【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば自動車の車載用やオフィス用の椅子などで、室内の温熱環境が不快な状態でも人体に速やかに快適な状態を提供し、長時間着座する場合においても、個人の好みによって健康で快適な着座感を得ることができる空調装置を有する椅子に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来のこの種の空調座席装置としては、図１１に示すようなものがあった（例えば特許文献１参照）。図１１において、空調座席装置は背部１と座部２からなる自動車用の座席本体３と、ペルチェモジュ−ル４と、このペルチェモジュ−ル４に接続され、空気流を冷却または加温する主熱交換器５および廃熱を空気流に熱交換する廃熱熱交換器６と、背部１と座部２の乗員が座る座席本体３の表面カバ−７に設け、空気流を吹出す噴出口８と、主熱交換器５から噴出口８に連通し、吹出す空気流を搬送するために背部１と座部２の内部に設けた空気流通路９と、廃熱熱交換器６から廃熱空気流を搬送する廃熱空気流通路１０と、ペルチェモジュ−ル４に接続した主熱交換器５および廃熱熱交換器６に空気流を搬送するファン１１と、ペルチェモジュール４の主熱交換器５側面に取り付けられ座席表面カバー７の直下まで延長された熱伝導シート１２とから構成されていた。また操作部１３からの指示で制御部１４は、信号線で接続されペルチェモジュール４と熱伝導シート１２の動作を制御できる構成となっていた。
【０００３】
そして、自動車の運転時に夏季では操作部１３で冷房運転を選定すると、制御部１４によってペルチェモジュ−ル４とファン１１が駆動し、ファン１１で搬送された空気流はペルチェモジュ−ル４で伝熱された冷熱によって主熱交換器５で冷却されて、空気流通路９内を搬送され、噴出口８から冷風として人体に吹出し対流熱伝達で冷熱を搬送していた。さらに冷熱は主熱交換器５で冷却されて熱伝導シート１２を伝わり背部１や座部２の座席表面カバー７から冷熱が人体に熱伝導で熱搬送されていた。
【０００４】
一方、ペルチェモジュ−ル４で発生した高温廃熱は、廃熱熱交換器６で廃熱空気流を加温し廃熱空気流通路１０から車室内に温廃熱として吹出されていた。そして、冬季では操作部１３で暖房運転を選定すると、制御部１４によってペルチェモジュ−ル４とファン１１が駆動し、ファン１１で搬送された空気流はペルチェモジュ−ル４で伝熱された温熱によって主熱交換器５で加温されて、空気流通路９内を搬送され、噴出口８から温風として人体に吹出して対流熱伝達で温熱を搬送していた。同様に温熱は主熱交換器５で加熱されて熱伝導シート１２を伝わり背部１や座部２の座席表面カバー７から人体に熱伝導で熱搬送されていた。一方、ペルチェモジュ−ル４で発生した低温廃熱は廃熱熱交換器６で廃熱空気流を冷却し廃熱空気流通路１０から冷廃熱として吹出されていた。このようにして、乗員の背中および臀部を冷却または加温して座席の空調が行われていた。
【０００５】
また、吸湿材料を使用した空調座席装置として、図１２〜図１３に示すようなものが開示されている（例えば特許文献２参照）。すなわち、背もたれ部１５は内部に空気通路１６を有しており、背もたれ部１５と空気通路１６の間には水蒸気分圧の勾配にしたがった非通気性と透湿性を併せ持った透湿層１７が配置されており、空気通路１６には背もたれ部１５から透湿してくる水蒸気が流れ込む。そして、吸湿性材料を備えた空気乾燥装置１８を通して乾燥させた空気を空気通路１６に流すことで透湿層１７が背もたれ部１５外側にある水蒸気が透過して乾燥空気中で蒸発する。
【０００６】
なお、空気乾燥装置１８は、図１３に示すように、１９、２０は空気入口２１、２２を持ったゼオライトやシリカゲルのような吸湿材料で満たされた反応容器であり、それぞれ一体化された電気ヒータ２５、２６を有し、電気駆動される空気フラップ２７で空気通路１６の入口と接続されている通路出口２４に接続された反応容器１９、および車室に開口した車内出口２３に接続された反応容器２０に流路が切り替えられるようになっている。
【０００７】
上記構成において、空気乾燥装置１８を連続運転するために２つの反応容器１９、２０は交互に吸湿プロセスと再生プロセスとに切り替えられる。一方の反応容器１９内の吸着材料が電気ヒータ２５で再生されている時（再生プロセス）、他の反応容器２０がその内部を流れる空気を吸着材料の吸湿作用によって乾燥させるとともに、吸着熱で空気を加熱する（吸湿プロセス）。反応容器２０の吸着材料が飽和すると、空気フラップ２７を破線のように切り替え電気ヒータ２６を通電し反応容器２０内の吸着材料２４を再生するとともに反応容器１９がその内部を流れる空気を吸着材料の吸湿作用によって乾燥させる。
【０００８】
しかし、上記の前者の従来例では夏季に自動車を駐車すると日射により座席表面カバー７の表面温度が約６０℃の高温に上昇しているため、運転を開始するとペルチェモジュ−ル４とファン１１が駆動し、主熱交換器５で冷却された空気流が噴出口８へと搬送される。しかし、熱容量の大きい座席本体３そのものが高温になっているため、噴出口８から吹出す空気の温度は短時間では低下しない。一方、熱伝導シート１２にペルチェモジュール４の冷熱が奪われるため、ペルチェモジュール４の冷却能力が低下し、汗をかいている乗員は長時間むれ感を解消できず、不快感が持続するという課題を有していた。
【０００９】
また、このような空調座席装置を冬季に運転をすると、ペルチェモジュ−ル４とファン１１が駆動し、上記したように空気流が加温されて噴出口８から噴出するが、ペルチェモジュ−ル４の加温熱量と空気流の風量で温度上昇値は決定される。従って、吹出し温度は雰囲気温度で温度上昇値が加わって決定されるが、雰囲気温度が低いと、吹出し温度は暖かさを感じる温度にまで上昇できず温熱感が得られないという課題を有していた。さらに、熱伝導シート１２にペルチェモジュール４の温熱が奪われるため、加熱能力が更に低下するため供給電力量を大幅に上昇させる必要があった。
【００１０】
また上記の後者の従来例では、人体で発生した汗は椅子と接した人体の場所以外は吸収されず、また、衣類と透湿層１７を通して水分を吸収するために、汗の吸収量が少ないものでムレ感を低減するに留まり、冷涼感はほとんど得られないという課題を有していた。
【００１１】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−３０６２７６号公報
【特許文献２】
特開平１１−１２３９５９号公報
【００１２】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記従来の技術の問題点に鑑み、本発明が解決しようする課題は、制限された使用電力量で装置の運転後の立ち上がりが早く、夏季には十分な冷涼感が得られ、かつ人体を冷やしすぎて腰痛等の炎症の発生を防止し、冬季には充分な暖房感が得られ、さらに夏、冬以外の中間期にはムレ感解消と個人の特性に合わせた温冷熱の着座環境を提供できる空調座席装置を実現することにある。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記基課題を解決するために、座席本体と、室内空気を除湿する除湿空調ユニットと、前記座席本体の着座する面に設け、前記除湿空調ユニットとからの除湿空気を噴出する噴出口と、前記座席本体の表皮部に装着された発熱体と、前記除湿空調ユニットと前記発熱体の動作を連動してなる空調座席装置である。
【００１４】
上記手段によれば、除湿空調ユニットにより除湿した空気が座席本体の噴出口から吹き出し、体表面の汗を蒸発させることで気化熱を奪い速やかに人体に冷涼感を与えることができるとともに、汗を蒸発させた後は、その後人体から放出される発汗分を除湿することによってムレ感を防止できる。また、除湿空調ユニットと連動した発熱体の発熱が人体に熱伝導で供給されて適度な温熱感を与え、除湿空調時、夏、冬以外の中間期における腰痛等の炎症の発生に配慮でき、冬季には暖房感を得ることができ、きめ細かな温熱環境への要望にも対応できる。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
上記した本発明の目的は、各請求項に記載した構成を実施の形態とすることにより達成できるので、以下には各請求項の構成にその構成による作用効果を併記し併せて請求項記載の構成のうち説明を必要とする特定用語については詳細な説明を加えて、本発明における実施の形態の説明とする。
【００１６】
請求項１に記載の発明は、座席本体と、室内空気を除湿する除湿空調ユニットと、前記座席本体の着座する面に設け、前記除湿空調ユニットとからの除湿空気を噴出する噴出口と、前記座席本体の表皮部に装着された発熱体と、前記除湿空調ユニットと前記発熱体の動作を連動してなる空調座席装置である。
【００１７】
上記実施の形態によれば、例えばシリカゲルやゼオライト等の吸着材を有する除湿空調ユニットに送風して空気を除湿して噴出口から噴出させ、汗を気化させてその蒸発潜熱を体温から奪うことによって即座にムレ感のない快適な環境に変えることができる。一例として冷房、暖房の空調設備を搭載した自動車用の椅子に使用した空調座席装置で、夏季の炎天下の駐車で車室内が高温多湿になっている場合に速やかに快適環境を実現する方法について説明する。
【００１８】
始動時には送風手段によって除湿空調ユニットに送り込まれた車室内の空気（３５℃、５５％ＲＨ）は除湿手段の吸着材で水蒸気を吸着され湿度が低下するとともに吸着熱で発熱し、高温低湿度（６５℃、３％ＲＨ）の空気となって導かれ座席本体の噴出口から人体に向けて噴出される。そして、衣服を貫通して例えば人体背側面に沿って流れ衣類と皮膚の間の隙間に広がっていく。
【００１９】
その際、高温低湿度の空気は体表面の汗を蒸発させることで気化熱を奪うことになり、体温より高温の空気にもかかわらず空気は比熱が小さく、一方、水蒸気潜熱は非常に大きいため、高温空気の受熱量と汗蒸発による気化潜熱の放熱量の差は放熱量が大幅に大きいため皮膚温度が低下し冷涼感が高温空気の噴出後直ちに得られる。汗の量が少ない場合には、皮膚温度の低下は抑制され、発汗分を吸湿してムレ感を防止する。
【００２０】
そして、時間経過とともに車内のエアコンが作用して車室内の温度が低下してくると、この温度の低下した車室内の空気を除湿空調ユニットが供給するため噴出する空気の温度は低下するので、更に強い冷涼感が得られ、座席本体が高温になっている場合でも始動直後から冷涼感が得られ始め時間経過とともに強い冷涼感となり、快適な空間を作ることができる。
【００２１】
更に除湿空調時はもちろん、夏、冬以外の中間期には発熱体の作用で高温低湿度の除湿空気により人体を冷やしすぎて腰痛等の炎症の発生を防止できるとともに、特に女性のきめ細かな温熱環境への要望にも的確に対応することができる。
【００２２】
請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１記載の除湿空調ユニットと発熱体の動作を一定の関係で連動させたもので、除湿空調ユニットと発熱体を連動させて最適な運転条件を簡単に選定してより早く座席の快適環境を実現できるように制御することができる。
【００２３】
請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１または２記載の除湿空調ユニットと発熱体の一定関係の動作を補正可能にしたもので、除湿空調ユニットと発熱体を連動させる標準的な運転条件から、個人の好みにより運転条件を補正することによって冷涼感と温暖感を任意にきめ細かく調整して快適な座席の空調環境を実現することが可能になる。
【００２４】
請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１から３のいずれか１項記載の除湿空調ユニットと発熱体の動作状況を表示する表示部を設けたもので、例えば操作部に表示部を設けることにより、運転状況を確認できるとともに、操作部と表示部が一体的になりコンパクトな構成にすることができる。
【００２５】
請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１から４のいずれか１項の記載において、少なくとも室内温度が所定温度以下になるまで除湿空調ユニットのみ動作するように制御するもので、例えば座席本体のある室内に他の空調機が存在し、その働きが充分効果的な場合や、中間期の季節など室内環境が比較的良好で室内温度があまり低くない場合には、発熱体への給電を停止して発熱作用を止め、除湿空調ユニットから供給される高温低湿度の空気を供給する動作のみで座席空調を行い、消費電力を抑えて快適環境を得ることができる。
【００２６】
請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項１から５のいずれか１項の記載において、発熱体の動作中にも間欠的に除湿空調ユニットを動作させるもので、発熱体や例えば座席本体のある室内に他の空調機が存在し、その働きが充分効果的で人体が充分温まり、長時間の着座によって発汗してムレ感が発生し始めた場合にも、間欠的に除湿空調ユニットを動作することで高温低湿度の乾燥空気を供給しムレ感を解消することによって長時間に渡って快適な暖房環境を実現することができる。
【００２７】
請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項１から６のいずれか１項記載の除湿空調ユニットの再生動作時には、発熱体の給電量を低減するもので、除湿空調ユニットの再生時には電力を大きく使用することになるが、この時に発熱体の給電量を低減するので、座席空調における電力使用量を平準化でき、空調座席装置を車載用に応用した場合、他の車載機器の動作に制限を加えることを抑止することができる。
【００２８】
請求項８に記載の発明は、請求項１から７のいずれか１項の記載において、室内の冷房時は、除湿空調ユニットが先行して動作し、必要に応じて発熱体を作動させるもので、冷房による温度の低い室内の空気を除湿空調ユニットが使用でき早く冷涼感が得られるので、除湿空調ユニットの動作を先行させて効果的に早く冷涼感を得ることができるとともに、室内の他の空調機器が効果的になると補完的に少しだけ発熱体で加熱し過冷却にならないよう冷たさを緩和して少ない消費電力で快適環境を長時間維持することができる。
【００２９】
請求項９に記載の発明は、請求項１から８のいずれか１項の記載において、室内の暖房時は発熱体が先行して動作し、必要に応じて除湿空調ユニットを作動させるもので、暖房時は発熱体の発熱による熱伝導で加熱し人体に早く温熱を伝える発熱体の動作を優先させ早く温熱感を得ることができるとともに、室内の他の空調機器の働きが効果的になると補完的に除湿空調ユニットで少しだけ除湿してムレ感を解消することによって、全体として立ち上がりが早く少ない消費電力で快適環境を長時間維持することができる。
【００３０】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例について図面を用いて説明する。
【００３１】
（実施例１）
図１は本発明の実施例１における空調座席装置を自動車用の座席に搭載した断面図で、図２は同空調座席装置の除湿空調ユニットにおける吸着材の再生時の断面図で、図３は同空調座席装置を搭載した座席本体の斜視図で、図４は同空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図である。
【００３２】
自動車の運転席である座席本体３０は背部３１と座部３２を有し、座部３２の内部空間に、車室内空気を除湿して背部３１と座部３２の人が着座する面から吹出させる除湿空調ユニット３６を設けている。除湿空調ユニット３６は、車室内の空気を吸引し、送風する室内ファン３３と、空気を除湿するコルゲート状や、粒状のシリカゲルや活性アルミナ等の吸着材３４と、吸着剤３４を加熱して吸着した湿気を蒸発させ再生する電気ヒーター等の加熱手段３５と、車室内空気を吸引し、吸着材３４に供給する除湿ファン３７と、吸着材３４の下流にあって除湿空調ユニット３６内の空気の流れを制御し、除湿空調ユニット３６を除湿空調作用と吸着材３４の再生作用とに切替える風路切替手段４２を有している。
【００３３】
座席本体３０の背部３１と座部３２の表皮部３８には、除湿した乾燥空気を噴出する多数の噴出口３９が設けられ、除湿空調ユニット３６に接続した送風路４０を介して除湿した乾燥空気が送られてくる。４１は風路切替手段４２を介して吸着材３４と加熱手段３５からなる除湿手段３６の下流において除湿空調ユニット３６に接続した排出路で、除湿空調ユニット３６の再生時に間欠的に排出される少量の高温高湿度の空気を座席本体３０外に排出する。
【００３４】
また、４４、４５は、図３に示すよう座席本体３０の背部３１と座部３２の表皮部３８の直下で、着座した人体に相対応するようにそれぞれ所定範囲に設けた発熱体で、噴出口３９を設けた状態で装着されている。ここで図３に示すように噴出口３９は、発熱体４４、４５と接触した接触表皮部４３以外の表皮部３８にも設けられている。
【００３５】
また４８は空調座席装置全体の制御部で、マイクロコンピュータとその周辺回路からなり、室内ファン３３、加熱手段３５、除湿ファン３７、風路切替手段４２等の主として除湿空調ユニット３６を制御する除湿制御部４６と、主として発熱体４４、４５を制御する加熱制御部４７とを一定の関係のもとで連動して制御する図４に示すシーケンスを実行する、以下の動作説明で明らかなプログラムを有しており、制御部４８は表示部４９が一体化されている操作部５０に接続されている。
【００３６】
すなわち、制御部４８は、図４に示す制御シーケンスの通り、自動車に既設の冷房、暖房装置における操作部と共用であるスライド式の操作部５０が、車室を冷房設定Ａにすると除湿空調ユニット３６に最大の電力供給量とし、発熱体４４、４５には通電を停止または僅かに通電し、操作部５０が暖房設定Ｂでは除湿空調ユニット３６の動作を停止または僅かな電力量で動作させ、発熱体４４、４５には最大の電力供給量とし、車室の冷房設定Ａと暖房設定Ｂとの間では互いに反比例するように電力供給量を制御するプログラムを有している。図中、除湿制御部４６と加熱制御部４７と制御部４８は別個に示しているが、一体であっても良い。
【００３７】
上記構成において、図４に示す制御シーケンスに従い運転動作を説明する。自動車に既設の冷房、暖房装置における操作部と共用のスライド式の操作部５０を表示部４９の冷房運転モードの位置Ａに設定すると供給電力量が最大での除湿空調となり、これを取り込んで図１に示すように、制御部４８から除湿制御部４６に制御信号が送信され風路切替手段４２は排出路４１を閉じる位置に設定し、除湿ファン３７を一定時間の間、駆動する。
【００３８】
この間、除湿ファン３７によって例えば０．４ｍ３／分の流量で除湿空調ユニット３６に送り込まれた車室内の空気（３５℃、５５％ＲＨ）は、吸着材３４で水蒸気を吸着され湿度が低下するとともに吸着熱で発熱し高温低湿度の空気（６５℃、３％ＲＨ）となる。高温低湿度の空気は背部３１と座部３２に分岐されて向かう送風路４０に導かれ、それぞれの表皮部３８の噴出口３９から吹き出し、座部３２と背部３１に着座した人体の衣服を貫通して人体表面上を流れる。
【００３９】
その際、高温低湿度の空気（６５℃、３％ＲＨ）は体表面の汗を蒸発させることで気化潜熱を奪う。高温の除湿空気は体温より高温の空気にもかかわらず比熱が小さく、一方、水蒸気潜熱は非常に大きいため、６５℃の高温空気による受熱量と汗蒸発による気化潜熱の放熱量の差は放熱量の方が大幅に大きいため皮膚温度が低下（実験では３０秒で約２℃）し、冷涼感が高温空気の噴出後、直ちに得られる。
【００４０】
従って、夏季の炎天下での駐車で座席本体３０が高温になっている場合でも始動直後から冷涼感が得られ始め、時間経過とともに自動車に既設のエアコンが作用して車室内の温度が低下してくると、この低下した車室内の空気を除湿空調ユニット３６が吸引するため噴出する空気の温度は６５℃から低下してくるので、先に説明した冷涼感が徐々に強く得られるようになり快適な空間を作ることができる。
【００４１】
ここで、室内ファン３３は常に運転状態であり、全体の送風量を増加させ、噴出口３９の噴出速度を上昇させてより衣服を貫通しやすくしている。特に座席本体３０の表皮部３８における接触表皮部４３以外の噴出口３９から噴出される高温乾燥空気は、着座時に人体に出口を閉塞され難いため効果的に衣服を貫通して人体表面に供給することができる。
【００４２】
また、除湿空調ユニット３６の除湿性能を回復させる再生モード時は、図２に示すように、操作部５０から再生設定の指示を制御部４８に送ると除湿制御部４６によって除湿ファン３７の回転を停止させ、風路切替手段４２を排出路４１が開く位置にし、加熱手段３５に通電させる。発熱した加熱手段３５により吸着材３４を約１３０℃まで加熱し水蒸気を吸着材３４から放出させるとともに、短時間だけ除湿ファン３７を間欠的に作動させ排気路４１から車室内に高湿度の空気として放出する。また、汗の量が少ない場合には高温乾燥空気によって皮膚温度の低下は抑制され、発汗分を吸湿してムレ感を防止する。ここで、除湿空調ユニット３６へ供給される電力は許容範囲で最大限使用される。
【００４３】
また、図４でスライド式の操作部５０を表示部４９の暖房運転モードの位置Ｂに設定すると、供給電力量が最大での座席暖房の指示になり、この暖房設定の指示を取り込んだ制御部４８から加熱制御部４７に制御信号が送信され、発熱体４４、４５に電力が供給され発熱して人体に熱伝導で温熱を供給する。
【００４４】
更に操作部５０を表示部４９の中間運転モードの位置Ｃに設定すると、この設定指示を取り込んだ制御部４８は、除湿制御部４６に位置Ａよりも供給電力量が低下した状態で除湿空調ユニット３６を弱く作動させ、高温低湿度の空気を噴出口３９から噴出して人体を冷やしすぎて腰痛等の炎症の発生を防止する。一方、制御部４８は加熱制御部４７から接触表皮部４３に相対向する発熱体４４、４５に、車室の暖房時よりは弱い供給電力量を通電して人体を加熱する。このように、エアコンで冷房しながら除湿空調ユニット３６で高温乾燥空気と弱い発熱の発熱体４４、４５への通電によって車内室温は低下させながら人体をゆるく暖めることができる。
【００４５】
またエアコンで暖房しながら発熱体４４、４５でも人体を加熱し、長時間の着座で発汗した場合でも高温除湿空気でムレ感を防止するなど特に女性などのきめ細かな温熱環境への要望にも的確に対応することができる。従って、エアコンで車内を冷暖房するだけでなく、この空調座席装置と併用することで年間を通じて非常に多種多様な環境を実現してきめ細かな要望に対応することができる。
【００４６】
なお、本実施例では除湿空調ユニット３６を背部３１と座部３２で共用し、高温乾燥空気を分岐した送風路４０で供給する構成を示したが、背部３１と座部３２にそれぞれ除湿空調ユニット３６を設ける構成であってもよい。また本実施例では除湿空調ユニット３６は、加熱手段３５と吸着材３４が分離した構成を示したが、加熱手段３５に吸着材３４を担持するなど一体化したものであってもよい。更に発熱体４４、４５は背部３１と座部３２の両方に設けた構成を示したが、どちらか一方でもよい。更に、本実施例では操作部５０をスライド式としたが、釦式でＯＮ、ＯＦＦする構成にしてもよい。
【００４７】
（実施例２）
図５は本発明の実施例２における空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図である。本実施例は、空調座席装置の基本的な構成においては実施例１の発明と同じで、図１〜図４における同一符号のものが同一構造と同一の作用効果を奏するので詳細な説明を省略し、異なるところである制御部と操作部を中心に説明する。
【００４８】
制御部４８は、図５に示す如く操作部５０の他に暖房設定Ｂ側と冷房設定Ａ側にそれぞれ設けた補正手段５１の指示を取り込んで、図５に示すように暖房運転時に発熱体４４、４５への電力供給量が線Ｌから線Ｍに、冷房運転時に除湿空調ユニット３６への電力供給量が線Ｐから線Ｑに、それぞれ独立して調整できる制御シーケンスを実行するプログラムを有している。
【００４９】
また制御部４８は、運転条件として、図５に示すように操作部５０が設定した位置Ｄの指示を取り込み、かつ車室内の温度が所定の温度以下になった時、この温度を取り込んで、発熱体４４、４５への通電を開始するよう制御するプログラムも有している。
【００５０】
上記構成において、暖房側の補正手段５１を調節することによって発熱体４４、４５への供給電力量は図５の線Ｌから線Ｍに変更され補正前よりも発熱体４４、４５の発熱量が増え、やや暖かめの座席暖房の動作となる。また同様に冷房側の補正手段５１を調節することによって除湿空調ユニット３６への供給電力量は図５の線Ｐから線Ｑに変更され補正前よりも大きくなり、除湿ファン３７、室内ファン３３の風量が増えてやや涼しめの除湿空調の動作となる。このようにして、個人差のある温熱感覚に合わせてきめ細かく温熱空調環境の設定を実現でき快適感が大幅に向上する。
【００５１】
また、他の室内空調機である自動車に設置してある車室の冷暖空調機の働きが充分効果的な場合や、夏、冬以外の中間期の季節などで室内環境が比較的良好で室内温度があまり低くない場合には、加熱制御部４７により発熱体４４、４５の給電を停止し、除湿空調ユニット３６のみを運転して噴出口３９から吹出す高温低湿度の空気を供給する動作のみで座席の空調をまかない消費電力を抑えて快適環境を得ることもできる。
【００５２】
なお、本実施例では補正手段５１を、暖房側と冷房側の２箇所に設置したが、この方式に制約されるものではなく、要は加熱体４４、４５と除湿空調ユニット３６のそれぞれの電力供給量を補正できるものであれば形態が異なってもよい。また補正手段５１は暖房と冷房の電力供給量を独立で補正したが、連動して一方が増加すれば他方は低減するような関係を決めていてもよい。
【００５３】
（実施例３）
図６は本発明の実施例３における空調座席装置の操作部および表示部を示す図で、図７および図８は同空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図である。本実施例は、空調座席装置の基本的な構成においては実施例１の発明と同じで、図１〜図４における同一符号のものが同一構造と同一の作用効果を奏するので詳細な説明を省略し、異なるところである制御部と操作部を中心に説明する。
【００５４】
４９は、図６に示す如く空調座席装置の全体の表示部で、操作部５０は表示部４９の中にパネル方式で設けられており、コンソールパネルに組み込まれたディスプレーでカーナビゲーションやテレビ、さらに各種操作を行うタッチパネルの一画面を利用して操作する構成となっている。そして、表示部４９は実施例１、２で説明した座席の冷房（除湿空調）と暖房の運転が一定の関係で連動されているメイン表示と、それぞれの座席の冷房（除湿空調）と暖房の強さを補正できる補正手段５１をメイン表示の両側に設けてある。また表示部４９は、タッチ操作時に色が変わり動作の確認と運転状況が表示できる構成にもなっている。
【００５５】
制御部４８は、図７に示すように運転条件として、発熱体４４、４５に通電し座席本体３０を暖房している場合でも、一定の時間間隔で除湿空調ユニット３６を動作させる制御シーケンスと、図８に示すように除湿空調ユニット３６における吸着材３４の再生動作中は、発熱体４４、４５の給電量をこの時間帯のみ低減させる制御シーケンスをそれぞれ実行するプログラムを有している。
【００５６】
上記構成において、タッチパネル方式として表示部４９に操作部５０を設け、コンソールパネルのカーナビゲーションなどと画面を共用化することにより、操作時の確認や運転状況を比較的大きな画面でカラーも用いて確認も容易にできるとともに、コンパクトな構成にすることができる。
【００５７】
また発熱体４４、４５に通電して座席の暖房運転の動作においては、図７に示すように、発熱体４４、４５や他の室内空調機の働きで人体が充分温まり、長時間の着座によって発汗してムレ感が発生し始めた場合には、間欠的に除湿空調ユニット３６を動作させることで高温低湿度の乾燥空気を座席本体３０の噴出口３９に供給し、ムレ感を解消することによって長時間に渡って快適な暖房環境を実現することができる。
【００５８】
ここで除湿空調ユニット３６における吸着材３４の再生動作中は、加熱手段３５の電力使用量が大きくなるが、図８に示すように発熱体４４、４５への供給電力量を、この時間帯のみ低減することによって座席空調装置の全体としての電力使用量を平準化でき、空調座席装置を車載用に応用した場合、他の車載機器の動作に制限を加えることを抑止することができる。なお、除湿空調ユニット３６の再生時間は短く、身体や座席本体３０および室内空間は充分な熱容量があるため、再生時間の発熱体４４、４５への電力低下は、座席本体３０に着座している人の温熱感にほとんど影響を与えない。
【００５９】
（実施例４）
図９は本発明の実施例４における空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図である。本実施例は、空調座席装置の基本的な構成においては実施例１の発明と同じで、図１〜図４における同一符号のものが同一構造と同一の作用効果を奏するので詳細な説明を省略し、異なるところである制御部を中心に説明する。
【００６０】
制御部４８は、図９に示すように冷房（除湿空調）時の動作において除湿空調ユニット３６を先行して動作させ、必要に応じて発熱体４４、４５に通電して座席本体３０の暖房を行うようにする制御シーケンスを実行するプログラムを有している。
【００６１】
上記構成において、冷房時は除湿空調ユニット３６の動作を先行させ、早く冷涼感を得られるとともに、室内における他の空調機器の働きが効果的になると補完的に少しだけ発熱体４４、４５に通電して加熱し人体が過冷却になって腰痛等の炎症障害を起こさないよう冷たさを緩和して少ない消費電力で快適環境を長時間維持することができる。
【００６２】
なお、本実施例では発熱体４４、４５と除湿空調ユニット３６の、それぞれの電力供給量をステップ状（パルス的に）に変化させたが、実効上電力調整されていれば供給形態が異なってもよい。
【００６３】
（実施例５）
図１０は本発明の実施例５における空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図である。本実施例は、空調座席装置の基本的な構成においては実施例１の発明と同じで、図１〜図４における同一符号のものが同一構造と同一の作用効果を奏するので詳細な説明を省略し、異なるところである制御部を中心に説明する。
【００６４】
制御部４８は、図１０に示すように座席本体３０の暖房時の動作において発熱体４４、４５を先行して動作させ、必要に応じて除湿空調ユニット３６に通電して座席本体３０の除湿空調を行うようにする制御シーケンスを実行するプログラムを有している。
【００６５】
上記構成において、図１０に示すように座席本体３０の暖房時は熱伝導で加熱し人体に早く温熱を伝えるため発熱体４４、４５の動作を先行させ、早く温熱感を得るようにできるとともに、室内における他の空調機器の働きが効果的になると補完的に除湿空調ユニット３６に通電し、高温低湿度の乾燥空気を座席本体３０の噴出口３９に供給し、除湿して着座している人体のムレ感を少しだけ解消することできる。従って、全体として立ち上がりが早く、少ない消費電力で快適環境を長時間維持することができる。
【００６６】
なお、本実施例では加熱体４４、４５と除湿空調ユニット３６の、それぞれの電力供給量をそれぞれ階段状およびステップ状に変化させたが、実効上電力調整されていれば供給形態が異なってもよい。
【００６７】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明の空調座席装置によれば、運転後の立ち上がりが早く、夏季には十分な冷涼感が得られかつ、人体を冷やしすぎて腰痛などの炎症の発生を防止し、冬季には充分な暖房感が得られ、夏冬以外の中間期にはムレ感解消と個人の特性に合わせた温冷熱の着座環境を実現する空調座席装置を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例１〜５における空調座席装置の除湿モ−ドにおける全体の断面図
【図２】同実施例１〜５における空調座席装置の再生モ−ドにおける全体の断面図
【図３】同実施例１〜５における空調座席装置の斜視図
【図４】同実施例１における空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図
【図５】同実施例２における空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図
【図６】同実施例２における空調座席装置の操作部および表示部を示す図
【図７】同実施例２における空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図
【図８】同実施例３における空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図
【図９】同実施例４における空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図
【図１０】同実施例５における空調座席装置の動作の制御シーケンスを示す図
【図１１】従来の空調座席装置の全体断面図
【図１２】従来の他の空調座席装置の全体断面図
【図１３】同空調座席装置の空気乾燥部分を示す図
【符号の説明】
３０ 座席本体
３６ 除湿空調ユニット
３９ 噴出口
４４、４５ 加熱体
４８ 制御部
４９ 表示部
５０ 操作部
５１ 補正手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a comfortable state quickly to the human body even when the indoor thermal environment is uncomfortable, for example, in a car or an office chair of an automobile. The present invention relates to a chair having an air conditioner that can provide a comfortable seating feeling.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As this type of conventional air-conditioning seat device, there is one as shown in FIG. 11 (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In FIG. 11, the air-conditioning seat device is connected to the automobile seat body 3 composed of a back portion 1 and a seat portion 2, a Peltier module 4, and the Peltier module 4, and cools or heats the air flow. A heat exchanger 5 and a waste heat heat exchanger 6 for exchanging waste heat into an air flow, and a jet outlet that is provided on the surface cover 7 of the seat body 3 on which the occupants of the back portion 1 and the seat portion 2 sit and blows out the air flow. 8, the air flow passage 9 provided in the back portion 1 and the seat portion 2 for conveying the blown air flow from the main heat exchanger 5 to the jet outlet 8, and the waste heat heat exchanger 6 Waste heat air flow passage 10 that conveys the hot air flow, a fan 11 that conveys the air flow to the main heat exchanger 5 and the waste heat heat exchanger 6 connected to the Peltier module 4, and the main heat of the Peltier module 4 Heat conduction sheet attached to the side of the exchanger 5 and extended to just below the seat surface cover 7 It was composed of 2. Further, the control unit 14 is configured to be able to control the operations of the Peltier module 4 and the heat conductive sheet 12 connected by a signal line according to an instruction from the operation unit 13.
[0003]
When a cooling operation is selected by the operation unit 13 during the driving of the automobile in the summer, the Peltier module 4 and the fan 11 are driven by the control unit 14, and the air flow conveyed by the fan 11 is transmitted by the Peltier module 4. It was cooled by the main heat exchanger 5 by the heated cold heat, transported in the air flow passage 9, blown out as cold air from the jet outlet 8 to the human body, and transported cold heat by convective heat transfer. Further, the cold heat is cooled by the main heat exchanger 5 and transmitted through the heat conductive sheet 12, and the cold heat is transferred from the seat surface cover 7 of the back portion 1 and the seat portion 2 to the human body by heat conduction.
[0004]
On the other hand, the high-temperature waste heat generated in the Peltier module 4 warms the waste heat air flow in the waste heat heat exchanger 6 and is blown out as warm waste heat from the waste heat air flow passage 10 into the vehicle interior. When the heating operation is selected by the operation unit 13 in winter, the Peltier module 4 and the fan 11 are driven by the control unit 14, and the air flow conveyed by the fan 11 is heated by the Peltier module 4. Is heated in the main heat exchanger 5 and conveyed in the air flow passage 9 and blown out from the jet outlet 8 as hot air to the human body to convey the heat by convective heat transfer. Similarly, the heat is heated by the main heat exchanger 5, is transmitted through the heat conductive sheet 12, and is conveyed by heat conduction from the seat surface cover 7 of the back portion 1 and the seat portion 2 to the human body. On the other hand, the low-temperature waste heat generated in the Peltier module 4 is cooled as a waste heat air flow through the waste heat air flow passage 10 after the waste heat air flow is cooled by the waste heat heat exchanger 6. In this way, the passenger's back and buttocks are cooled or heated to air-condition the seat.
[0005]
Moreover, what is shown in FIGS. 12-13 is disclosed as an air-conditioning seat apparatus using a moisture absorption material (for example, refer patent document 2). That is, the backrest portion 15 has an air passage 16 therein, and a moisture permeable layer 17 having both air permeability and moisture permeability according to the gradient of water vapor partial pressure is provided between the backrest portion 15 and the air passage 16. The water vapor that passes through the backrest 15 flows into the air passage 16. Then, when the air dried through the air drying device 18 provided with a hygroscopic material is passed through the air passage 16, the moisture permeable layer 17 permeates the water vapor outside the backrest 15 and evaporates in the dry air.
[0006]
As shown in FIG. 13, the air drying device 18 is a reaction vessel 19 and 20 filled with a hygroscopic material such as zeolite or silica gel having air inlets 21 and 22, which are integrated with each other. It has heaters 25 and 26, and is connected to a reaction vessel 19 connected to a passage outlet 24 connected to an inlet of an air passage 16 by an electrically driven air flap 27, and an in-vehicle outlet 23 opened to the passenger compartment. The flow path can be switched to the reaction vessel 20.
[0007]
In the above configuration, in order to continuously operate the air drying device 18, the two reaction vessels 19 and 20 are alternately switched between a moisture absorption process and a regeneration process. When the adsorbing material in one reaction vessel 19 is regenerated by the electric heater 25 (regeneration process), the other reaction vessel 20 dries the air flowing through the inside thereof by the moisture absorption action of the adsorbing material, and the adsorption heat generates air. Is heated (moisture absorption process). When the adsorbing material in the reaction vessel 20 is saturated, the air flap 27 is switched as indicated by a broken line to energize the electric heater 26 to regenerate the adsorbing material 24 in the reaction vessel 20 and to allow the reaction vessel 19 to pass the air flowing through the adsorbing material. Dry by moisture absorption.
[0008]
However, in the above-described conventional example, when the automobile is parked in the summer, the surface temperature of the seat surface cover 7 rises to about 60 ° C. due to solar radiation, so that the Peltier module 4 and the fan 11 The air flow that is driven and cooled by the main heat exchanger 5 is conveyed to the ejection port 8. However, since the seat body 3 itself having a large heat capacity is at a high temperature, the temperature of the air blown out from the jet outlet 8 does not decrease in a short time. On the other hand, since the cooling heat of the Peltier module 4 is taken away by the heat conductive sheet 12, the cooling capacity of the Peltier module 4 is reduced, and the sweating occupant cannot solve the sensation for a long time, and the discomfort continues. Had.
[0009]
Further, when such an air conditioning seat device is operated in winter, the Peltier module 4 and the fan 11 are driven, and the air flow is heated and ejected from the outlet 8 as described above. The temperature rise value is determined by the heating heat amount 4 and the air flow rate of the air flow. Therefore, the blowout temperature is determined by adding the temperature increase value at the ambient temperature, but if the ambient temperature is low, the blowout temperature cannot be raised to a temperature at which warmth is felt, and there is a problem that a sense of heat cannot be obtained. It was. Furthermore, since the heat conduction sheet 12 is deprived of the heat of the Peltier module 4, the heating capacity is further reduced, so that the amount of supplied power has to be significantly increased.
[0010]
Further, in the latter conventional example, sweat generated in the human body is not absorbed except for the place of the human body in contact with the chair, and moisture is absorbed through the clothing and the moisture permeable layer 17 so that the amount of absorbed sweat is small. However, there was a problem that the sensation of cooling was reduced, and a cool feeling was hardly obtained.
[0011]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-306276 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 11-123959 A
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In view of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, the problem to be solved by the present invention is that the device starts up quickly after operation with a limited amount of power used, a sufficient cool feeling is obtained in summer, and the human body is cooled. It prevents the occurrence of inflammation such as low back pain, provides a feeling of sufficient heating in winter, and provides a warm and cool seating environment tailored to individual characteristics and elimination of stuffiness in the intermediate period other than summer and winter. It is to realize an air conditioning seat device that can be used.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above basic problems, the present invention provides a seat main body, a dehumidifying air conditioning unit for dehumidifying indoor air, and a jet outlet for ejecting dehumidified air from the dehumidifying air conditioning unit provided on the seating surface of the seat main body. And a heating element mounted on the skin part of the seat main body, and an air conditioning seat device in which the operations of the dehumidifying air conditioning unit and the heating element are interlocked.
[0014]
According to the above means, the air dehumidified by the dehumidifying air conditioning unit blows out from the jet outlet of the seat body and evaporates the sweat on the body surface, thereby removing the heat of vaporization and quickly giving a cool feeling to the human body. After evaporating, the feeling of stuffiness can be prevented by dehumidifying the perspiration released from the human body. In addition, the heat generated by the heating element in conjunction with the dehumidifying air conditioning unit is supplied to the human body by heat conduction, giving it a moderate thermal feeling, and during the dehumidifying air conditioning, it can take into account the occurrence of inflammation such as back pain in the intermediate period other than summer and winter, A feeling of heating can be obtained in winter, and it can respond to the demand for fine thermal environment.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Since the object of the present invention described above can be achieved by using the configuration described in each claim as an embodiment, the effects of the configuration will be described together with the configuration of each claim. The specific terms that require explanation in the configuration will be described in detail in the embodiment of the present invention by adding a detailed explanation.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 1 is a seat main body, a dehumidifying air conditioning unit that dehumidifies indoor air, a jet outlet that is provided on a seating surface of the seat main body and ejects dehumidified air from the dehumidifying air conditioning unit, It is an air-conditioning seat device in which the heating element mounted on the skin portion of the seat body, and the operation of the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit and the heating element are linked.
[0017]
According to the above embodiment, for example, by blowing air to a dehumidifying air conditioning unit having an adsorbent such as silica gel or zeolite, dehumidifying the air and ejecting it from the outlet, vaporizing sweat and taking the latent heat of evaporation from the body temperature You can instantly change to a comfortable environment with no stuffiness. As an example, an air conditioning seat device used for a chair for an automobile equipped with air conditioning equipment for cooling and heating explains how to quickly realize a comfortable environment when the passenger compartment is hot and humid due to parking under the hot sun in summer To do.
[0018]
The air in the passenger compartment (35 ° C, 55% RH) sent to the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit by the blowing means at the time of start-up is adsorbed with water vapor by the adsorbent of the dehumidifying means to reduce the humidity and generate heat by the adsorption heat, and the high temperature and low humidity ( 65 [deg.] C., 3% RH), and the air is guided toward the human body from the outlet of the seat body. Then, it passes through the clothes and flows, for example, along the back side of the human body and spreads into the gap between the clothing and the skin.
[0019]
At that time, high-temperature and low-humidity air takes away heat of vaporization by evaporating sweat on the body surface, and air has low specific heat despite the air hotter than body temperature, while water vapor latent heat is very large. The difference between the amount of heat received by the high-temperature air and the amount of heat released from the vaporization latent heat due to sweat evaporation is so large that the skin temperature is lowered and a cool feeling can be obtained immediately after the high-temperature air is ejected. When the amount of sweat is small, the decrease in skin temperature is suppressed, and the sweat is absorbed to prevent a feeling of stuffiness.
[0020]
And when the air conditioner in the vehicle acts as time passes and the temperature in the vehicle interior decreases, the dehumidifying air conditioning unit supplies the air in the vehicle interior that has decreased in temperature, so the temperature of the air that is blown out decreases. A stronger cooling feeling can be obtained, and even when the seat body is at a high temperature, a cooling feeling can be obtained immediately after the start, and the cooling feeling becomes stronger as time passes, and a comfortable space can be created.
[0021]
Furthermore, not only during dehumidification and air conditioning, but also in the intermediate period other than summer and winter, the action of the heating element allows the human body to be cooled too much by high-temperature and low-humidity dehumidification air to prevent the occurrence of inflammation such as low back pain. It can respond accurately to environmental demands.
[0022]
The invention according to claim 2 is the one in which the operation of the dehumidifying air conditioning unit and the heating element according to claim 1 is linked in a fixed relationship, and the optimum operating condition can be easily achieved by linking the dehumidifying air conditioning unit and the heating element. It can be controlled so that the comfortable environment of the seat can be realized sooner after selection.
[0023]
The invention described in claim 3 enables correction of the operation of a fixed relationship between the dehumidifying air conditioning unit according to claim 1 or 2 and the heating element, and is based on standard operating conditions in which the dehumidifying air conditioning unit and the heating element are interlocked. By adjusting the driving conditions according to personal preference, it becomes possible to adjust the cooling feeling and the warm feeling arbitrarily and to realize a comfortable air conditioning environment of the seat.
[0024]
The invention described in claim 4 is provided with the dehumidifying air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a display unit for displaying the operation status of the heating element. For example, a display unit is provided in the operation unit. As a result, the operating status can be confirmed, and the operation unit and the display unit can be integrated into a compact configuration.
[0025]
The invention according to claim 5 controls the dehumidification air-conditioning unit to operate only at least until the room temperature becomes a predetermined temperature or less in the description of any one of claims 1 to 4. If there is another air conditioner in a room and its function is sufficiently effective, or if the indoor environment is relatively good and the room temperature is not too low, such as in the middle season, power supply to the heating element is stopped. Thus, the heat generating action is stopped, and the seat air-conditioning is performed only by the operation of supplying the high-temperature and low-humidity air supplied from the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit, and a comfortable environment can be obtained while suppressing power consumption.
[0026]
The invention according to claim 6 is the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit is operated intermittently even during operation of the heating element. Even if another air conditioner exists in the room, its function is sufficiently effective, the human body is warmed up sufficiently, and even if sweating occurs due to sitting for a long time, the dehumidifying air conditioning unit operates intermittently. In this way, it is possible to realize a comfortable heating environment over a long period of time by supplying dry air of high temperature and low humidity and eliminating the feeling of stuffiness.
[0027]
The invention according to claim 7 reduces the amount of power supplied to the heating element during the regeneration operation of the dehumidifying air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and uses a large amount of power during regeneration of the dehumidifying air conditioning unit. However, since the power supply amount of the heating element is reduced at this time, the power consumption in the seat air conditioning can be leveled, and when the air conditioning seat device is applied to a vehicle, it restricts the operation of other in-vehicle devices Can be deterred.
[0028]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit operates in advance during indoor cooling, and operates the heating element as necessary. Since the dehumidifying air conditioning unit can use the indoor air whose temperature is low due to cooling, the cooling feeling can be obtained quickly, so that the operation of the dehumidifying air conditioning unit can be preceded and the cooling feeling can be obtained quickly and effectively. When the air-conditioning equipment becomes effective, it is possible to maintain a comfortable environment for a long time with low power consumption by relaxing the cooling so that it is not overcooled by heating with a little heating element.
[0029]
The invention according to claim 9 is the description of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating element operates in advance during indoor heating and operates the dehumidifying air conditioning unit as necessary. During heating, heat can be heated by heat conduction from the heating element, and the operation of the heating element that quickly conveys the heat to the human body can be prioritized so that a feeling of warmth can be obtained quickly, and complementation will be provided if the other air conditioning equipment works effectively. In addition, by dehumidifying a little with the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit to eliminate the feeling of stuffiness, the comfortable environment can be maintained for a long time with fast power consumption and low power consumption as a whole.
[0030]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view in which the air-conditioning seat device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is mounted on an automobile seat, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view at the time of regeneration of an adsorbent in a dehumidifying air-conditioning unit of the air-conditioning seat device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a seat body equipped with the air conditioning seat device, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control sequence of the operation of the air conditioning seat device.
[0032]
A seat main body 30 which is a driver's seat of an automobile has a back portion 31 and a seat portion 32, and the interior air of the seat portion 32 is dehumidified to blow out air from the surface on which the person of the back portion 31 and the seat portion 32 sits. A dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 is provided. The dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 heats and adsorbs the indoor fan 33 that sucks and blows air in the passenger compartment, a corrugated or dehydrated air adsorbent 34 such as silica gel and activated alumina, and the adsorbent 34. Heating means 35 such as an electric heater for evaporating and regenerating the humidified moisture, a dehumidifying fan 37 for sucking the air in the vehicle interior and supplying it to the adsorbent 34, and the air in the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 downstream of the adsorbent 34 Air flow switching means 42 for controlling the flow and switching the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit 36 to the dehumidifying air-conditioning action and the regeneration action of the adsorbent 34 is provided.
[0033]
The back portion 31 of the seat body 30 and the skin portion 38 of the seat portion 32 are provided with a number of jets 39 for ejecting dehumidified dry air, and the dehumidified dry air is connected through the air passage 40 connected to the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36. Will be sent. 41 is a discharge path connected to the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 downstream of the dehumidifying means 36 comprising the adsorbent 34 and the heating means 35 via the air path switching means 42, and is a small amount that is intermittently discharged when the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 is regenerated. The high temperature and high humidity air is discharged out of the seat body 30.
[0034]
In addition, 44 and 45 are heating elements provided in predetermined ranges so as to correspond to the human body seated just below the back portion 31 of the seat body 30 and the skin portion 38 of the seat portion 32 as shown in FIG. It is mounted with the outlet 39 provided. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the spout 39 is also provided in the skin portion 38 other than the contact skin portion 43 in contact with the heating elements 44 and 45.
[0035]
Reference numeral 48 denotes a control unit for the entire air conditioning seat device, which includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits. Dehumidification control mainly controls the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 such as the indoor fan 33, the heating means 35, the dehumidifying fan 37, and the air path switching means 42. 4 that executes the sequence shown in FIG. 4 for controlling the unit 46 and the heating control unit 47 that mainly controls the heating elements 44 and 45 in conjunction with each other under a certain relationship. The control unit 48 is connected to the operation unit 50 in which the display unit 49 is integrated.
[0036]
That is, when the slide-type operation unit 50 shared with the operation unit in the cooling and heating apparatus existing in the automobile is set to the cooling setting A as shown in the control sequence shown in FIG. 36 is set to the maximum power supply amount, the energization of the heating elements 44 and 45 is stopped or slightly energized, and the operation unit 50 stops the operation of the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 in the heating setting B or operates with a small amount of power, The heating elements 44 and 45 have a program for controlling the power supply amount so that the maximum power supply amount is set, and the cooling setting A and the heating setting B of the passenger compartment are in inverse proportion to each other. In the figure, the dehumidification control unit 46, the heating control unit 47, and the control unit 48 are shown separately, but may be integrated.
[0037]
In the above configuration, the driving operation will be described according to the control sequence shown in FIG. If the slide-type operation unit 50 shared with the operation unit in the cooling and heating system already installed in the automobile is set to the position A of the cooling operation mode of the display unit 49, the dehumidification air conditioning with the maximum amount of power supply is provided. 1, a control signal is transmitted from the control unit 48 to the dehumidification control unit 46, and the air path switching means 42 is set to a position where the discharge path 41 is closed, and the dehumidifying fan 37 is driven for a certain period of time.
[0038]
During this time, for example, 0.4 m by the dehumidifying fan 37 3 The air in the passenger compartment (35 ° C., 55% RH) sent to the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit 36 at a flow rate of / min is adsorbed by the adsorbent 34 to reduce the humidity and generate heat due to the adsorption heat, thereby generating high-temperature and low-humidity air. (65 ° C., 3% RH). High-temperature and low-humidity air is led to the air passage 40 which branches to the back portion 31 and the seat portion 32, and blows out from the spouts 39 of the respective skin portions 38, and penetrates the clothes of the human body seated on the seat portion 32 and the back portion 31. Then flows on the surface of the human body.
[0039]
At that time, high-temperature and low-humidity air (65 ° C., 3% RH) takes away latent heat of vaporization by evaporating sweat on the body surface. The high-temperature dehumidified air has a small specific heat despite the air being hotter than the body temperature, while the latent heat of water vapor is very large. Therefore, the difference between the amount of heat received by high-temperature air at 65 ° C and the amount of heat released by vaporization due to sweat evaporation is Since the skin temperature is significantly larger, the skin temperature is lowered (in the experiment, about 2 ° C. in 30 seconds), and a cool feeling can be obtained immediately after the hot air is blown out.
[0040]
Therefore, even when the seat body 30 is hot during parking in the hot weather in summer, a cool feeling begins to be obtained immediately after the start, and the existing air conditioner acts on the automobile over time and the temperature in the passenger compartment decreases. Then, since the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 sucks this lowered air in the passenger compartment, the temperature of the air that is ejected drops from 65 ° C., so that the cooling feeling described above gradually becomes stronger and comfortable. Can create a simple space.
[0041]
Here, the indoor fan 33 is always in an operating state, and the overall air flow rate is increased, and the ejection speed of the ejection port 39 is increased to make it easier to penetrate clothes. In particular, the high-temperature dry air ejected from the spouts 39 other than the contact skin part 43 in the skin part 38 of the seat body 30 is less likely to be blocked by the human body when seated, so that it effectively penetrates the clothes and is supplied to the human body surface. be able to.
[0042]
In the regeneration mode in which the dehumidifying performance of the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 is restored, as shown in FIG. 2, when the regeneration setting instruction is sent from the operation unit 50 to the control unit 48, the dehumidifying fan 37 rotates the dehumidifying fan 37. The air passage switching means 42 is brought to a position where the discharge passage 41 is opened, and the heating means 35 is energized. The adsorbent 34 is heated to about 130 ° C. by the heating means 35 that has generated heat to release water vapor from the adsorbent 34, and the dehumidifying fan 37 is intermittently operated for a short period of time as high-humidity air from the exhaust passage 41 to the vehicle interior. discharge. In addition, when the amount of sweat is small, the decrease in skin temperature is suppressed by the high-temperature dry air, and the sweat is absorbed to prevent the feeling of stuffiness. Here, the electric power supplied to the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 is used as much as possible within an allowable range.
[0043]
In addition, when the slide type operation unit 50 is set to the heating operation mode position B of the display unit 49 in FIG. 4, the seat heating instruction with the maximum amount of power supply is provided, and the control unit incorporating the heating setting instruction. A control signal is transmitted from 48 to the heating control unit 47, and electric power is supplied to the heating elements 44 and 45 to generate heat and supply heat to the human body by heat conduction.
[0044]
Further, when the operation unit 50 is set to the position C of the intermediate operation mode of the display unit 49, the control unit 48 that has taken in this setting instruction causes the dehumidification air conditioning unit to be in a state where the amount of power supplied to the dehumidification control unit 46 is lower than the position A. 36 is operated weakly, and high-temperature and low-humidity air is jetted from the jet port 39 to cool the human body too much to prevent the occurrence of inflammation such as back pain. On the other hand, the control unit 48 heats the human body by energizing the heating elements 44 and 45 opposed to the contact skin portion 43 from the heating control unit 47 with a lower amount of supplied power than when heating the passenger compartment. In this manner, the human body can be warmed gently while the interior temperature of the vehicle is lowered by energizing the high-temperature dry air and the heat generating elements 44 and 45 with weak heat generation by the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 while cooling with the air conditioner.
[0045]
In addition, the heating element 44, 45 heats the human body while heating with an air conditioner, and even when sweating when seated for a long time, high temperature dehumidified air prevents the feeling of stuffiness. It can correspond to. Therefore, in addition to air-conditioning the interior of the vehicle with an air conditioner, it can be used in combination with this air-conditioning seat device to realize a very wide variety of environments throughout the year and meet detailed demands.
[0046]
In addition, although the dehumidification air conditioning unit 36 was shared by the back part 31 and the seat part 32 in this Example, and the structure supplied with the ventilation path 40 which branched the high temperature dry air was shown, the dehumidification air conditioning unit is each supplied to the back part 31 and the seat part 32. 36 may be provided. In the present embodiment, the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 has a configuration in which the heating means 35 and the adsorbent 34 are separated. However, the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 may be integrated such that the adsorbent 34 is supported on the heating means 35. Furthermore, although the heat generating bodies 44 and 45 showed the structure provided in both the back part 31 and the seat part 32, either one may be sufficient. Furthermore, although the operation unit 50 is a slide type in this embodiment, it may be configured to be turned on and off by a button type.
[0047]
(Example 2)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a control sequence of the operation of the air-conditioning seat device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the basic configuration of the air-conditioning seat device is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals in FIGS. However, the description will focus on the control unit and the operation unit which are different.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 48 takes in instructions from the correction means 51 provided on the heating setting B side and the cooling setting A side in addition to the operation unit 50, and as shown in FIG. , 45 has a program for executing a control sequence capable of independently adjusting the power supply amount from line L to line M and the power supply amount to dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 during cooling operation from line P to line Q, respectively. ing.
[0049]
Moreover, the control part 48 takes in the instruction | indication of the position D which the operation part 50 set as shown in FIG. 5 as driving conditions, and takes in this temperature, when the temperature in a vehicle interior becomes below predetermined temperature, There is also a program for controlling to start energization of the heating elements 44 and 45.
[0050]
In the above configuration, the amount of power supplied to the heating elements 44 and 45 is changed from the line L in FIG. 5 to the line M by adjusting the correction means 51 on the heating side, and the heating value of the heating elements 44 and 45 is more than before the correction. Increased and slightly warmer seat heating. Similarly, the amount of power supplied to the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit 36 is changed from the line P to the line Q in FIG. 5 by adjusting the cooling-side correction means 51 and becomes larger than before correction, and the dehumidifying fan 37 and the indoor fan 33 are adjusted. The air volume increases and the operation of the dehumidifying air conditioning is slightly cooler. In this way, it is possible to realize a detailed setting of the thermal air-conditioning environment in accordance with the thermal sensation with individual differences, and the comfort feeling is greatly improved.
[0051]
In addition, the indoor environment is relatively good and the indoor environment is relatively good in cases where the cooling / heating air conditioner installed in an automobile, which is another indoor air conditioner, is sufficiently effective, or in mid-seasons other than summer and winter. When the temperature is not so low, only the operation of stopping the power supply of the heating elements 44 and 45 by the heating control unit 47 and operating only the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit 36 to supply the high-temperature and low-humidity air blown from the ejection port 39. It is possible to obtain a comfortable environment by reducing the power consumption that does not cover the air conditioning of the seat.
[0052]
In the present embodiment, the correction means 51 is installed at two locations on the heating side and the cooling side. However, the correction means 51 is not limited to this method, and the power of the heating bodies 44 and 45 and the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 is important. The configuration may be different as long as the supply amount can be corrected. Moreover, although the correction | amendment means 51 correct | amended the electric power supply amount of heating and cooling independently, you may determine the relationship in which the other will reduce, if one increases in conjunction.
[0053]
(Example 3)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit and a display unit of the air-conditioning seat device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating a control sequence of the operation of the air-conditioning seat device. In this embodiment, the basic configuration of the air-conditioning seat device is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals in FIGS. However, the description will focus on the control unit and the operation unit which are different.
[0054]
49 is a display unit of the entire air-conditioning seat device as shown in FIG. 6, and the operation unit 50 is provided in a panel system in the display unit 49. A car navigation system, a television, and a display incorporated in the console panel are further provided. The operation is performed using one screen of the touch panel for performing various operations. The display unit 49 includes a main display in which the seat cooling (dehumidification air conditioning) and the heating operation described in the first and second embodiments are linked in a certain relationship, and the cooling (dehumidification air conditioning) and heating of each seat. Correction means 51 capable of correcting the strength are provided on both sides of the main display. The display unit 49 also has a configuration in which the color changes when a touch operation is performed, and operation confirmation and operation status can be displayed.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 48 operates the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 at regular time intervals even when the heating elements 44 and 45 are energized to heat the seat body 30 as operating conditions, As shown in FIG. 8, during the regeneration operation of the adsorbent 34 in the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36, there is a program for executing a control sequence for reducing the power supply amounts of the heating elements 44 and 45 only during this time period.
[0056]
In the above configuration, the operation unit 50 is provided in the display unit 49 as a touch panel system, and the screen is shared with the car navigation etc. of the console panel, so that the confirmation at the time of operation and the driving situation can be confirmed using a color on a relatively large screen. Can be easily achieved, and a compact configuration can be achieved.
[0057]
Further, in the operation of heating the seat by energizing the heating elements 44 and 45, as shown in FIG. 7, the human body is sufficiently warmed by the action of the heating elements 44 and 45 and other indoor air conditioners. When the feeling of stuffiness begins to occur due to sweating, the dehumidification air conditioning unit 36 is operated intermittently to supply high-temperature and low-humidity dry air to the jet outlet 39 of the seat body 30 to eliminate the stuffiness. By this, a comfortable heating environment can be realized for a long time.
[0058]
Here, during the regeneration operation of the adsorbent 34 in the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit 36, the amount of power used by the heating means 35 increases. However, as shown in FIG. By reducing the power consumption of the seat air conditioner as a whole, it is possible to suppress the restriction of the operation of other in-vehicle devices when the air conditioning seat device is applied to a vehicle. Note that the regeneration time of the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit 36 is short, and the body, the seat body 30 and the indoor space have a sufficient heat capacity, so the power reduction to the heating elements 44 and 45 during the regeneration time is seated on the seat body 30. It has little effect on people's thermal feeling
[0059]
(Example 4)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control sequence of the operation of the air-conditioning seat device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the basic configuration of the air-conditioning seat device is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals in FIGS. However, the description will focus on a control unit that is different.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 48 operates the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 in advance during the cooling (dehumidifying air conditioning) operation, and energizes the heating elements 44 and 45 as necessary to heat the seat body 30. A program for executing a control sequence to be performed is included.
[0061]
In the above configuration, the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit 36 is preceded in the cooling operation so that a cool feeling can be obtained quickly, and when the functions of other air-conditioning equipment in the room become effective, the heating elements 44 and 45 are complementarily energized. Then, it is possible to maintain a comfortable environment for a long time with low power consumption by relaxing the cold so that the human body is not overcooled by heating and causing inflammation disorders such as low back pain.
[0062]
In the present embodiment, the power supply amounts of the heating elements 44 and 45 and the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 are changed stepwise (in a pulse manner). However, if the power is effectively adjusted, the supply form is different. Also good.
[0063]
(Example 5)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control sequence of the operation of the air-conditioning seat device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the basic configuration of the air-conditioning seat device is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals in FIGS. However, the description will focus on a control unit that is different.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 48 operates the heating elements 44 and 45 in advance during the heating operation of the seat body 30, energizes the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 as necessary, and dehumidifies air conditioning of the seat body 30. And a program for executing a control sequence for performing the above.
[0065]
In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, when heating the seat body 30, the operation of the heating elements 44 and 45 is preceded to heat by heat conduction and quickly transmit the heat to the human body, so that a warm feeling can be obtained quickly. When the operation of other air-conditioning equipment in the room becomes effective, the dehumidifying air-conditioning unit 36 is energized complementarily, and high-temperature and low-humidity dry air is supplied to the spout 39 of the seat body 30 to dehumidify and sit down. The feeling of stuffiness can be eliminated a little. Therefore, the start-up is quick as a whole, and a comfortable environment can be maintained for a long time with low power consumption.
[0066]
In the present embodiment, the power supply amounts of the heating elements 44 and 45 and the dehumidifying air conditioning unit 36 are changed stepwise and stepwise, respectively, but if the power is effectively adjusted, the supply form may be different. Good.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the air-conditioning seat device of the present invention, the start-up after driving is quick, a sufficient cool feeling can be obtained in the summer, and the human body is cooled too much to prevent the occurrence of inflammation such as low back pain. Can provide an air conditioning seating device that can provide a feeling of sufficient heating and eliminates stuffiness in the middle period other than summer and winter, and realizes a warm and cool seating environment tailored to individual characteristics.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall sectional view of a dehumidifying mode of an air-conditioning seat device according to first to fifth embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an overall cross-sectional view in a regeneration mode of the air conditioning seat device according to the first to fifth embodiments.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an air conditioning seat device according to the first to fifth embodiments.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control sequence of the operation of the air conditioning seat device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a control sequence of the operation of the air conditioning seat device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation unit and a display unit of the air conditioning seat device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a control sequence of the operation of the air conditioning seat device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a control sequence of the operation of the air conditioning seat device in the third embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control sequence of the operation of the air conditioning seat device according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control sequence of the operation of the air conditioning seat device in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an overall sectional view of a conventional air conditioning seat device.
FIG. 12 is an overall sectional view of another conventional air-conditioning seat device.
FIG. 13 is a view showing an air drying portion of the air conditioning seat device
[Explanation of symbols]
30 Seat body
36 Dehumidification air conditioning unit
39 Spout
44, 45 Heating body
48 Control unit
49 Display
50 Operation unit
51 Correction means
