is variable, it is difficult to maintain the sealing of a duct connecting the blower and the seat cushion of the ventilated seat. To solve this problem, a method of connecting the duct to the seat cushion using a rubber bellows has been considered. However, many connecting structures are required to connect the rubber bellows, and the thickness of the rubber bellows itself is too large, resulting in an overly large seat design.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a new ventilation device that can be applied to a seat whose shape and position are variable in order to maintain a compact size while maintaining sealing, and for a ventilation seat to which the new ventilation device is applied.

[0007] The foregoing is provided merely to facilitate understanding of the background of the present invention and is not intended to imply that the present invention falls within the scope of the prior art already known to those skilled in the art. State of the art documents

[0008] (Patent Document 1) KR 20 0 471 712 Y1 (registered on March 4, 2014)

[0009] Furthermore, from US 6 003 950 A a ventilation device for a vehicle seat is known, the ventilation device comprising: a main duct which is formed such that a first end thereof is connected to a blower and a second end thereof is coupled to a seat frame so that air can flow therebetween; and a connecting duct which is formed such that a first end thereof is connected to the second end of the main duct and a second end thereof is connected to a seat cushion, and which is formed in a bellows shape with a variable length so that air can flow between the seat frame and the seat cushion even when a distance between the seat frame and the seat cushion is changed.

[0010] US 2014 / 0 333 107 A1 discloses a seat cushion device capable of adjusting the hardness of a seat cushion having a seat surface on which a user sits, and including a recessed portion formed in a back surface of the seat surface in the seat cushion, a left plate facing a back surface of a left thigh support portion of the seat surface on which a left thigh of the user is located and vertically movable within the recessed portion, a right plate facing a back surface of a right thigh support portion of the seat surface on which a right thigh of the user is located and vertically movable within the recessed portion, and a gap adjustment mechanism vertically moving the left plate and the right plate independently of each other and capable of adjusting a distance from the back surface of the seat surface.

[0011] Furthermore, DE 10 2011 089 749 A1 discloses a fluid-fillable and volume-variable bladder, in particular for a vehicle seat, as well as a method and a device for producing such a bladder. The bladder according to the invention consists of two film layers arranged one above the other, which are welded together in such a way that a first, second and third bladder chamber as well as at least one first and at least one second fluid channel are created. The first and second bladder chambers are connected to one another via the at least one first fluid channel, and the second and third bladder chambers are connected to one another via the at least one second fluid channel. The bladder is designed in such a way that the first bladder chamber can be arranged between the second and third bladder chambers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention has been developed in view of the above problems encountered in the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a venting device for a vehicle seat and a variable venting seat using the same, in which even if a gap between a seat cushion and a seat frame is changed, a seal therebetween can be maintained and the volume of the venting device when compressed is minimized.

[0013] The object is achieved by a ventilation device having the features of claim 1 and a variable ventilation seat having the features of claim 10. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ventilation device for a vehicle seat, the ventilation device comprising: a main duct formed such that a first end thereof is connected to a blower and a second end thereof is coupled to a seat frame so that air can flow therebetween; and a connection duct formed such that a first end thereof is connected to the second end of the main duct and a second end thereof is connected to a seat cushion, and formed in a bellows shape with a variable length so that air can flow between the seat frame and the seat cushion even when a distance between the seat frame and the seat cushion is changed.The ventilation device includes a connector configured such that a central portion thereof is formed with a through hole, a peripheral portion thereof is coupled to the seat frame, and a first side thereof is fixed to the second end of the main duct so that the main duct is fixed to the seat frame, wherein the first end of the connecting duct is connected to a second side of the connector to communicate with the main duct, wherein the connecting duct is formed by combining a plurality of annular films with each other in a bellows shape, and wherein, of the plurality of annular films constituting the connecting duct, a film disposed at the first end of the connecting duct is a solid film fixed to the second side of the connector or formed with the connector by insert injection molding.

[0015] The ventilation device may further comprise a flow path cover provided with a cover hole communicating with a flow path provided in the seat cushion and fixed to a surface of the seat cushion facing the seat frame, wherein, of the plurality of annular films forming the communication channel, a film arranged at the second end of the communication channel may be an adhesive film that adheres to an inner surface of the flow path cover by being inserted through the cover hole of the flow path cover.

[0016] The connecting channel may be manufactured by combining a plurality of kinds of films, and an outer diameter of pleats formed by films positioned at opposite end portions of the connecting channel may be formed to be smaller than an outer diameter of a pleat formed by films positioned at a middle portion of the connecting channel.

[0017] The connecting channel may include: a first fold formed by combining a pair of annular first foils together; a second fold connected to each of opposite ends of the first fold at a first end thereof and formed by combining a pair of annular second foils having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the first foil together; and a third fold connected to a second end of the second fold at a first end thereof and formed by combining a pair of annular third foils having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second foil together.

[0018] The inner diameters of the first foil, the second foil and the third foil forming the connecting channel may be equal to each other.

[0019] The ventilation device may further comprise: a flow path cover provided with a cover hole communicating with a flow path provided in the seat cushion and a plurality of coupling holes along a circumference of the cover hole, and fixed to a surface of the seat cushion facing the seat frame; and annular cover sheets respectively disposed on opposite sides of the flow path cover, wherein the second end of the connecting channel and the cover sheets can be stacked on top of each other before being fixed to the flow path cover and integrally coupled to each other through the coupling hole.

[0020] The ventilation device may further comprise an auxiliary connector coupled to the first end of the connecting channel and fixed to the connector, wherein the films forming the connecting channel may comprise a plurality of connecting films having the same outer diameter and the same inner diameter and a combination film connected to the second end of the connecting channel and having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting film, the connecting film coupled to the first end of the connecting channel may be coupled to the auxiliary connector, and the combination film may be coupled to the cover film and fixed to the flow path cover.

[0021] The outer diameter of the connecting film may be formed to be larger than a diameter of the cover hole of the flow path cover.

[0022] The connecting channel may be manufactured by fusion-bonding a plurality of composite films, wherein an inner diameter portion of one film may be fused to an inner diameter portion of another film adjacent to the one film in a first lateral direction, and an outer diameter portion of the one film may be fused to an outer diameter portion of another film adjacent to the one film in a second lateral direction, so that the connecting channel is formed in a bellows shape.

[0023] Here, a variable ventilation seat comprises: a seat frame; a seat cushion supported by the seat frame; an air cushion provided between the seat frame and the seat cushion to change a distance between the seat frame and the seat cushion; a main duct formed such that a first end thereof is connected to a blower and a second end thereof is coupled to the seat frame so that air can flow therebetween; and a connection duct formed such that a first end thereof is connected to the second end of the main duct and a second end thereof is connected to the seat cushion, and formed in a bellows shape with a variable length so that air can flow between the seat frame and the seat cushion even when the distance between the seat frame and the seat cushion is changed.It includes a connector configured such that a central portion thereof is formed with a through hole, a peripheral portion thereof is coupled to the seat frame, and a first side thereof is fixed to the second end of the main duct so that the main duct is fixed to the seat frame, wherein the first end of the connecting duct is connected to a second side of the connector to communicate with the main duct, wherein the connecting duct is formed by combining a plurality of annular foils with each other in a bellows shape, and wherein, of the plurality of annular foils constituting the connecting duct, a foil disposed at the first end of the connecting duct is a solid foil fixed to the second side of the connector or formed with the connector by insert injection molding.

[0024] The ventilation device for a vehicle seat and the variable ventilation seat using the same have the following effects.

[0025] First, it is possible to reduce the overall thickness of the seat by minimizing a gap between the seat frame and the seat cushion.

[0026] Secondly, the connection structure between the channel and the seat cushion is simplified, so that the assembly process can be simplified.

[0027] Thirdly, even if a gap between the seat frame and the seat cushion is changed, a seal between them can be maintained by preventing air leakage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a view showing the overall appearance of a ventilation seat according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a view showing a flow path cover closing a flow path formed in a seat cushion, Fig. 3 is a view showing a connecting channel according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are views showing a change in length of the connecting channel as a gap between the seat cushion and a seat frame, Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are views showing an inner surface of the flow path cover, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are views showing the connecting channel according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 is a view showing a state in which a cover sheet is coupled to the flow path cover, and Fig. 10 is a view showing a path along which air within the seat cushion is transferred to the flow path through a main duct. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integer quantities, steps, acts, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integer quantities, steps, acts, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0031] Furthermore, it is to be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, are to be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and the present invention, and are not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly stated herein.

[0032] Hereinafter, a ventilation device for a vehicle seat and a variable ventilation seat using the same according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] First, a ventilation device for a vehicle seat is described. Fig. 1 shows the overall appearance of a ventilation seat 1 and a main duct 120 connecting a blower 110 and a seat cushion 10; Fig. 2 shows a flow path cover 300 covering a flow path 20 formed in the seat cushion 10; Fig. 3 shows a connecting structure between one end of the main duct 120 and the seat cushion 10 in the ventilation device according to the present invention; and Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show a change in length of a connecting channel 200 when a gap between the seat cushion 10 and a seat frame 30 is adjusted. Although in the Fig. 1 to 3, a seat frame 30 is provided in a seat cushion 11 at a position opposite to the direction in which an occupant sits.

[0034] The seat cushion 10 includes the seat cushion 11 that supports the occupant's buttocks and a seat back 12 that supports the occupant's back; and the main duct 120 includes a first duct 121 provided between the blower 110 and the seat cushion 11 and a second duct 122 provided between the blower 110 and the seat back 12.

[0035] The ventilation device according to the present invention is capable of flowing air by connecting to a first flow path 21 formed in the seat cushion 11 and a second flow path 22 formed in the seat back 12. However, for convenience of explanation, a description will be given with reference to a drawing of the ventilation device connected to the first flow path 21 of the seat cushion 11. Of course, the same structure may be connected to the second flow path 22 of the seat back 12.

[0036] As in the Fig. 1 to 5, the ventilation device according to the present invention includes: the main duct 120, which is formed such that a first end thereof is connected to the blower 110 and a second end thereof is coupled to the seat frame 30 so that air can flow therebetween; and the connection duct 200, which is formed such that a first end thereof is connected to the second end of the main duct 120 and a second end thereof is connected to the seat cushion 10, and which is formed in a bellows shape with a variable length so that air can flow between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 even when a distance between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 is changed.

[0037] It is preferred that the ventilation device further comprises a connector 130 provided in the second end of the main duct 120 to attach the main duct 120 to the seat frame 30.

[0038] The main duct 120, which is a tube that forms a kind of flow path for supplying or sucking air, is a configuration that connects the blower 110 and the seat cushion 10. The blower 110 and the main duct 120 are coupled to the seat frame 30 and fixed in position, and are moved with the seat frame when the seat frame 30 is changed in shape or position during adjustment of the seat 1.

[0039] The connecting channel 200 is an essential embodiment of the present invention in which the first end is connected to the second end of the main channel 120 and the second end thereof is connected to the seat cushion 10.

[0040] Here, the connecting channel 200 is formed in a bellows shape from a thin film, and its length is variable when the distance between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 is changed, thereby forming a flow path between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 to prevent the leakage of air.

[0041] Since the connector 130 is attached to the seat frame 30 by intermediary between the second end of the main channel 120 and the first end of the connecting channel 200, the first end of the connecting channel 200 maintains a constant distance from the seat frame 30.

[0042] The connector 130 may be configured such that a central portion thereof is formed with a through hole 131 for connecting the main passage 120 and the connecting passage 200, which form a flow path, and a peripheral portion thereof is provided with a structure to be coupled to the seat frame 30. For example, the peripheral portion may be formed with a bolt hole for screwing the seat frame 30 and the connector 130 together, or with a welding portion that is welded to the seat frame 30 when the connector 130 is formed of a metal material.

[0043] Starting from the through hole 131 of the connector 130, the second end of the main channel 120 is connected to a first side of the connector 130, and the first end of the connecting channel 200 is connected to a second side of the connector 130. It is preferable that the connector 130 and the main channel 120 be connected by a mechanical fastening structure such as screwing or fitting, and that the connector 130 and the connecting channel 200 be integrated by a method such as adhesion, fusing, insert molding, and the like. A detailed method for coupling the connector 130 and the connecting channel 200 will be described later.

[0044] The second side of the connector 130 is provided with a guide 132. The guide 132 serves to guide the compression direction of the connecting channel 200 to prevent the connecting channel 200 from being bent or severed during compression. However, the guide 132 is not an essential component and can be omitted if necessary.

[0045] The connecting channel 200 is preferably formed in a bellows shape by layering and bonding together a plurality of annular foils 210. This allows the folds of the connecting channel 200 to have a very small thickness when compressed and a high rate of change in length when stretched. The foil 210 is preferably formed from a melt-bondable material such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

[0046] It is preferable that the sheets 210 forming the connecting channel 200 be bonded together by ultrasonic welding to form a bellows shape. Ultrasonic welding has the advantages of short processing time, high bonding strength, easy multi-position bondability, and a clean bonding surface. Furthermore, ultrasonic welding does not require layers of adhesive when bonding the thin sheets, allowing thin sheets to be bonded to have a very small thickness.

[0047] Here, based on any one of the plurality of films 210, the inner diameter portion of this film 210 is fused with the inner diameter portion of another film 210 adjacent to the film 210 in the first lateral direction to form a fused portion M, and the outer diameter portion thereof is fused with the outer diameter portion of the other film 210 adjacent to the film 210 in the second lateral direction to form a fused portion M, so that the plurality of films is formed into a bellows shape.

[0048] In other words, when combining the plurality of sheets 210, the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion are alternately fused and joined in a zigzag shape to form a bellows shape having a variable length.

[0049] Here, the flow path 20 is formed within the seat cushion 10, and the flow path 20 communicates with the blower 110, thereby forming a path through which the airflow generated by the blower 110 moves. The flow path 20 extends to the outer surface of the seat in contact with the occupant, so that the perspiration generated on the occupant's buttocks or back can be cooled with the airflow generated by the blower 110.

[0050] It is preferable that the ventilation device according to the present invention further comprises the flow path cover 300 formed on the underside of the seat cushion 10, particularly on the surface facing the seat frame 30. The flow path cover 300 is formed in a plate or cover shape that closes the flow path 20 formed in the seat cushion 10, and a cover hole 310 communicating with the flow path 20 is formed in the central portion of the flow path cover. As described below, the shape of the flow path cover 300 may vary depending on the embodiment of the connecting channel 200.

[0051] The specific shape of the connecting channel 200 according to the present invention may have two embodiments, and the first embodiment will be described first.

[0052] The connecting channel 200 is formed in a bellows shape consisting of the plurality of films 210, and it is preferred that the film 210 arranged at the first end of the connecting channel is a solid film 214 that is attached to the second side of the connector 130 or formed by insert injection molding with the connector.

[0053] In other words, the solid film 214 may be thermally fused to the surface of the connector 130 to be integrated into the connector 130, or the connector 130 may be joined to the solid film 214 arranged in a mold by insert injection molding so that the solid film 214 and the connector 130 are integrally formed.

[0054] This not only improves the adhesive force between the connector 130 and the connecting channel 200, but also completely seals the connection piece between the connector 130 and the connecting channel 200, thereby fundamentally preventing air leakage.

[0055] Of the films 210 forming the connecting channel 200, the film arranged at the second end of the connecting channel 200 may be an adhesive film 215 to be integrated with the flow path cover 300.

[0056] In this case, an adhesive is applied to the inner surface of the flow path cover 300, ie the surface facing the seat cushion 10, so that the flow path cover 300 can be adhered to the seat cushion 10.

[0057] The adhesive sheet 215 is inserted through the cover hole 310 of the flow path cover 300, and the adhesive sheet 215 is adhered to the adhesive applied to the inner surface of the flow path cover 300, thereby bonding the adhesive sheet 215 and the flow path cover 300 together.

[0058] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B show the shape of the inner surface of the flow path cover 300.

[0059] As in the Fig. 2 to 6B, a non-connecting portion 330 is provided from the inner surface of the flow path cover 300 at a position in contact with the flow path 20, and no adhesive is applied to the non-connecting portion 330.

[0060] At the remaining positions of the inner surface of the flow path cover 300 except for the non-connecting portion 330, a connecting portion 320 is provided, and an adhesive is applied to the connecting portion so that the connecting portion can be connected to the seat cushion 10 by the adhesive. Here, the connecting portion 320 may be divided into a cushion connecting portion 321 and a channel connecting portion 322, where the cushion connecting portion 321 is a portion to which the seat cushion 10 is connected, and the channel connecting portion 322 is a portion to which the connecting channel 200 is connected. Specifically, the adhesive sheet 215, which is connected to the second end of the connecting channel 200 by being inserted through the cover hole 310, may be connected to the channel connecting portion 322.

[0061] As in Fig. 6A, in the formation of the channel connecting portion 322, the adhesive film 215 may be adhered to the channel connecting portion, however, when the second embodiment of the connecting channel 200 is applied or the bellows-shaped connecting channel 200 is not required, there is no need for the formation of the channel connecting portion 322. Accordingly, in this case, as shown in Fig. 6B, by removing the channel connecting portion 322, the flow path cover 300 can be used in a form in which the non-connecting portion 330 extends to a periphery of the cover hole 310.

[0062] Thus, the adhesive film 215 is combined with the channel connecting portion 322 formed on the inner surface of the flow path cover 300, so that the connecting channel 200 and the flow path cover 300 can be securely coupled to each other, thereby preventing the leakage of air.

[0063] There are various types of films 210 that form the connecting channel 200, and the diameter of a pleat 220 can vary depending on its position. For example, the outer diameter of a pleat 220 located at a central portion of the connecting channel can be larger, and the outer diameter of pleats 220 located at opposite ends of the connecting channel can be smaller, so that the outer diameter varies depending on the position. The inner diameter of each pleat 220 must be kept constant to minimize airflow resistance.

[0064] More specifically, a first fold 221 is formed at the central portion of the connecting channel 200 by combining a pair of annular first films 211; a second fold is connected to each of the opposite ends of the first fold 221 and is formed by combining a pair of annular second layers 212 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first film 211; and a third fold 223 is connected to an end of the second fold 222 to which the first fold 221 is not connected and is formed by combining a pair of annular third films 213 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the second film 212.

[0065] Since the inner diameters of the first film 211, the second film 212 and the third film 213 are equal to each other, the inner diameters of the first fold 221, the second fold 222 and the third fold 223 are also equal to each other.

[0066] By using a plurality of types of foils 210 whose outer diameters are different from each other, the respective foils 210 can be fused simultaneously when ultrasonically welding the outer diameter portion of each foil 210. This can improve productivity in manufacturing the connecting channel 200 and prevent overlap of the fused regions M between the foils 210 during compression of the connecting channel 200 to further reduce the thickness.

[0067] Although the fold 220 is divided into three types according to the embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the types of the fold 220 may be increased or decreased in consideration of the coupling relationship with the peripheral components.

[0068] Thus, by connecting the first end of the connection duct 200 to the connector 130 and connecting the second end thereof to the flow path cover 300, the blower 110 and the seat cushion 10 are connected to each other, and it is possible to flow air even when a gap between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 is changed. Thereby, the wind generated by the blower 110 is transmitted to the seat cushion 10, or the blower 110 draws air from the seat cushion 10 to increase the comfort of the occupant.

[0069] Next, the second embodiment of the connecting channel 200 according to the present invention will be described below.

[0070] Fig. 7 is an exploded view showing a coupling relationship between the main duct 120 and a flow path cover 300a on the side of a seat cushion 10 when the second embodiment of the connecting duct 200 is applied; Fig. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the connecting channel 200; Fig. 9 is a view showing a state in which a cover sheet 240 is combined with the flow path cover 300a; and Fig. 10 is a view showing a path along which air is transferred to the flow path 20 within the seat cushion 10 through the main channel 120.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the connecting channel 200 is formed using a plurality of types of foils 210 of different sizes; as shown in the Fig. However, as shown in Figures 7 to 10, the connecting passage 200 according to the second embodiment is formed in a bellows shape by connecting a plurality of annular connecting foils 230 of the same size.

[0072] When applying the connecting duct 200 according to the second embodiment, the flow path cover 300a is coupled to the seat cushion 10 via the cover hole 310 and a coupling hole 340, the annular cover film 240 is arranged on each of the opposite sides of the flow path cover 300a so that a pair of cover films 240 are combined with each other through the coupling hole 340, and the second end of the connecting duct 200 is formed integrally with the cover film 240, thereby connecting the connecting duct 200 and the flow path cover 300a to each other.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the flow path cover 300 is formed only with the cover hole 310. However, in the second embodiment, the flow path cover 300a is further formed with the coupling hole 340 as well as the cover hole 310.

[0074] It is preferable that a plurality of coupling holes 340 are formed along a circumference of the cover hole 310, and the plurality of coupling holes are radially arranged by being spaced a predetermined distance from the cover hole 310. The coupling holes 340 serve as a passage for coupling the cover sheets 240 arranged on opposite sides of the flow path cover 300a to each other.

[0075] Although the coupling hole 340 may be filled with a separate adhesive to couple the cover sheet pair 240, it is more preferable to integrate the cover sheets 240 by heat or ultrasonic welding.

[0076] In this case, the second end of the connecting channel 200 is fused together with the cover films 240 in one piece, so that the connecting channel 200 and the flow path cover 300a can be combined in one piece.

[0077] The first end of the connecting channel 200 may be connected to an auxiliary connector 250 that is integrally fused with the film forming the connecting channel 200. The auxiliary connector 250 is preferably formed from a plastic material suitable for fusion bonding, and the lower surface of the auxiliary connector is preferably formed with a fastening projection 251 so that it engages with the connector 130 provided at the second end of the main channel 120. The upper surface of the connector 130 is formed with a fastening groove that engages with the fastening projection 251 of the auxiliary connector 250.

[0078] A connecting foil 230 coupled to the first end of the connecting channel 200 is integrally coupled to the auxiliary connector 250 and preferably coupled by fusion bonding.

[0079] Furthermore, the second end of the connecting channel 200 may be coupled to a combination film 231 that is integrally fused with the cover film 240. The combination film may be provided as an annular film with an inner diameter smaller than that of the connecting film 230. The reason why the inner diameter of the combination film 231 is small is so that the upper surface of the combination film 231 can be inserted into the cover hole 310 of the flow path cover 300a and fused to the cover film 240.

[0080] It is preferable that the outer diameter of the connecting foil 230 be larger than the diameter of the cover hole 310 of the flow path cover 300a. This prevents the bellows formed by the connecting foils 230 from entering the cover hole 310.

[0081] Thus, even if the connecting duct 200 according to the second embodiment is used as in the first embodiment, it is possible to connect the blower 110 to the seat cushion 10 and flow air therebetween even if the gap between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 is changed.

[0082] Next, a variable ventilation seat according to the present invention will be described.

[0083] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the seat 1 according to the present invention may include: a seat frame 30 coupled to the seat itself; a seat cushion 10 supported by the seat frame 30; an air cushion 40 provided between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 to change a gap between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10; a main duct 120 connected to a blower 110 and fixed to the seat frame 30; and a connecting duct 200 communicating with the blower 110 through intermediary between the main duct 120 and the seat cushion 10.

[0084] The seat frame 30 is coupled to a vehicle body, is provided to be movable in the front / rear direction and the right / left direction of a vehicle, and supports the seat cushion 10.

[0085] The air cushion 40 is a configuration for adjusting the height of the seat cushion 10 supported by the seat frame 30 and, more specifically, is a configuration for changing the gap between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10.

[0086] In other words, the gap is, as in Fig. 4, between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 is reduced when air is drawn out of the air cushion 40, and the gap is, as shown in Fig. 5, between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 is increased when air is supplied to the air cushion 40.

[0087] The reason for changing the gap between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 is to adjust the height of the seat cushion 10 or to change a relative angle between the seat cushion 10 and the seat frame 30. This can be provided as a comfort function that allows the occupant to sit in an optimal posture.

[0088] Since the gap between the seat frame 30 and the seat cushion 10 can be changed according to the operation of the air cushion 40, the variable-length connecting channel 200 is used to maintain a seal therebetween, as in the ventilation device described above. Furthermore, since the thickness of the film 210 forming the connecting channel 200 is thinner than that of the rubber, the compressed length of the connecting channel 200 can be minimized when the air is exhausted from the air cushion 40.

[0089] The structure of the flow path 20 within the seat cushion 10 and the connection structure from the blower 110 to the main duct 120 and the connection duct 200 are replaced by the description of the ventilation device described above, so the description thereof is omitted here.

Claims

[1] Ventilation device for a vehicle seat, the ventilation device comprising: a main duct (120) configured such that a first end thereof is connected to a fan (110) and a second end thereof is coupled to a seat frame (30) so that air can flow therebetween; and a connecting duct (200) formed such that a first end thereof is connected to the second end of the main duct (120) and a second end thereof is connected to a seat cushion (10), and formed in a bellows shape with a variable length so that air can flow between the seat frame (30) and the seat cushion (10) even when a distance between the seat frame (30) and the seat cushion (10) is changed; a connector (130) configured such that a central portion thereof is formed with a through hole, a peripheral portion thereof is coupled to the seat frame (30), and a first side thereof is fixed to the second end of the main channel (120) so that the main channel (120) is fixed to the seat frame (30), wherein the first end of the connecting channel (200) is connected to a second side of the connector (130) to communicate with the main channel (120), wherein the connecting channel (200) is formed by combining a plurality of annular foils (210) together in a bellows shape, and wherein of the plurality of annular foils (210) forming the connecting channel (200), a foil arranged at the first end of the connecting channel (200) is a solid foil that is attached to the second side of the connector (130) or is formed with the connector (130) by insert injection molding. [2] Ventilation device according to claim 1, further comprising: a flow path cover (300) provided with a cover hole (310) communicating with a flow path provided in the seat cushion (10) and fixed to a surface of the seat cushion (10) facing the seat frame (30), wherein, of the plurality of annular films (210) forming the connecting channel (200), one film (210) arranged at the second end of the connecting channel (200) is an adhesive film (215) which is adhered to an inner surface of the flow path cover (300) by being inserted through the cover hole (310) of the flow path cover (300). [3] The ventilation device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting channel (200) is made by combining a plurality of films (210), and an outer diameter of pleats (220) formed by films (210) positioned at opposite end portions of the connecting channel (200) is formed to be smaller than an outer diameter of a pleat (220) formed by films (210) positioned at a middle portion of the connecting channel (200). [4] Ventilation device according to claim 3, wherein the connecting channel (200) comprises: a first fold (221) formed by combining a pair of annular first foils (211); a second fold (222) connected to each of the opposite ends of the first fold (221) at a first end thereof and formed by combining a pair of annular second foils (212) having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the first foil (211); and a third fold (223) connected to a second end of the second fold (222) at a first end thereof and formed by combining a pair of annular third foils (213) having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second foil (212). [5] The ventilation device according to claim 4, wherein the inner diameters of the first film (211), the second film (212) and the third film (213) forming the connecting channel (200) are equal to each other. [6] Ventilation device according to claim 1, further comprising: a flow path cover (300a) connected to a cover hole (310) connected to a flow path provided in the seat cushion (10), and a plurality of coupling holes (340) along a circumference of the cover hole (310) and is fixed to a surface of the seat cushion (10) facing the seat frame (30); and annular cover foils (240) each arranged on opposite sides of the flow path cover (300a), wherein the second end of the connecting channel (200) and the cover films (240) are stacked on top of each other and integrally coupled to each other through the coupling hole (340) before being attached to the flow path cover (300a). [7] Ventilation device according to claim 6, further comprising: an auxiliary connector (250) coupled to the first end of the connecting channel (200) and attached to the connector (130), wherein the foils (210) forming the connecting channel (200) comprise a plurality of connecting foils (230) having the same outer diameter and the same inner diameter and a combination foil (231) connected to the second end of the connecting channel (200) and having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting foil (230), the connecting foil (230) coupled to the first end of the connecting channel (200) is coupled to the auxiliary connector (250), and the combination film (231) is coupled to the cover film (240) and attached to the flow path cover (300a). [8] The ventilation device according to claim 7, wherein the outer diameter of the connecting film (230) is formed to be larger than a diameter of the cover hole (310) of the flow path cover (300a). [9] The ventilation device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting channel (200) is made by melt-bonding a plurality of connecting films (230), wherein an inner diameter portion of one film (210) is fused to an inner diameter portion of another film (210) adjacent to the one film (210) in a first lateral direction, and an outer diameter portion of the one film (210) is fused to an outer diameter portion of another film (210) adjacent to the one film (210) in a second lateral direction, so that the connecting channel (200) is formed in a bellows shape. [10] Variable ventilation seat (1), comprising: a seat frame (30); a seat cushion (10) supported by the seat frame (30); an air cushion (40) which is arranged between the seat frame (30) and the seat cushion (10) is provided to change a distance between the seat frame (30) and the seat cushion (10); a main duct (120) configured such that a first end thereof is connected to a fan (110) and a second end thereof is coupled to the seat frame (30) so that air can flow therebetween; and a connecting duct (200) formed such that a first end thereof is connected to the second end of the main duct (120) and a second end thereof is connected to the seat cushion (10), and formed in a bellows shape with a variable length so that air can flow between the seat frame (30) and the seat cushion (10) even if the distance between the seat frame (30) and the seat cushion (10) is changed; a connector (130) configured such that a central portion thereof is formed with a through hole, a peripheral portion thereof is coupled to the seat frame (30), and a first side thereof is fixed to the second end of the main channel (120) so that the main channel (120) is fixed to the seat frame (30), wherein the first end of the connecting channel (200) is connected to a second side of the connector (130) to communicate with the main channel (120), wherein the connecting channel (200) is formed by combining a plurality of annular foils (210) together in a bellows shape, and wherein of the plurality of annular foils (210) forming the connecting channel (200), a foil arranged at the first end of the connecting channel (200) is a solid foil that is attached to the second side of the connector (130) or is formed with the connector (130) by insert injection molding.

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