JP2020006854A - Seat air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a seat air conditioner which can give sufficient comfort to a user even in the state that the user seats on a seat.SOLUTION: A seat air conditioner 1 comprises a skin cover 6, and a ventilation member 18 which is so located between the skin cover and a seat pad 5 as to be spread in a plane. The ventilation member 18 includes plural tubular bodies 20 which are juxtaposed along a rear face of the skin cover 6 and are communicated with a ventilation hole 5b of the seat pad 5 and on the skin cover 6 side of which at least one opening 21 is formed. Further, the ventilation member 18 includes at least one projection part 32 which projects toward the skin cover 6 side from plural tubular bodies 18 so as to form a clearance between the opening 21 and the skin cover 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a seat air conditioner applied to a seat including a seat pad and a skin cover.

  BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a seat air conditioner in which a ventilation member in which a plurality of tubes are integrated in parallel between a seat pad and a skin cover is arranged, and air is supplied to a user through the ventilation member (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Literature 1 discloses that an opening serving as an air outlet is provided on the side of a skin cover of a ventilation member.

Patent No. 4999455

  By the way, the inventors of the present invention examined a structure in which an opening serving as an outlet is provided on the skin cover side of the ventilation member as in the invention described in Patent Document 1, and such a structure is sufficient for a user. It has proven difficult to provide comfort. The present inventors have investigated this factor, and found that when the user sits on the seat, the opening of the ventilating member serving as the air outlet is closed by the user's body, so that the air flowing through the ventilating member is blocked. It became clear that the blowing was insufficient.

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide a seat air conditioner that can provide sufficient comfort to a user even when the user is seated on a seat.

The invention according to claim 1 is
A seat air conditioner applied to a seat (1) including a seat pad (5) supporting a user, a skin cover (6) having air permeability and covering a facing surface (5a) of the seat pad facing the user side. So,
A ventilation path (180) for blowing air blown out to the user side or suction air sucked in from the user side is formed, and a ventilation member (18) arranged so as to spread in a plane between the seat pad and the skin cover is provided. Prepare,
A ventilation hole (5b) communicating with the ventilation path is formed in the seat pad,
The ventilation member is
A plurality of tubular bodies (20) arranged side by side along the back surface of the skin cover, communicating with the ventilation holes, and having at least one opening (21) formed at a portion facing the back surface of the heater;
At least one protrusion (31, 32) protruding from the plurality of tubular bodies toward the skin cover so that a gap is formed between the opening and the skin cover.

  In this manner, if the projections are provided between the plurality of tubular bodies and the skin cover, a gap is formed between the plurality of tubular bodies and the skin cover by the projections, so that the user can sit down. Occasionally closing of the openings of the plurality of tubular bodies can be suppressed.

  Thereby, for example, the air introduced from the ventilation holes of the seat pad can be blown to the user side through the openings of the plurality of tubular bodies. In this case, it is possible to impart a cool feeling to the user by blowing the wind toward the user.

  In addition, for example, air around the user can be sucked in through the openings of the plurality of tubular bodies, and the sucked air can flow into the ventilation holes of the seat pad. In this case, it is possible to provide a cool feeling to the user by suppressing the build-up of hot air between the user and the skin cover.

  Therefore, according to the seat air conditioner of the present disclosure, sufficient comfort can be provided to the user even when the user is sitting on the seat.

  In addition, the reference numerals in parentheses attached to the respective components and the like indicate an example of a correspondence relationship between the components and the like and specific components and the like described in the embodiments described later.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a seat to which a seat air conditioner according to a first embodiment is applied. It is a schematic plan view of the ventilation member of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the ventilation member viewed from a direction III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the ventilation member viewed from a direction IV in FIG. 2. It is an explanatory view for explaining a heat transfer mode at the time of a heating operation of a seat air conditioner serving as a comparative example of the first embodiment. It is VI-VI sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion VII in FIG. 6. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a flow of air during a cooling operation of the seat air conditioner of the first embodiment. It is an explanatory view for explaining a mode of heat transfer at the time of the heating operation of the seat air conditioner of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a seat to which a seat air conditioner according to a first modification of the first embodiment is applied. It is a typical sectional view showing the ventilation member used as the 2nd modification of a 1st embodiment. It is a typical sectional view showing the ventilation member used as the 3rd modification of a 1st embodiment. It is a typical sectional view showing the ventilation member used as the 4th modification of a 1st embodiment. It is a typical sectional view showing the ventilation member used as the 5th modification of a 1st embodiment. It is a typical sectional view showing the ventilation member used as the 6th modification of a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows a part of cross-sectional shape of the ventilation member of 2nd Embodiment. It is a mimetic diagram showing a part of section shape of a ventilation member used as a comparative example of a 2nd embodiment. It is a typical sectional view showing the ventilation member used as the 1st modification of a 2nd embodiment. It is a typical sectional view showing the ventilation member used as the 2nd modification of a 2nd embodiment. It is a schematic structure figure of a seat to which a seat air conditioner of a third embodiment is applied. It is a schematic plan view which shows a part of ventilation member of 3rd Embodiment. It is XXII-XII sectional drawing of FIG. It is XXIII-XIII sectional drawing of FIG. It is an explanatory view for explaining a flow of air at the time of a cooling operation of a seat air conditioner serving as a comparative example of the third embodiment. It is an explanatory view for explaining a flow of air at the time of a cooling operation of a seat air conditioner of a third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts as those described in the preceding embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted. Further, in the embodiment, when only a part of the component is described, the component described in the preceding embodiment can be applied to the other part of the component. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other as long as the combination is not particularly hindered, even if not particularly specified.

(1st Embodiment)
The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the seat air conditioner 10 of the present disclosure is applied to a seat 1 installed inside a vehicle. Note that, in the drawings, arrows indicating up and down indicate a vertical direction DR1 of the vehicle. Further, in the drawings, arrows indicating front and rear indicate a front and rear direction DR2 of the vehicle. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a seat 1 is a seat cushion 2 that supports a lower body of an occupant who is a user, a seat back 3 that is connected to the seat cushion 2 and supports an upper body of the occupant, and is connected to a seat back 3. A headrest 4 is provided to support the head of the occupant.

  In the seat 1 of the present embodiment, a seat air conditioner 10 is provided for the seat cushion 2. The seat cushion 2 includes a seat pad 5 that supports an occupant, and a skin cover 6 that has air permeability and covers a facing surface 5a of the seat pad 5 that faces the user. In FIG. 1 and the like, the skin cover 6 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in order to distinguish the skin cover 6 from other members.

  Here, although not shown, the seat back 3 is configured to include a seat pad and a skin cover, similarly to the seat cushion 2. This is the same for the headrest 4.

  The seat pad 5 is made of a material having excellent cushioning properties, such as urethane foam, so that the load when the occupant sits can be elastically supported. The seat pad 5 is installed on a metal seat frame (not shown).

  The seat pad 5 is provided with a ventilation hole 5b communicating with a ventilation path 180 inside a ventilation member 18 described later. The ventilation hole 5b is constituted by a through hole that penetrates the opposite surface 5a of the seat pad 5 and the bottom surface 5c opposite to the opposite surface 5a.

  In addition, the seat pad 5 has an accommodation groove 5d for accommodating a seat heater 16 and a ventilation member 18, which will be described later, with respect to the facing surface 5a. The ventilation hole 5b opens inside the accommodation groove 5d.

  Although not shown, a plurality of suspension grooves for fixing the skin cover 6 are formed on the facing surface 5a of the seat pad 5. A pad-side wire connected to a skin-side wire provided on the skin cover 6 via a C-shaped hook is provided in the suspension groove.

  The skin cover 6 covers the facing surface 5a and the side surface of the seat pad 5. The skin cover 6 is made of a material having air permeability. Examples of the material of the skin cover 6 include leather and synthetic leather in which a large number of pores are formed to secure air permeability, and woven and nonwoven fabrics having air permeability.

  The seat air conditioner 10 is a device that provides comfort to an occupant seated on the seat 1. The seat air-conditioning apparatus 10 is configured to provide a cooling sensation to the occupant by sucking air from around the occupant. The seat air conditioner 10 includes a blower 12, a duct 14, a seat heater 16, a ventilation member 18, a heater drive circuit 60, and a control device 50.

  The blower 12 generates an airflow that sucks air from around the occupant through the ventilation member 18. The blower 12 is arranged below the seat pad 5. As the blower 12, for example, a centrifugal blower, an axial flow blower, or the like can be employed.

  A duct 14 is connected to an air inlet of the blower 12. One end of the duct 14 is connected to the air inlet of the blower 12, and the other end is connected to the ventilation hole 5 b of the seat pad 5 via a seal member 140. The seal member 140 is provided to prevent air leakage from a connection point between the duct 14 and the ventilation hole 5b.

  The seat heater 16 heats an occupant seated on the seat 1 by generating heat by energization. The seat heater 16 is formed of an electric heater that has air permeability and generates heat when energized. The sheet heater 16 can adopt, for example, a sheet heater in which heater wires set in a predetermined pattern shape with a base cloth having air permeability are integrated by bonding or the like.

  The seat heater 16 is arranged between the seat pad 5 and the skin cover 6 so as to spread in a plane. The seat heater 16 is housed in a housing groove 5d formed on the facing surface 5a of the seat pad 5. The seat heater 16 is configured to be supplied with power via a heater drive circuit 60. In the present embodiment, of the seat heater 16, the surface facing the skin cover 6 is the heater surface 161, and the surface facing the ventilation member 18 is the heater back surface 162.

  The ventilation member 18 forms a ventilation path 180 for the intake air to be drawn in from the occupant side. The ventilation member 18 is housed in the housing groove 5d formed in the facing surface 5a of the seat pad 5 together with the seat heater 16. The ventilation member 18 is disposed between the seat pad 5 and the skin cover 6 together with the seat heater 16. Specifically, the ventilation member 18 is arranged between the seat heater 16 and the seat pad 5 so as to spread in a plane.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the ventilation member 18 collects the plurality of tubular bodies 20 having the ventilation passages 180 formed on the inside and the air flowing inside each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 to form the seat pad 5. It is configured to include a cylindrical connecting body 22 for leading to the ventilation hole 5b. The plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the connection bodies 22 that constitute the ventilation member 18 are configured as an integrally molded product. The ventilation member 18 is made of a flexible material such as rubber or elastomer to improve the comfort of the occupant.

  The plurality of tubular bodies 20 are arranged side by side along the heater back surface 162. That is, the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are arranged side by side such that the respective longitudinal directions DR3 are in the same direction. Specifically, the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are arranged in a posture in which the longitudinal direction D3 extends along the longitudinal direction DR2 of the vehicle.

  Each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 is formed with a plurality of circular openings 21 that open toward the skin cover 6. Specifically, a plurality of openings 21 are formed in each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 at a portion facing the heater back surface 162. In FIG. 2, in order to make the drawing easier to see, among the plurality of tubular bodies 20, reference numerals are given to the openings 21 of the tubular bodies 20 on the vehicle rear side, and the openings 21 of the other tubular bodies 20 are denoted by reference numerals. Are omitted.

  The plurality of openings 21 communicate with a branch air passage 180a extending in the longitudinal direction DR3 inside the plurality of tubular bodies 20. Note that the position, number, and shape of the openings 21 can be set arbitrarily. The opening 21 may have, for example, a hole shape extending in a slit shape in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction DR3 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20.

  Each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 communicates with a main passage 180b extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction DR3. The main passage 180b is formed at a position overlapping the connecting body 22 in the vertical direction DR1 so as to communicate with a communication path 220 of the connecting body 22 described later. The ventilation passage 180 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 includes a branch passage 180a and a main passage 180b.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 has a circular cross-sectional shape. The plurality of tubular bodies 20 are integrated in a state where adjacent ones are in close contact with each other. Thereby, since the ventilation member 18 has high rigidity, when the occupant sits on the seat 1, it is suppressed that the ventilation member 18 is crushed and the cross-sectional area of the ventilation path 180 is reduced.

  Further, each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 has an opening at both ends in the longitudinal direction DR3 closed by a closing member (not shown). The openings at both ends of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 may be closed by other means such as thermocompression bonding.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the connection body 22 is provided in a portion of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 corresponding to the ventilation holes 5 b of the seat pad 5. Specifically, the connection body 22 is provided in a portion of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 that overlaps with the ventilation hole 5b of the seat pad 5 in the vertical direction DR1.

  The connection body 22 protrudes from the plurality of tubular bodies 20 toward the seat pad 5 side. The connecting body 22 is formed with a communication path 220 that allows the ventilation path 180 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 to communicate with the ventilation hole 5 b of the seat pad 5.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the connection body 22 is fixed to the ventilation hole 5 b of the seat pad 5 by press fitting or the like. The communication passage 220 communicates with the ventilation hole 5b by fixing the connector 22 to the ventilation hole 5b of the seat pad 5.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 5, when the skin cover 6 and the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are in close contact with each other via the seat heater 16, when the occupant sits on the seat 1, the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are formed. The closed opening 21 is closed by the occupant's body (for example, buttocks). In this case, the intake of air from the occupant through the ventilation member becomes insufficient, and it becomes difficult to provide sufficient occupant comfort.

  In addition, when the seat heater 16 and the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are in close contact with each other, the heat of the seat heater 16 moves toward the ventilation member 18 when the seat heater 16 is in a heated state by energization. In particular, when the occupant is seated on the seat 1, the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are deformed and the degree of close contact with the seat heater 16 is increased, so that the heat transfer from the seat heater 16 side to the ventilation member 18 side becomes remarkable. . In such a case, the heating capacity of the seat heater 16 becomes insufficient due to a decrease in the amount of heat flowing to the occupant side.

  As a countermeasure for these, the seat air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment has a gap for forming a gap between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the skin cover 6 between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the skin cover 6. A forming unit 30 is provided. Specifically, the gap forming section 30 is provided between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the seat heater 16.

  As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the gap forming portion 30 moves from the ventilation member 18 side to the skin cover 6 side so that a gap C is formed between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the seat heater 16. The protruding portion 31 is formed. The gap forming unit 30 also functions as a heat transfer suppressing unit that suppresses heat transfer from the seat heater 16 to the plurality of tubular bodies 20.

  The protrusion 31 is formed in a portion of the tubular body 20 facing the seat heater 16. One projection 31 of the present embodiment is formed for each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20. The projection 31 extends along the longitudinal direction DR3 of the tubular body 20. Specifically, the protrusion 31 extends from one end to the other end of the tubular body 20 in the longitudinal direction DR3.

  Further, the protrusion 31 is formed integrally with the plurality of tubular bodies 20. In addition, the protrusion 31 may be formed separately from the plurality of tubular bodies 20. That is, the protrusion 31 may be joined to the plurality of tubular bodies 20 by a joining means such as an adhesive.

  Further, the protrusion 31 has a curved surface shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the front end portion at the seat heater 16 side. Specifically, the projection 31 has a cross-sectional shape in which the tip is curved in a substantially arc shape.

  Here, the plurality of openings 21 formed in the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are formed so as to penetrate the protrusions 31. As a result, the protrusions 31 are provided at peripheral portions of the plurality of openings 21.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of openings 21 have a hole diameter φδ larger than the width Tw of the protrusion 31. Note that the plurality of openings 21 may be formed at positions other than the portion where the protrusions 31 are formed in the plurality of tubular bodies 20.

  Subsequently, a control device 50 which is an electronic control unit of the seat air conditioner 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The control device 50 is configured by a computer having a processor and a memory, and its peripheral devices. Note that the memory of the control device 50 is configured by a non-transitional substantial storage medium.

  An operation panel 70 is connected to an input side of the control device 50. The operation panel 70 includes a temperature setting unit 71 for setting the temperature of the seat heater 16, a cooling switch 72 for operating the seat air conditioner 10 in a cooling operation, and a heating switch 73 for operating the seat air conditioner 10 in a heating operation. Etc. are provided.

  On the output side of the control device 50, a heater drive circuit 60 for controlling the amount of electricity supplied to the blower 12 and the seat heater 16 as a control device is connected. The control device 50 performs arithmetic processing based on an input signal input from the outside, and controls the operation of the control device in the seat air-conditioning apparatus 10 based on the result of the arithmetic processing and the like. Although not shown, the control device 50 is configured to supply power when an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on.

  Next, the operation of the seat air conditioner 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. The seat air conditioner 10 starts the cooling operation when the cooling switch 72 is turned on in a state where the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on. Specifically, control device 50 operates blower 12 in a state where power supply to seat heater 16 is stopped.

  In the seat air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment, a protrusion 31 is provided between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the seat heater 16. For this reason, by forming a gap C between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the seat heater 16 by the projections 31, it is possible to prevent the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 from being closed when the user is seated. can do.

  For this reason, when the blower 12 operates, the air around the occupant is sucked in through the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 via the skin cover 6 and the seat heater 16 as shown by an arrow Fc1 in FIG. It is. Then, the suction air sucked into the inside of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 is formed inside the connecting body 22 from the ventilation path 180 formed inside the plurality of tubular bodies 20 as shown by an arrow Fc2 in FIG. Into the communication path 220. Then, the air flowing into the communication passage 220 is sucked into the blower 12 through the ventilation hole 5b and the duct 14, as indicated by an arrow Fc3 in FIG. The air sucked into the blower 12 is blown out into a space below the sheet 1. Thus, during the cooling operation, the accumulation of hot air between the occupant and the skin cover 6 is suppressed, so that the occupant can be given a cool feeling.

  On the other hand, when the heating switch 73 is turned on in a state where the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, the seat air conditioner 10 starts the heating operation. Specifically, control device 50 energizes seat heater 16 via heater drive circuit 60 with blower 12 stopped. At this time, the control device 50 changes the amount of power to the seat heater 16 according to the temperature set by the temperature setting unit 71.

  When the seat heater 16 is heated by energization, the heat of the seat heater 16 moves toward the occupant as shown by an arrow Fh1 in FIG. At this time, since the projections 31 that form the gap forming portions 30 are provided between the seat heater 16 and the plurality of tubular bodies 20, the plurality of tubular members are separated from the seat heater 16 as shown by the arrow Fh2 in FIG. Heat transfer to the body 20 is greatly limited. Thus, when the seat heater 16 is in the heating state, the occupant can be given a sufficient feeling of heating.

  According to the seat air-conditioning apparatus 10 described above, even when the occupant is seated on the seat 1, the cooling operation gives the occupant a sufficient cooling sensation, and the heating operation appropriately provides the occupant with a sufficient heating sensation. Can be provided. That is, the seat air conditioner 10 can provide sufficient comfort to the occupant even when the occupant is seated on the seat 1.

  Here, if the skin cover 6 and the plurality of tubular bodies 20 come into close contact with each other via the seat heater 16 when the occupant is seated, the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are closed by the body of the occupant. When the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are closed, the blowing of air to the occupant side and the suction of air from the occupant side are greatly restricted, thereby providing sufficient comfort to the occupant. Can not be done.

  On the other hand, since the projections 31 which are the gap forming portions 30 are provided between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the seat heater 16, the projections 31 provide the space between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the seat heater 16. A gap C is formed. Thereby, even if the occupant sits on the seat 1, it is possible to prevent the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 from being closed by the occupant's body. That is, even if the occupant sits on the seat 1, air can be blown out to the occupant side and air can be sucked in from the occupant side, and sufficient comfort can be provided to the occupant.

  In particular, in the configuration in which the protrusions 31 are provided at the peripheral portions of the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20, even if the occupant sits on the seat 1, the position between the peripheral portions of the openings 21 and the seat heater 16 is increased. A gap C is formed. For this reason, even if the occupant sits on the seat 1, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 from being closed by the occupant's body.

  In addition, when the projection 31 which is the gap forming portion 30 is provided between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the seat heater 16, even if the occupant sits on the seat 1, the plurality of tubular bodies 20 It becomes difficult for the sheet heater 16 to adhere. Therefore, heat transfer from the seat heater 16 to the plurality of tubular bodies 20 can be effectively suppressed.

  In particular, one protrusion 31 is provided for each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20. According to this, since it becomes difficult for each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 to closely adhere to the seat heater 16, heat transfer from the seat heater 16 to the plurality of tubular bodies 20 can be effectively suppressed.

  Further, the protrusion 31 has a curved surface shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the front end portion at the seat heater 16 side. According to this, since the contact area between the seat heater 16 and the projection 31 is reduced, heat transfer from the seat heater 16 to the plurality of tubular bodies 20 via the projection 31 can be suppressed.

(First Modification of First Embodiment)
In the above-described first embodiment, the seat air-conditioning apparatus 10 gives a cool feeling to the occupant by sucking air from around the occupant, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the seat air conditioner 10 may be configured to give a cool feeling to the occupant by blowing air to the occupant. Such a configuration can be realized by connecting the duct 14 to the air outlet of the blower 12.

  In the seat air conditioner 10 shown in FIG. 10, when the blower 12 operates, the air blown out from the blower 12 flows into the connection body 22 through the duct 14 and the ventilation hole 5b as shown by an arrow Fc4 in FIG. 10. It flows into the formed communication path 220. The air that has flowed into the communication passage 220 flows into a ventilation path 180 formed inside the plurality of tubular bodies 20 as indicated by an arrow Fc5 in FIG. Then, the air flowing through the ventilation passage 180 is blown out toward the occupant via the skin cover 6 and the seat heater 16. Thereby, at the time of the cooling operation, it is possible to impart a cool feeling to the occupant by blowing wind toward the occupant.

  The seat air conditioner 10 of the present modification may have a structure in which the blower 12 sucks cool air generated by an unillustrated indoor air conditioning unit mounted on the front part of the vehicle. In this case, since the cool air whose temperature has been adjusted to an appropriate temperature by the indoor air conditioning unit can be directly blown out toward the occupant, a sufficient cooling sensation can be imparted to the occupant.

(Second Modification of First Embodiment)
In the above-described first embodiment, an example in which the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are configured as an integrally molded product has been described, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of tubular bodies 20 may be configured by joining the tubular bodies 20 formed separately by a joining means such as an adhesive.

(Third Modification of First Embodiment)
In the above-described first embodiment, the protrusion 31 has a cross section in which the distal end is curved in an arc shape. However, the protrusion 31 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the protruding portion 31 may have a cross-sectional shape in which a tip portion has a square shape. Although FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which the tubular bodies 20 formed separately are joined, as in the first embodiment, a plurality of tubular bodies 20 may be configured as an integrally molded product. .

(Fourth Modification of First Embodiment)
In addition, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the protruding portion 31 may have a cross-sectional shape in which a tip portion has a triangular shape. Although FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which the tubular bodies 20 formed separately are joined together, a plurality of tubular bodies 20 may be configured as an integrally molded product as in the first embodiment. .

  Here, the protrusion 31 shown in FIG. 13 may be chamfered so that the tip becomes a curved surface. In this case, the protrusion 31 has a curved surface shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the front end at the front end portion on the seat heater 16 side.

(Fifth Modification of First Embodiment)
In the above-described first embodiment, the tubular body 20 is illustrated as having a circular cross section, but is not limited thereto. The tubular body 20 may have a polygonal cross section. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the tubular body 20 may have a square cross section. And the ventilation member 18 is comprised by what each polygonal tubular body 20 adhere | attached. Thereby, since the ventilation member 18 has high rigidity, when the occupant sits on the seat 1, it is suppressed that the ventilation member 18 is crushed and the cross-sectional area of the ventilation path 180 is reduced.

  Here, FIG. 14 illustrates an example in which the tubular bodies 20 formed separately are joined together. However, as in the first embodiment, a plurality of tubular bodies 20 may be configured as an integrally molded product. Good. Further, in FIG. 14, the protrusion 31 has a rectangular shape at the tip end, but the shape is not limited thereto, and the protrusion 31 may have another shape such as an arc shape or a triangular shape. The same applies to the following modifications and the like.

(Sixth Modification of First Embodiment)
Further, the tubular body 20 may have a flat cross-sectional shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the tubular body 20 may have an elliptical cross-sectional shape. And the ventilation member 18 is comprised by what each elliptical tubular body 20 adhere | attached. Thereby, since the ventilation member 18 has high rigidity, when the occupant sits on the seat 1, it is suppressed that the ventilation member 18 is crushed and the cross-sectional area of the ventilation path 180 is reduced.

(2nd Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a plurality of protrusions 31 are provided on the tubular body 20. In the present embodiment, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of the same portions as the first embodiment may be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the gap forming portion 30 has a structure in which three protrusions 31 are provided for one tubular body 20. Each of the three protrusions 31 extends side by side along the longitudinal direction DR3 of the tubular body 20.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 17, when the gap forming portion 30 has a structure in which one protrusion 31 is provided for one tubular body 20, the protrusion 31 of the adjacent tubular body 20 is provided. When the distance between them increases, there is a possibility that the sheet heater 16 and the skin cover 6 may have irregularities. Unevenness in the seat heater 16 and the skin cover 6 is not preferable because the occupant may have a sense of incongruity when sitting on the seat 1.

  On the other hand, when the gap forming portion 30 has a structure in which three protrusions 31 are provided for one tubular body 20, the interval between the protrusions 31 of the adjacent tubular bodies 20 is reduced. This makes it difficult for the sheet heater 16 and the skin cover 6 to have irregularities. For this reason, the seat air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment can appropriately provide both the cooling sensation and the heating sensation to the occupant while suppressing the occupant's discomfort when sitting on the seat 1.

(First Modification of Second Embodiment)
In the above-described second embodiment, an example in which the distal end portion of the protrusion 31 has an arc shape has been described. For example, the tip of the protrusion 31 may be triangular as shown in FIG.

(Second Modification of Second Embodiment)
In the above-described second embodiment, the gap forming portion 30 has a structure in which three protrusions 31 are provided for one tubular body 20, but is not limited thereto. The gap forming portion 30 may have a structure in which two or three or more protrusions 31 are provided for one tubular body 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the gap forming section 30 may have a structure in which two protrusions 31 are provided for one tubular body 20. In this case, the tip of the protrusion 31 is not limited to the arc shape, but may be, for example, a polygonal shape.

  Here, if the gap forming portion 30 has a structure in which three or more protrusions 31 are provided for one tubular body 20, the unevenness of the seat heater 16 is reduced, while the heat of the seat heater 16 is reduced. Move easily to the ventilation member 18 side. For this reason, it is desirable that the projections 31 be provided in one to three ranges per one tubular body 20.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the seat heater 16 is not provided. In the present embodiment, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of the same portions as the first embodiment may be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the seat air conditioner 10 is obtained by removing the seat heater 16 from the seat air conditioner 10 shown in the first embodiment. That is, the seat air conditioner 10 includes the blower 12, the duct 14, the ventilation member 18, the heater drive circuit 60, and the control device 50.

  The ventilation member 18 is arranged so as to spread in a planar manner between the seat pad 5 and the skin cover 6. Specifically, the ventilation member 18 is accommodated in an accommodation groove 5 d formed in the facing surface 5 a of the seat pad 5. The ventilation member 18 includes a plurality of tubular bodies 20 and a connecting body 22. The plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the connection bodies 22 that constitute the ventilation member 18 are configured as an integrally molded product.

  The plurality of tubular bodies 20 are arranged side by side along the back surface of the skin cover 6. That is, as shown in FIG. 21, the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are arranged side by side such that the respective longitudinal directions DR3 are the same.

  Each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 is formed with a plurality of circular openings 21 that open toward the skin cover 6. Specifically, a plurality of openings 21 are formed in each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 at portions facing the back surface of the skin cover 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the plurality of openings 21 communicate with the branch air passage 180a extending in the longitudinal direction DR3 inside the plurality of tubular bodies 20. Note that the position, number, and shape of the openings 21 can be set arbitrarily.

  Further, between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the skin cover 6, a plurality of projections 32 constituting the gap forming portion 30 are provided. The protrusion 32 protrudes from the plurality of tubular bodies 20 toward the skin cover 6 such that a gap C is formed between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the skin cover 6.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the protrusion 32 is provided at a peripheral portion surrounding the opening 21 in the tubular body 20. Specifically, the projecting portion 32 is formed of four projecting pieces 321 provided at both a portion facing the width direction of the vehicle and a portion facing the longitudinal direction DR3 among the peripheral portions surrounding the opening 21. ing. These four protruding pieces 321 are provided at a peripheral portion of the opening 21 so as to be separated from each other so that a gap is formed around the opening 21.

  Returning to FIG. 20, an operation panel 70 provided with a cooling switch 72 for operating the seat air conditioner 10 in a cooling operation is connected to the input side of the control device 50. The blower 12 is connected to the output side of the control device 50 as a control device.

  When the cooling switch 72 is turned on in a state where the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, the seat air conditioner 10 configured as described above starts a cooling operation. Specifically, the control device 50 operates the blower 12.

  Here, when the skin cover 6 and the plurality of tubular bodies 20 come into close contact with each other when the occupant is seated, the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are closed by the occupant's body (the buttocks in this example) as shown in FIG. I will. When the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are closed, the blowing of air to the occupant side and the suction of air from the occupant side are greatly restricted, thereby providing sufficient comfort to the occupant. Can not be done.

  On the other hand, in the seat air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment, a plurality of projections 32 are provided between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the skin cover 6. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 25, the gap C is formed between the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the skin cover 6 by the plurality of protrusions 31, so that the openings of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 when the occupant is seated are formed. 21 can be suppressed from being closed.

  Therefore, when the blower 12 operates, the air around the occupant is sucked in through the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 through the skin cover 6 as indicated by an arrow Fc7 in FIG. Then, the suction air sucked into the inside of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 flows from the ventilation path 180 formed inside the plurality of tubular bodies 20 into the communication path 220 formed inside the connecting body 22. Then, the air flowing into the communication passage 220 is sucked into the blower 12 through the ventilation hole 5b and the duct 14. The air sucked into the blower 12 is blown out into a space below the sheet 1. Thus, during the cooling operation, the accumulation of hot air between the occupant and the skin cover 6 is suppressed, so that the occupant can be given a cool feeling.

  According to the seat air conditioner 10 described above, even when the occupant is seated on the seat 1, a sufficient cooling feeling can be appropriately given to the occupant by the cooling operation. That is, the seat air conditioner 10 can provide sufficient comfort to the occupant even when the occupant is seated on the seat 1.

  In particular, in the seat air-conditioning apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the protruding portions 32 are provided at peripheral portions surrounding the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20. According to this, a gap is easily formed between the peripheral portion surrounding the opening 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the skin cover 6, so that the openings 21 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are closed when the occupant is seated. Can be sufficiently suppressed.

(Modification of Third Embodiment)
In the above-described third embodiment, an example has been described in which the protrusion 32 is configured by the four protrusions 321 provided at the peripheral portion of the opening 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number and shape of the protrusions 32 can be set arbitrarily. For example, similarly to the first embodiment, the protrusion 32 may be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction DR3 of the plurality of tubular bodies 20.

  In the above-described third embodiment, the seat air-conditioning apparatus 10 gives the cooling sensation to the occupant by sucking air from around the occupant, but the invention is not limited to this. The seat air conditioner 10 may be configured to give a cool feeling to the occupant by blowing air to the occupant, for example. Such a configuration can be realized by connecting the duct 14 to the air outlet of the blower 12.

  In the above-described third embodiment, the seat air conditioner 10 without the seat heater 16 has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. The seat air conditioner 10 shown in the third embodiment may be configured to include the seat heater 16 as in the first embodiment and the like.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the tubular body 20 is illustrated as having a circular cross section, but is not limited to this. The tubular body 20 may have a polygonal cross section.

(Other embodiments)
The representative embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be variously modified as follows, for example.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments, the protrusion 31 extending from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction DR3 of the tubular body 20 is illustrated, but is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 31 may have a shape in which a part is interrupted from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction DR3 of the tubular body 20. Further, the protrusion 31 may extend in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction DR3.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments and the modified examples, the protrusions 31 and the tubular body 20 having various shapes are illustrated, but the combination thereof is not limited to the one illustrated in the drawings. The combination of the shape of the protrusion 31 and the shape of the tubular body 20 can be set arbitrarily.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the projections 31 are provided on each of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 has been described, but the invention is not limited thereto. The protrusion 31 may be provided on a part of the plurality of tubular bodies 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the plurality of tubular bodies 20 are arranged in a posture in which the longitudinal direction D3 extends along the longitudinal direction DR2 of the vehicle has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The plurality of tubular bodies 20 may be arranged, for example, in a posture in which the longitudinal direction D3 extends along the width direction of the vehicle.

  In the above-described embodiment, the ventilation member 18 has been described as an example in which the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the connection bodies 22 are formed as an integrally molded product, but the invention is not limited thereto. In the ventilation member 18, the plurality of tubular bodies 20 and the connection bodies 22 may be configured separately. The connecting body 22 is not essential in the ventilation member 18. When the connecting body 22 is omitted, for example, the ventilation member 18 may be configured to directly connect the trunk passage 180b of the plurality of tubular bodies 20 to the ventilation hole 5b of the seat pad 5.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the ventilation member 18 is configured by the plurality of tubular bodies 20 arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction DR3, but the invention is not limited thereto. The ventilation member 18 may have a configuration in which, for example, a plurality of tubular bodies 20 arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction DR3 are connected in series in the longitudinal direction DR3 via a connecting member or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the blower 12 is disposed below the seat cushion 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The blower 12 may be built in the seat cushion 2, for example. In addition, the seat air conditioner 10 may be configured not to include the dedicated blower 12 as long as the blower function of another device such as an indoor air conditioning unit can be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the seat air conditioner 10 is installed on the seat cushion 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The seat air conditioner 10 may be installed for the seat back 3, for example. In addition, the seat air conditioner 10 may be installed on both the seat cushion 2 and the seat back 3, for example.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the seat air conditioner 10 operates in conjunction with the operation of the cooling switch 72 and the heating switch 73, but the present invention is not limited to this. The seat air conditioner 10 may be configured to operate by means other than the switch operation.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the seat air-conditioning apparatus 10 of the present disclosure is applied to the seat 1 installed in the interior of a vehicle, but is not limited thereto. The seat air conditioner 10 is widely applicable to, for example, seats installed in houses and the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is needless to say that elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential unless otherwise clearly indicated as essential or in principle considered to be clearly essential.

  In the above-described embodiment, when a numerical value such as the number, numerical value, amount, range, or the like of the constituent elements of the exemplary embodiment is mentioned, it is particularly limited to a specific number when it is clearly indicated as essential and in principle. It is not limited to that particular number, except in such cases.

  In the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, and the like of the components, the shape, positional relationship, and the like, unless otherwise specified and in principle limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. It is not limited to the above.

(Summary)
According to a first aspect shown in some or all of the above-described embodiments, the seat air conditioner includes a ventilation member disposed between the skin cover and the seat pad. The ventilation member includes a plurality of tubular bodies that are arranged side by side along the back surface of the skin cover, communicate with the ventilation holes of the seat pad, and have at least one opening formed on the skin cover side. The ventilation member includes at least one protrusion protruding from the plurality of tubular bodies toward the skin cover so that a gap is formed between the opening and the skin cover.

  According to the second aspect, at least a portion of the projection of the seat air conditioner is provided at a peripheral portion surrounding the opening. According to this, according to this, a gap is easily formed between the peripheral portion surrounding the opening of the plurality of tubular bodies and the skin cover, so that the openings of the plurality of tubular bodies are closed when the user is seated. Can be sufficiently suppressed.

  According to a third aspect, the seat air conditioner includes a seat heater that has air permeability and is arranged so as to spread in a plane between the skin cover and the ventilation member. The protrusion protrudes from the ventilation member side toward the seat heater such that a gap is formed between the plurality of tubular bodies and the seat heater. According to this, it is difficult for the plurality of tubular bodies and the seat heater to adhere to each other, and heat transfer from the seat heater to the plurality of tubular bodies can be effectively suppressed.

  According to the fourth aspect, the protruding portion of the seat air conditioner has a curved surface shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the front end at the seat heater side. According to this, since the contact area between the seat heater and the projection is reduced, heat transfer from the seat heater to the plurality of tubular bodies via the projection can be suppressed.

  According to the fifth aspect, one or more protrusions of the seat air conditioner are provided for each of the plurality of tubular bodies. According to this, it is difficult for each of the plurality of tubular bodies to closely adhere to the sheet heater, so that heat transfer from the seat heater to the plurality of tubular bodies can be effectively suppressed.

  According to the sixth aspect, the plurality of protrusions of the seat air conditioner extend along the longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of tubular bodies and are provided for each of the plurality of tubular bodies. According to this, since the plurality of projections are interposed between the plurality of tubular bodies and the seat heater, the occurrence of irregularities on the seat heater and the skin cover when the user sits on the seat is suppressed. As a result, both the cooling sensation and the heating sensation can be appropriately given to the user while suppressing the user's discomfort when sitting on the seat.

  According to the seventh aspect, each of the plurality of tubular bodies of the seat air conditioner is made of a flexible material. According to this, when the user sits on the seat, the plurality of tubular bodies are easily deformed into a shape corresponding to the user's body shape and the like, so that it is possible to improve the sitting comfort of the user.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sheet 5 Seat pad 5b Ventilation hole 6 Skin cover 10 Seat air conditioner 18 Ventilation member 20 Plural tubular bodies 21 Openings 31, 32 Projection

Claims (7)

Seat air conditioning applied to a seat (1) including a seat pad (5) for supporting a user and a skin cover (6) having air permeability and covering a facing surface (5a) of the seat pad facing the user side. A device,
A ventilation member that forms a ventilation path (180) for the blown air that is blown out to the user side or the suctioned air that is sucked in from the user side, and that is arranged so as to spread in a plane between the seat pad and the skin cover (18)
A ventilation hole (5b) communicating with the ventilation path is formed in the seat pad,
The ventilation member,
A plurality of tubular bodies (20) arranged side by side along the back surface of the skin cover and communicating with the ventilation holes and having at least one opening (21) formed on the side of the skin cover;
A sheet including at least one protrusion (31, 32) protruding from the plurality of tubular bodies toward the skin cover so that a gap is formed between the opening and the skin cover; Air conditioner.   2. The seat air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the protrusion is provided at a peripheral portion surrounding the opening. 3. A seat heater (16) having air permeability and arranged so as to spread in a plane between the skin cover and the ventilation member;
The said protrusion part (31) protrudes toward the said sheet heater from the said ventilation member side so that a clearance gap may be formed between these tubular bodies and the said sheet heater. Seat air conditioner.   The seat air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion has a curved shape such that a cross-sectional area of the front end portion on the seat heater side decreases toward the front end.   The seat air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the protrusions is provided on each of the plurality of tubular bodies.   The seat air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of the protrusions extend along a longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of tubular bodies and are provided in plurality for each of the plurality of tubular bodies.   The seat air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of tubular bodies is made of a flexible material.

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