JP2021123160A - Seat heater - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a seat heater capable of suppressing difference in temperature between right and left felt by a right thigh part and a left thigh part.SOLUTION: A seat heater 20 is such as to be built in a seat surface part 10a of a seat 1 of a vehicle, and includes: a substrate 30; and a heater wire 31 disposed on the surface 30a of the substrate 30. The heater wire 31 includes: a right heater wire 31a disposed on the right side of the seat surface part 10a in an advancing direction of the vehicle; and a left heater wire 31b disposed on the left side of the seat surface part 10a in the advancing direction of the vehicle. A heat quantity at a position corresponding to the right thigh part of a person seating on the seat surface part 10a of the right heater wire 31a is different from a heat quantity at a position corresponding to the left thigh part of the person seating on the seat surface part 10a of the left heater wire 31b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present disclosure relates to, for example, a seat heater equipped in a vehicle or the like for heating a seat.

A heat control assembly provided on the seat seat is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). The heat control assembly is located at the location corresponding to the right and left legs.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-197195

For example, it is considered that pressure is easily applied to the seat because the right leg, particularly the right thigh, in which the person in the vehicle operates the accelerator and the brake is in an extended state. On the other hand, it is considered that the pressure applied to the seat of the left leg, particularly the left thigh, is likely to be weaker than that of the right thigh. In the seat heater as the heat control assembly of Patent Document 1, there is a difference in the way heat is transferred from the seat heater between the right thigh and the left thigh, and it depends on the heat felt by the driver. It makes a difference.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a seat heater capable of suppressing the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh.

The seat heater according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a seat heater built in a seat surface portion of a vehicle seat, and includes a base material and a heater wire arranged on the surface of the base material, and the heater wire is The right heater wire arranged on the right side of the seat surface portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle and the left heater wire arranged on the left side of the seat surface portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the person seated on the seat surface is different from the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the left thigh of the person seated on the seat surface of the left heater wire.

It should be noted that this comprehensive or specific embodiment may be realized by any combination of systems, methods, integrated circuits, and the like.

The seat heater of the present disclosure can suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat provided with a seat heater according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a seat with a built-in seat heater in line II-II of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a seat heater according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the base material and the heater line of the seat heater according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the base material and the heater line of the seat heater in the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the base material, the heater wire, and the control device of the seat heater according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a base material, a heater wire, and a control device of a seat heater in a modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the base material, the heater wire, and the control device of the seat heater according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the base material, the heater wire, and the control device of the seat heater according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the base material, the heater wire, and the control device of the seat heater according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater in the fifth embodiment.

The seat heater according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a seat heater built in a seat surface portion of a vehicle seat, and includes a base material and a heater wire arranged on the surface of the base material, and the heater wire is The right heater wire arranged on the right side of the seat surface portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle and the left heater wire arranged on the left side of the seat surface portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the person seated on the seat surface is different from the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the left thigh of the person seated on the seat surface of the left heater wire.

According to this, the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the right heater wire arranged on the right side of the seat surface and the position corresponding to the left thigh of the left heater wire arranged on the left side of the seat surface. The calorific value can be different. For example, in a right-hand drive vehicle in which the driver's seat is located on the right side of the vehicle, the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the right heater line is larger than the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the left thigh of the left heater line. It can be temporarily increased or decreased. In a left-hand drive vehicle in which the driver's seat is located on the left side of the vehicle, the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the right heater line is larger than the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the left thigh of the left heater line. It can also be made larger or smaller temporarily.

Therefore, with this seat heater, it is possible to suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh.

In the seat heater according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wiring density of the right heater wire arranged per unit area of the surface is smaller than the wiring density of the left heater wire arranged per unit area of the surface. ..

For example, in a right-hand drive vehicle, the pressure applied to the seat surface of the left thigh is weaker than that of the right thigh, so that the heat of the seat heater is less likely to be transmitted than that of the right thigh. According to the present disclosure, since the wiring density of the right heater wire is smaller than that of the left heater wire, the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the left thigh in the left heater wire is the heat generated in the right thigh in the right heater wire. It becomes larger than the calorific value of the position corresponding to. Since the left thigh can be warmed more positively than the right thigh, it is possible to further suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh.

In the seat heater according to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least a part of the right heater wire is a double wiring, and one of the double wirings is electrically provided with a switch for turning on / off the current. It is provided with a switch control unit that is connected and controls the switch.

For example, the resistance value per wire of the right heater wire, which is a double wiring, is lower than the resistance value of the left heater wire, and the calorific value when a current is passed through both of the double wirings is the calorific value of the left heater wire. When it is higher, the switch control unit turns on the switch, and the double wiring on the right side warms up faster than the left heater wire. For example, the right thigh of a person near the door, that is, the driver, can be warmed faster than the left thigh. As a result, it is possible to temporarily increase the amount of heat generated in the right thigh of the heater wire (right heater wire) on the side closer to the door, which is in a lower temperature state, as in the case of starting to use the vehicle in extremely cold weather. Therefore, the driver can smoothly operate the pedal with the right lower limb. Further, when the switch control unit turns off the switch, it is possible to prevent the right thigh from becoming too warm.

In the seat heater according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the switch control unit turns on the switch at the start of use of the vehicle and turns off the switch when a predetermined time elapses.

According to this, since the switch is turned on from the start of use of the vehicle, the right thigh of the driver seated in the seat can be warmed faster than the left thigh. Further, since the switch is turned off after a predetermined time elapses, the heat generation of the right heater wire can be adjusted so as not to overheat the driver's right thigh. With this seat heater, the driver's right thigh and left thigh can be appropriately warmed.

The seat heater according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a temperature detection unit that is electrically connected to the switch control unit and detects the temperature of the right heater wire, and the switch control unit is at the start of use of the vehicle. The switch is turned on, and when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the switch is turned off.

According to this, the switch control unit can turn the switch on and off according to the temperature of the right heater wire. Therefore, the temperature on the right side of the seat surface due to the heat generated by the right heater wire can be easily maintained at a predetermined temperature, so that the right thigh of the driver seated in the seat can be appropriately warmed.

In the seat heater according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the right heater wire and the left heater wire are independent heater wires, and the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire and the left heater wire is different. A control unit that controls the difference between the value of the right current flowing through the right heater line and the value of the left current flowing through the left heater line is provided.

According to this, by making the value of the right current flowing through the right heater wire different from the value of the left current flowing through the left heater wire, the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire and the left heater wire can be made different from each other. For example, in a right-hand drive vehicle, the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire near the right door can be temporarily made larger or smaller than the amount of heat generated by the left heater wire. Further, in a left-hand drive vehicle, the amount of heat generated by the left heater wire near the left door can be temporarily increased or decreased from the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire. As a result, it is possible to easily suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh. As a result, for example, when the vehicle starts to be used in extremely cold weather, the amount of heat generated by the heater wire on the side closer to the door, which is in a lower temperature state, can be temporarily increased, and the temperature felt by the right thigh and the left thigh can be increased. The difference between the left and right can be suppressed quickly.

In the seat heater according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit sets the value of the right current to be larger than the value of the left current at the start of use of the vehicle, and a predetermined time elapses from the start of use of the vehicle. Then, the value of the right current is made smaller than the value of the left current.

According to this, at the start of use of the vehicle, the right heater wire is warmed faster than the left heater wire by making the right current flowing through the right heater wire larger than the left current flowing through the left heater wire for a predetermined time. Therefore, the driver's right thigh near the right door can be warmed faster than the left thigh.

In addition, since the driver's right thigh is sufficiently warmed after a predetermined time has passed, the left thigh is made larger than the right current so as not to overheat the right thigh. Can be warmed up. With this seat heater, it is possible to further suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh.

The seat heater according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a temperature detection unit that is arranged in the vicinity of the right heater line and is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit is said to be said at the start of use of the vehicle. The value of the left current is made smaller than the value of the right current, and when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit reaches a predetermined temperature, the left current is made larger than the right current.

According to this, the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire can be detected by the temperature detection unit. For example, when the temperature on the right side of the seat surface reaches a predetermined temperature due to the heat generated by the right heater wire, the value of the left current flowing through the left heater wire is made larger than the value of the right current flowing through the right heater wire, so that the left side of the seat surface portion Can be warmed more than the right side of the seat. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh.

It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims will be described as arbitrary components.

Further, each figure is a schematic view and is not necessarily exactly illustrated. Further, in each figure, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. Further, in the following embodiments, expressions such as a substantially rectangular shape are used. For example, a substantially rectangular shape not only means that it is completely rectangular, but also means that it is substantially rectangular, that is, it contains an error of, for example, about several percent. Further, the substantially rectangular shape means a rectangular shape within a range in which the effect of the present disclosure can be obtained. The same applies to expressions using other "abbreviations".

In the following description, the front-rear direction of the seat is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the vertical direction of the seat is referred to as the Z-axis direction. Further, the left-right direction of the seat, that is, the direction perpendicular to each of the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is referred to as the Y-axis direction. Further, the front side of the seat in the X-axis direction is referred to as a plus direction side, and the rear side of the seat is referred to as a minus direction side. Further, the left side of the seat (the front right side in FIG. 1) in the Y-axis direction is referred to as a plus direction side, and the opposite side is referred to as a minus direction side. Further, in the Z-axis direction, the upper side of the seat is referred to as a plus direction side, and the lower side of the seat is referred to as a minus direction side. The same applies to FIGS. 2 and later.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
<Composition: Seat 1>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the seat 1 provided with the seat heater 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the seat 1 incorporating the seat heater 20 in line II-II of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a seat 1 equipped in a vehicle or the like can warm the lower limbs of a person seated in the seat 1. Such a seat 1 includes a seat cushion 10, a seat back 13, a headrest 15, and a seat heater 20.

<Seat cushion 10>
The seat cushion 10 is a seat portion of the seat 1 that supports the lower limbs such as the buttocks and thighs of a person seated in the seat 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat cushion 10 has a first seat pad 11a corresponding to a cushion material and a first seat cover 11b covering the first seat pad 11a.

The first seat pad 11a is made of, for example, urethane foam or the like, and constitutes a part of the seat 1 main body. The first seat pad 11a has a thick, substantially rectangular plate shape, and is arranged in a posture substantially parallel to the XY plane. The first seat pad 11a supports the lower limbs of the seated person.

The first seat cover 11b is a cover that covers the first seat pad 11a and the seat heater 20. The first seat cover 11b is, for example, a leather cover, a fiber cover, or the like.

<Seat back 13>
The seat back 13 is a backrest portion that supports the back of a person seated in the seat 1. The seat back 13 is arranged so as to stand up against the seat cushion 10. The seat back 13 has a second seat pad 14a corresponding to a cushion material and a second seat cover 14b covering the second seat pad 14a.

The second seat pad 14a is made of, for example, urethane foam or the like, and is arranged in an inclined posture with respect to the YY plane. The second seat pad 14a supports the shoulders and back of the seated person.

The second seat cover 14b is a cover that covers the second seat pad 14a. The second seat cover 14b is, for example, a leather cover, a fiber cover, or the like.

<Headrest 15>
The headrest 15 is a head rest portion that supports the head of a person seated in the seat 1. The headrest 15 is fixed to the end of the seat back 13 on the Z-axis positive direction side.

<Seat heater 20>
The seat heater 20 is built in the seat 1 of a vehicle or the like, and when a person sits on the seat 1, the seat surface portion 10a is heated by heat generation to warm the buttocks and thighs which are a part of the lower limbs of the person. By incorporating the same configuration as the seat heater 20 in the seat back 13 of the seat 1, the back portion of the seat back 13 in FIG. 1 may also be warmed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the seat heater 20 is arranged between the first seat pad 11a and the first seat cover 11b. In the present embodiment, the seat heater 20 is arranged at a position corresponding to the buttocks and thighs of a person. The seat heater 20 is provided on the seat surface portion 10a of the seat 1, and heats the buttocks and thighs of a person through the first seat cover 11b by the electric power supplied by the control device 40 and the power supply unit 50.

As an elastic member for the seat heater 20, a seat pad covering the seat heater 20 may be provided between the seat heater 20 and the first seat cover 11b.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the seat heater 20 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat heater 20 includes a base material 30, a heater wire 31, a control device 40 electrically connected to the heater wire 31, and a power supply unit 50.

[Base material 30]
The base material 30 is formed in a rectangular shape. The base material 30 is a non-woven fabric formed in a sheet shape by a material having elasticity, flexibility and ductility, a cloth-like foamable resin such as urethane, and the like.

The base material 30 is a portion corresponding to the buttocks and thighs of a person, and is arranged between the surface of the first seat pad 11a (the surface on the Z-axis plus direction side) and the first seat cover 11b. .. The base material 30 has a size corresponding to the seat surface portion 10a of the seat 1. A heater wire 31 is arranged on the surface 30a (the surface on the Z-axis plus direction side) of the base material 30.

[Heater wire 31]
The heater wire 31 is electrically connected to a control device 40 for controlling the electric power supplied to the heater wire 31, and is a conductive wire capable of generating heat by the current from the power supply unit 50 controlled by the control device 40. Is.

The heater wire 31 is sewn and fixed to the surface 30a, which is one surface of the base material 30, so as to return from the control device 40 through each portion of the base material 30 to the control device 40. The heater wire 31 is a metal wire such as a copper alloy. The heater wire 31 is sewn on the surface 30a of the base material 30 by the sewing thread so that a zigzag pattern is formed.

The heater wire 31 may be arranged and fixed to the base material 30 by means such as adhesion as a means other than the sewing thread.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the base material 30 and the heater wire 31 of the seat heater 20 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the heater wire 31 has a right heater wire 31a and a left heater wire 31b connected in series with the right heater wire 31a.

The right heater line 31a is arranged on the right side of the seat surface portion 10a in the traveling direction of the vehicle and corresponds to at least a part of the right lower limb of a person. Further, the left heater line 31b is arranged on the left side of the seat surface portion 10a in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and corresponds to at least a part of the left lower limb of the person. Here, the right lower limb is a part of the lower limb and includes the right buttock and the right thigh. The left lower limb is a part of the lower limb and includes the left buttock and the left thigh.

When the surface 30a of the base material 30 is viewed in a plan view, the right heater wire 31a is arranged so as to straddle the first region B1 and the second region B2 located on the Y-axis minus direction side of the surface 30a of the base material 30. The left heater wire 31b on the surface 30a of 30 is arranged so as to straddle the third region B3 and the fourth region B4 located on the Y-axis plus direction side.

The first region B1 is a region corresponding to the right thigh of the surface 30a of the base material 30 when the surface 30a of the base material 30 is divided into four by straight lines parallel to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. be. The second region B2 is a region corresponding to the right buttock portion of the surface 30a of the base material 30. Further, the third region B3 is a region corresponding to the left thigh portion of the surface 30a of the base material 30. The fourth region B4 is a region corresponding to the left buttock portion of the surface 30a of the base material 30.

The calorific value of the right heater wire 31a is different from the calorific value of the left heater wire 31b. As a result, the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the person seated on the seat surface portion 10a of the right heater wire 31a (first region B1) is the left large amount of the person seated on the seat surface portion 10a of the left heater wire 31b. It is different from the calorific value at the position corresponding to the thigh (third region B3). Specifically, the value of the current flowing through the right heater wire 31a may be larger or smaller than the value of the current flowing through the left heater wire 31b. Further, it may be realized by making the resistance value of the right heater wire 31a different from the resistance value of the left heater wire 31b. When the resistance values are different, the materials of the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b may be changed, the thickness may be changed, or the lengths of the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b may be different. , The resistor may be connected to the heater wire 31. The right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b may use the heater wire 31 having the same resistance. In the present embodiment, the length of the right heater wire 31a and the length of the left heater wire 31b are different.

The wiring density of the right heater wire 31a arranged per unit area of the surface 30a of the base material 30 is smaller than the wiring density of the left heater wire 31b arranged per unit area of the surface 30a of the base material 30. That is, the length of the right heater wire 31a arranged in the first region B1 and the second region B2 is shorter than the length of the left heater wire 31b arranged in the third region B3 and the fourth region B4. The wiring density is the projected area of the heater wire 31 projected on the surface 30a of the base material 30 with respect to the area of the surface 30a of the base material 30.

[Control device 40]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the control device 40 includes a substrate (not shown) and a control unit 41.

The substrate has a conductive pattern on which the control unit 41 is mounted. The substrate is, for example, a rigid substrate such as a ceramic substrate or a resin substrate.

The control unit 41 is mounted on the board as a circuit component. The control unit 41 is a microcomputer that controls on / off of the current flowing through the heater wire 31.

The control unit 41 controls the value of the current flowing through the right heater line 31a and the left heater line 31b via the power supply unit 50. At this time, since the resistance value of the right heater wire 31a is different from the resistance value of the left heater wire 31b, the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b is different. The current value flowing through the heater wire 31 may be adjusted according to the user's preference, for example. Further, the control unit 41 may flow a current from the right heater line 31a or may flow a current from the left heater line 31b.

[Power supply unit 50]
The power supply unit 50 is a power supply circuit that supplies a current to the heater wire 31 via a control device 40 or the like. Here, the power supply unit 50 is a DC power supply supplied from a battery (not shown). The power supply unit 50 adjusts the current supplied to the heater wire 31 by being controlled by the control device 40.

<Effect>
Next, the action and effect of the seat heater 20 in the present embodiment will be described.

As described above, the seat heater 20 in the present embodiment is a seat heater 20 built in the seat surface portion 10a of the seat 1 of the vehicle, and is a heater arranged on the base material 30 and the surface 30a of the base material 30. The heater wire 31 includes a wire 31 and includes a right heater wire 31a arranged on the right side of the seat surface portion 10a in the traveling direction of the vehicle and a left heater wire 31b arranged on the left side of the seating surface portion 10a in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The calorific value at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the person seated on the seat surface portion 10a of the right heater line 31a corresponds to the left thigh portion of the person seated on the seat surface portion 10a of the left heater line 31b. It is different from the calorific value of the position.

According to this, the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the right heater wire 31a arranged on the right side of the seat surface portion 10a and the left thigh portion of the left heater wire 31b arranged on the left side of the seat surface portion 10a. The amount of heat generated at the corresponding position can be different. For example, in a right-hand drive vehicle in which the driver's seat is located on the right side of the vehicle, the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the right heater line 31a is the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the left thigh of the left heater line 31b. Can be made larger or smaller temporarily than. Further, in a left-hand drive vehicle in which the driver's seat is arranged on the left side of the vehicle, the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the right heater line 31a is the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the left thigh of the left heater line 31b. It can also be made larger or smaller temporarily than.

Therefore, in this seat heater 20, it is possible to suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh.

In the seat heater 20 of the present embodiment, the wiring density of the right heater wire 31a arranged per unit area of the surface 30a is smaller than the wiring density of the left heater wire 31b arranged per unit area of the surface 30a.

For example, in a right-hand drive vehicle, the pressure applied to the seat surface portion 10a is weaker in the left thigh than in the right thigh, so that the heat of the seat heater 20 is less likely to be transmitted than in the right thigh. According to the present embodiment, since the wiring density of the right heater wire 31a is smaller than the wiring density of the left heater wire 31b, the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the left thigh on the left heater wire 31b is the right heater wire 31a. It becomes larger than the calorific value of the position corresponding to the right thigh in. Since the left thigh can be warmed more positively than the right thigh, it is possible to further suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh.

(Modified Example of Embodiment 1)
The seat heater 20a of this modification will be described.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the base material 30 and the heater wire 31 of the seat heater 20a in the modified example of the first embodiment.

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 5, the wiring density of the right heater wire 131a arranged per unit area of the surface 30a of the base material 30 is the left side arranged per unit area of the surface 30a of the base material 30. It differs from the seat heater 20 of the first embodiment in that it is smaller than the wiring density of the heater wire 131b.

Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the seat heater 20a of this modification is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same configuration is designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configuration will be omitted.

The wiring density of the right heater wire 131a per unit area arranged in the first region B1 of the surface 30a of the base material 30 is the right heater wire per unit area arranged in the second region B2 of the surface 30a of the base material 30. It is smaller than the wiring density of 131a. That is, the length of the portion of the right heater wire 131a arranged in the first region B1 is shorter than the length of the portion of the right heater wire 131a arranged in the second region B2.

In this modification, the wiring density of a part of the right heater wire 131a per unit area arranged in the second region B2 is the left heater arranged in the third region B3 and the fourth region B4 per unit area. It may be higher than or equal to the wiring density of the wire 131b.

Also in this modified example, the same action and effect as those of the above-described first embodiment are obtained. Further, in this modified example, since the amount of heat generated is reduced only in the right thigh, the amount of heat generated can be reduced only in the right thigh where pressure is likely to be applied to the seat when operating the accelerator and brake, and the amount of heat generated in the right buttock can be reduced. The possibility of unnecessarily reducing the amount of heat generated can be reduced.

(Embodiment 2)
The seat heater 20b of the present embodiment will be described.

<Structure>
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the base material 30, the heater wire 231 and the control device 40 of the seat heater 20b according to the second embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a switch 43 is provided at a point where at least a part of the right heater wire 31a is double wiring and one wiring of the double wiring (second right heater wire 31a2). This is different from the seat heater 20 of the first embodiment.

Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the seat heater 20b of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations will be omitted.

The seat heater 20b includes a base material 30, a heater wire 231 and a control device 40, and a temperature detection unit 44 and a switch 43 in addition to the power supply unit 50 in FIG.

At least a part of the right heater wire 31a is a double wiring. The right heater wire 31a has a first right heater wire 31a1 and a second right heater wire 31a2 wired along the first right heater wire 31a1. Further, the double wiring is arranged at least in the right thigh, that is, in the first region B1 of the surface 30a of the base material 30. In the present embodiment, the double wiring is arranged in the first region B1 and the second region B2 on the surface 30a of the base material 30.

The wiring density of the first right heater wire 31a1 arranged per unit area of the surface 30a of the base material 30 is the same as the wiring density of the second right heater wire 31a2 arranged per unit area of the surface 30a of the base material 30. It is smaller than the wiring density of the left heater wire 31b arranged per unit area of the surface 30a of the base material 30.

Further, when the end portion on the X-axis positive direction side is referred to as one end and the end portion on the X-axis negative direction side is referred to as the other end in each heater wire 31, one end of the first right heater wire 31a1 is one end of the left heater wire 31b. And one end of the second right heater wire 31a2 are electrically connected to the other end of the left heater wire 31b, respectively. Further, the other ends of the first right heater wire 31a1 and the second right heater wire 31a2 and the other end of the left heater wire 31b are electrically connected to the control device 40. Therefore, the first right heater line 31a1 and the left heater line 31b are electrically connected to the control unit 41 in a state of being connected in series. Further, the second right heater line 31a2 is independently electrically connected to the control unit 41. Therefore, the series circuit of the first right heater line 31a1 and the left heater line 31b and the second right heater line 31a2 are electrically connected to the control unit 41 in a parallel connection state.

Further, each of the first right heater wire 31a1 and the second right heater wire 31a2 is arranged so as to straddle the first region B1 and the second region B2.

The temperature detection unit 44 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the right heater wire 31a, and is electrically connected to the switch control unit 42 of the control device 40. Specifically, when the right heater wire 31a generates heat, the temperature detection unit 44 detects the temperature around the right heater wire 31a and outputs the detected temperature to the switch control unit 42 as temperature information.

The temperature detection unit 44 is arranged in the vicinity of the right heater wire 31a and fixed to the base material 30 in order to detect heat generation of the right heater wire 31a. In the present embodiment, the temperature detection unit 44 is arranged in the vicinity of the second right heater line 31a2 in the second region B2. The temperature detection unit 44 is, for example, a thermistor.

The switch 43 is electrically connected to the wiring of the double wiring that is not connected in series with the left heater wire 31b. In the present embodiment, the switch 43 is electrically connected to the second right heater wire 31a2 arranged outside the first right heater wire 31a1. The switch 43 is controlled by the switch control unit 42 to turn on / off the current flowing through the second right heater line 31a2.

The control device 40 has a switch control unit 42. The switch control unit 42 turns on / off the current flowing through the second right heater line 31a2 by outputting a switching signal to the switch 43.

Specifically, the switch control unit 42 outputs a changeover signal for turning on the switch 43 at the start of use of the vehicle to the switch 43. As a result, the switch control unit 42 turns on the switch 43 and allows a current to flow through the first right heater line 31a1, the second right heater line 31a2, and the left heater line 31b. When the vehicle starts to be used, for example, when the ignition switch is turned on.

Further, the switch control unit 42 acquires temperature information from the temperature detection unit 44, and determines whether or not the temperature of the acquired temperature information is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. When the temperature indicated in the temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 44 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the switch control unit 42 outputs a changeover signal for turning off the switch 43 to the switch 43. As a result, the switch control unit 42 turns off the switch 43, allows a current to flow through the first right heater line 31a1 and the left heater line 31b, and does not allow a current to flow through the second right heater line 31a2. Further, when the temperature indicated in the temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 44 becomes less than a predetermined temperature, the switch control unit 42 outputs a changeover signal for turning on the switch 43 to the switch 43. As a result, the switch control unit 42 turns on the switch 43 and allows a current to flow through the first right heater line 31a1, the second right heater line 31a2, and the left heater line 31b.

<Processing>
Next, the processing of the seat heater 20b in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater 20b according to the second embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, the switch control unit 42 outputs a switching signal for turning on the switch 43 at the start of use of the vehicle to the switch 43. That is, the switch control unit 42 turns on the switch 43 (S11). When the power supply unit 50 passes a current through the right heater line 31a and the left heater line 31b via the control unit 41, a current flows through the first right heater line 31a1, the second right heater line 31a2, and the left heater line 31b. ..

Next, the temperature detection unit 44 detects the temperature of the right heater wire 31a (S12). The temperature detection unit 44 outputs the detected temperature as temperature information to the switch control unit 42.

Next, the switch control unit 42 acquires temperature information from the temperature detection unit 44, and determines whether or not the temperature of the acquired temperature information is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (S13).

If the temperature indicated in the temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 44 is less than the predetermined temperature (NO in S13), the switch control unit 42 returns the process to step S11 without outputting the switching signal. In this case, the switch control unit 42 keeps the switch 43 on.

Further, when the temperature indicated in the temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 44 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (YES in S13), the switch control unit 42 outputs a changeover signal for turning off the switch 43 to the switch 43. The switch 43 is in an off state in which no current flows through the second right heater line 31a2 (S14). As a result, a current flows through the first right heater line 31a1 and the left heater line 31b. Then, the switch control unit 42 returns the process to step S12, and repeats the process while the vehicle is in use.

<Effect>
Next, the action and effect of the seat heater 20b in the present embodiment will be described.

As described above, in the seat heater 20b according to the present embodiment, at least a part of the right heater wire 31a is double wiring. Further, a switch 43 for turning on / off the current is electrically connected to one of the double wirings. The seat heater 20b includes a switch control unit 42 that controls the switch 43.

For example, the resistance value per wire of the right heater wire 31a, which is a double wiring, is lower than the resistance value of the left heater wire 31b, and the amount of heat generated when a current is passed through both of the double wirings is the left heater wire 31b. When the amount of heat generated is higher than the amount of heat generated in, the switch control unit 42 turns on the switch 43, so that the double wiring on the right side warms up faster than the left heater wire 31b. For example, the right thigh of a person near the door, that is, the driver, can be warmed faster than the left thigh. As a result, it is possible to temporarily increase the amount of heat generated in the right thigh of the right heater wire 31a on the side closer to the door, which is in a lower temperature state, as in the case of starting to use the vehicle in extremely cold weather. Therefore, the driver can smoothly operate the pedal with the right lower limb. Further, by turning off the switch 43 by the switch control unit 42, it is possible to prevent the right thigh from becoming too warm.

The seat heater 20b in the present embodiment is electrically connected to the switch control unit 42 and includes a temperature detection unit 44 that detects the temperature of the right heater wire 31a. Then, the switch control unit 42 turns on the switch 43 at the start of use of the vehicle, and turns off the switch 43 when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 44 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

According to this, the switch control unit 42 can turn the switch 43 on and off according to the temperature of the right heater wire 31a. Therefore, the temperature on the right side of the seat surface portion 10a due to the heat generated by the right heater wire 31a can be easily maintained at a predetermined temperature, so that the right thigh portion of the driver seated in the seat 1 can be appropriately warmed.

Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment are exhibited.

(Modified Example of Embodiment 2)
The seat heater 20c of this modification will be described.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the base material 30, the heater wire 231 and the control device 40 of the seat heater 20c in the modified example of the second embodiment.

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 8, the second right heater wire 31a3 corresponding to the first region B1 is a double wiring arranged along the first right heater wire 31a1 and corresponds to the second region B2. The second right heater wire 31a3 is different from the seat heater 20 of the second embodiment in that the second right heater wire 31a3 is a double wiring that does not follow or partially follows the first right heater wire 31a1.

Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the seat heater 20c of this modification is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the same configuration is designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configuration will be omitted.

In this modification, the second right heater wire 31a3 may not be arranged in the second region B2, or may be arranged only in the first region B1. That is, in FIG. 8, it is shown that the first right heater wire 31a1 and the second right heater wire 31a3 form a double wiring in a part of the second region B2, but the right heater wire 31a is shown. , The double wiring may be configured only in the first region B1.

Further, in this modification, the temperature detection unit 44 is arranged in the first region B1 near the double wiring in order to measure the temperature of the double wiring portion of the right heater wire 31a.

Also in this modified example, the same action and effect as those of the second embodiment and the like are obtained.

(Embodiment 3)
The seat heater 20d of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the base material 30, the heater wire 231 and the control device 40 of the seat heater 20d according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the present embodiment differs from the seat heater 20b of the second embodiment in that the switch 43 is turned on and off according to the elapsed time.

Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the seat heater 20d of the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment and the like, and the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and detailed description of the configurations will be omitted.

The switch control unit 42 turns on the switch 43, for example, when the vehicle starts to be used. At this time, the switch control unit 42 starts counting the elapsed time from the time when the switch 43 is turned on. The counting of elapsed time is realized by a timekeeping unit such as a timer. The timekeeping unit may be mounted on the switch control unit 42 or may be electrically connected.

After that, the switch control unit 42 turns off the switch 43 when the elapsed time has elapsed the first predetermined time. The first predetermined time is an example of a predetermined time and indicates a certain period.

Further, the switch control unit 42 turns on the switch 43 when the elapsed time from the time when the switch 43 is turned off has elapsed the second predetermined time. The second predetermined time may be a time different from the first predetermined time, or may be the same time. The second predetermined time also indicates a certain period.

In this way, the switch control unit 42 controls the heater wire 231 so as not to be overheated by turning the switch 43 off and on every first predetermined time and second predetermined time.

<Processing>
Next, the processing of the seat heater 20d in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater 20d according to the third embodiment. The same processing as in FIG. 7 is designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

First, as shown in FIG. 10, after passing through the process of step S11, the switch control unit 42 counts the elapsed time from the time when the switch 43 is turned on (for example, the time when the vehicle is started to be used) (S21).

Next, the switch control unit 42 determines whether or not the elapsed time counted in step S21 has elapsed the first predetermined time (S22).

When the elapsed time does not elapse the first predetermined time (NO in S22), the switch control unit 42 returns the process to step S22 without outputting the switching signal. Further, when the elapsed time elapses from the first predetermined time (YES in S22), the switch control unit 42 turns off the switch 43 (S14). Specifically, the switch control unit 42 outputs a changeover signal for turning off the switch 43 to the switch 43 when the first predetermined time elapses. As a result, the switch control unit 42 turns off the switch 43, allows a current to flow through the first right heater line 31a1 and the left heater line 31b, and does not allow a current to flow through the second right heater line 31a2.

Next, the switch control unit 42 counts the elapsed time from the time when the switch 43 is turned off (S23).

Next, the switch control unit 42 determines whether or not the elapsed time counted in step S23 has elapsed the second predetermined time (S24).

When the elapsed time has not passed the second predetermined time (NO in S24), the switch control unit 42 returns the process to step S24 without outputting the switching signal. Further, when the elapsed time elapses in the second predetermined time (YES in S24), the switch control unit 42 returns the process to step S11. Then, the switch control unit 42 repeats the process while the vehicle is in use. That is, the process ends when the use of the vehicle ends. The end of use of the vehicle is, for example, when the ignition switch is turned off.

<Effect>
Next, the action and effect of the seat heater 20d in the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat heater 20d of the present embodiment, the switch control unit 42 turns on the switch 43 at the start of use of the vehicle, and turns off the switch 43 when a predetermined time elapses.

According to this, since the switch 43 is turned on from the start of use of the vehicle, the right thigh of the driver seated in the seat 1 can be warmed faster than the left thigh. Further, since the switch 43 is turned off after a predetermined time elapses, the heat generation of the right heater wire 31a can be adjusted so as not to overheat the driver's right thigh. With this seat heater 20d, the driver's right thigh and left thigh can be appropriately warmed.

Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment are exhibited.

(Embodiment 4)
The seat heater 20e of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the base material 30, the heater wire 251 and the control device 40 of the seat heater 20e according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the present embodiment differs from the seat heater 20 of the first embodiment in that the right heater wire 231a and the left heater wire 231b are independent wiring.

Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the seat heater 20e of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment and the like, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations will be omitted.

The right heater wire 231a is arranged so as to straddle the first region B1 and the second region B2 on the surface 30a of the base material 30, and is electrically connected to the control device 40. One side of the right heater wire 231a is grounded. Further, the left heater wire 231b is arranged so as to straddle the third region B3 and the fourth region B4 on the surface 30a of the base material 30, and is electrically connected to the control device 40. One side of the left heater wire 231b is also grounded.

The seat heater 20e includes a temperature detection unit 44 in addition to the base material 30, the heater wire 251 and the control device 40 and the power supply unit 50.

The temperature detection unit 44 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the right heater wire 231a, and is electrically connected to the switch control unit 42 of the control device 40. When the right heater wire 231a generates heat, the temperature detection unit 44 detects the temperature and outputs the detected temperature to the control unit 41 as temperature information.

The temperature detection unit 44 is arranged in the vicinity of the right heater wire 231a and fixed to the base material 30 in order to detect heat generation of the right heater wire 231a. In the present embodiment, the temperature detection unit 44 is arranged in the vicinity of the right heater line 231a in the second region B2.

The control unit 41 of the control device 40 is electrically connected to the right heater wire 231a and the left heater wire 231b, and flows through the right heater wire 231a so that the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire 231a and the left heater wire 231b is different. Control is performed so that the value of the right current and the value of the left current flowing through the left heater line 231b are different. As a result, the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the person seated on the seat surface portion 10a of the right heater wire 231a (first region B1) is the left large amount of the person seated on the seat surface portion 10a of the left heater wire 231b. It is different from the calorific value at the position corresponding to the thigh (third region B3). Specifically, the control unit 41 sets the value of the left current to be smaller than the value of the right current at the start of use of the vehicle. Further, the control unit 41 makes the left current larger than the right current when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 44 reaches a predetermined temperature. Further, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 44 becomes less than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 41 may make the value of the left current smaller than the value of the right current.

<Processing>
Next, the processing of the seat heater 20e in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater 20e according to the fourth embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 41 passes an electric current through each of the right heater line 231a and the left heater line 231b at the start of use of the vehicle. Specifically, the control unit 41 makes the value of the right current flowing through the right heater line 231a larger than the value of the left current flowing through the left heater line 231b (S31). As a result, a larger current than the left heater wire 231b flows through the right heater wire 231a, so that the left heater wire 231b is arranged in the first region B1 and the second region B2 where the right heater wire 231a is arranged. It warms earlier than the 3rd region B3 and the 4th region B4.

Next, the temperature detection unit 44 detects the temperature when the right heater wire 231a generates heat (S32). The temperature detection unit 44 outputs the detected temperature as temperature information to the control unit 41.

Next, the control unit 41 acquires temperature information from the temperature detection unit 44, and determines whether or not the temperature of the acquired temperature information is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (S33).

Further, if the temperature indicated in the temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 44 is less than the predetermined temperature (NO in S33), the control unit 41 returns the process to step S31.

Further, when the temperature indicated in the temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 44 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature (YES in S33), the control unit 41 sets the value of the right current flowing through the right heater line 231a to the left heater line 231b. It is made smaller than the value of the left current to be passed (S34). For example, the control unit 41 lowers the value of the right current flowing through the right heater line 231a and raises the value of the left current flowing through the left heater line 231b. Therefore, the third region B3 and the fourth region B4 in which the left heater wire 231b is arranged are warmer than the first region B1 and the second region B2 in which the right heater wire 231a is arranged. Then, the control unit 41 returns the process to step S32, and repeats the process while the vehicle is in use.

<Effect>
Next, the action and effect of the seat heater 20e in the present embodiment will be described.

As described above, in the seat heater 20e of the present embodiment, the right heater wire 231a and the left heater wire 231b are heater wires 251 independent of each other. Further, the seat heater 20e makes the value of the right current flowing through the right heater wire 231a different from the value of the left current flowing through the left heater wire 231b so that the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire 231a and the left heater wire 231b is different. A control unit 41 for controlling is provided.

According to this, by making the value of the right current flowing through the right heater wire 231a different from the value of the left current flowing through the left heater wire 231b, the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire 231a and the left heater wire 231b is made different from each other. be able to. For example, in a right-hand drive vehicle, the amount of heat generated by the right heater line 231a near the right door can be temporarily increased or decreased from the amount of heat generated by the left heater line 231b. Further, in a left-hand drive vehicle, the amount of heat generated by the left heater line 231b near the left door can be temporarily increased or decreased from the amount of heat generated by the right heater line 231a. As a result, it is possible to easily suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh. As a result, for example, at the start of using the vehicle in extremely cold weather, the amount of heat generated by the heater wire 31 on the side closer to the door in a lower temperature state can be temporarily increased, and the temperature felt by the right thigh and the left thigh. The difference between the left and right sides can be quickly suppressed.

The seat heater 20e in the present embodiment includes a temperature detecting unit 44 which is arranged in the vicinity of the right heater wire 231a and is electrically connected to the control unit 41. Then, the control unit 41 makes the value of the left current smaller than the value of the right current at the start of use of the vehicle, and makes the left current larger than the right current when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 44 reaches a predetermined temperature.

According to this, the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire 231a can be detected by the temperature detecting unit 44. For example, when the temperature on the right side of the seat surface portion 10a reaches a predetermined temperature due to the heat generated by the right heater wire 231a, the value of the left current flowing through the left heater wire 231b is made larger than the value of the right current flowing through the right heater wire 231a. The left side of the seating surface portion 10a can be warmed more than the right side of the seating surface portion 10a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh.

(Embodiment 5)
The seat heater 20f of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the base material 30, the heater wire 251 and the control device 40 of the seat heater 20f according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the present embodiment is different from the seat heater 20b of the second embodiment in that the value of the current flowing through the heater wire 251 is changed according to the elapsed time.

Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the seat heater 20f of the present embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations will be omitted.

The control unit 41 passes an electric current through the heater wire 251 at the start of use of the vehicle, for example. Specifically, the control unit 41 makes the value of the right current larger than the value of the left current at the start of use of the vehicle. At this time, the control unit 41 starts counting the elapsed time from the time when a larger current is passed through the right heater line 231a than the left heater line 231b.

After that, the control unit 41 sets the value of the right current to be smaller than the value of the left current when the third predetermined time elapses from the start of use when the elapsed time has passed the third predetermined time. The third predetermined time is an example of a predetermined time and indicates a certain period.

Further, the control unit 41 starts counting the elapsed time from the time when a current of a smaller value is passed through the right heater line 231a than the left heater line 231b. The control unit 41 makes the value of the right current larger than the value of the left current when the elapsed time has passed the fourth predetermined time. The fourth predetermined time may be a time different from the third predetermined time, or may be the same time. The fourth predetermined time also indicates a certain period.

In this way, the control unit 41 makes the values of the currents flowing through the right heater line 231a and the left heater line 231b different every third predetermined time and fourth predetermined time.

<Processing>
Next, the processing of the seat heater 20f in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater 20f in the fifth embodiment. The same processing as in FIG. 12 is designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

First, as shown in FIG. 13, after passing through the process of step S31, the control unit 41 counts the elapsed time from the time when the current is applied in step S31 (for example, the time when the vehicle is started to be used) (S41).

Next, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the elapsed time counted in step S41 has elapsed the third predetermined time (S42).

When the elapsed time does not elapse the third predetermined time (NO in S42), the control unit 41 returns the process to step S42. Further, if the elapsed time elapses the third predetermined time (YES in S42), the control unit 41 executes step S34.

Next, the control unit 41 counts the elapsed time from the time when the current is passed in step S34 (S43).

Next, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the elapsed time counted in step S43 has elapsed the fourth predetermined time (S44).

When the elapsed time has not passed the fourth predetermined time (NO in S44), the control unit 41 returns the process to step S44. Further, if the elapsed time elapses the fourth predetermined time (YES in S44), the control unit 41 returns the process to step S31 and repeats the process while the vehicle is in use.

<Effect>
Next, the action and effect of the seat heater 20f in the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat heater 20f according to the present embodiment, the control unit 41 sets the value of the right current to be larger than the value of the left current at the start of use of the vehicle, and the value of the right current when a predetermined time elapses from the start of use of the vehicle. Is less than the value of the left current.

According to this, at the start of use of the vehicle, the right heater line 231a is larger than the left heater line 231b by making the right current flowing through the right heater line 231a larger than the left current flowing through the left heater line 231b for a predetermined time. It warms up quickly. Therefore, the driver's right thigh near the right door can be warmed faster than the left thigh.

In addition, since the driver's right thigh is sufficiently warmed after a predetermined time has passed, the left thigh is made larger than the right current so as not to overheat the right thigh. Can be warmed up. With this seat heater, it is possible to further suppress the laterality of the temperature felt between the right thigh and the left thigh.

(Other modifications, etc.)
Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the modified examples of the first to fifth embodiments and the first and second embodiments, the present disclosure is a modified example of the first to fifth embodiments and the first and second embodiments. It is not limited to such as.

For example, in the seat heaters according to the modifications of the first to fifth embodiments and the first and second embodiments, the resistance value of the right heater wire, which is a double wiring, is made equal to the resistance value of the left heater wire. One end of the double wiring may be collectively connected to one end of the left heater wire, and a resistor may be electrically connected in series with the entire heater wire in conjunction with the switch-on. In this case, when the switch is off, the current flows by bypassing the resistor, and the current flows only in one of the double wirings, so that the amount of heat generated by the right heater line and the left heater line is the same. Then, when the switch is turned on, the resistance value of the right heater wire becomes lower than the resistance value of the left heater wire. At this time, by determining the resistance value of the resistor so that the same current as the current flowing through the left heater when the switch is off flows through the left heater when the switch is on, the heat generated by the right heater wire is higher than the heat generated by the left heater wire. Is suppressed.

Further, in the seat heater according to the modified examples of the above-described first to fifth embodiments and the first and second embodiments, the resistance value of the right heater wire, which is a double wiring, is made larger than the resistance value of the left heater wire. , One end of the double wiring may be electrically connected to one end of the left heater wire, and a resistor may be electrically connected in series with the entire heater wire in conjunction with the switch-on. In this case, when the switch is off, the current flows by bypassing the resistor, and the current flows only in one of the double wirings. At this time, since the right heater wire has a higher resistance value than the left heater wire, the right heater wire warms up faster than the left heater wire. Then, when the switch is turned on, the resistance value of the right heater wire is determined so that the resistance value of the right heater wire becomes lower than the resistance value of the left heater wire. Then, the resistance value of the resistor is determined so that the same current as the current flowing through the left heater when the switch is turned off flows through the left heater when the switch is turned on. As a result, by turning on the switch, the heat generated by the right heater wire is suppressed rather than the heat generated by the left heater wire.

Further, the switch control configuration based on the temperature of the seat heater according to the second embodiment and the switch control configuration based on the elapsed time of the seat heater according to the third embodiment may be used in combination. Similarly, the configuration for controlling the current to the heater wire based on the temperature of the seat heater according to the fourth embodiment and the current control configuration for the heater wire based on the elapsed time of the seat heater according to the fifth embodiment are used in combination. May be.

Further, the seat heater control device according to the modified examples of the above-described first to fifth embodiments and the first and second embodiments is realized by a program using a computer, and such a program is stored in the storage device. May be good.

Further, each processing unit included in the seat heater according to the modified examples of the above-described first to fifth embodiments and the first and second embodiments is typically realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip so as to include a part or all of them.

Further, the integrated circuit is not limited to the LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

In the modified examples of the above-described first to fifth embodiments and the first and second embodiments, each component is composed of dedicated hardware or a software program suitable for each component is executed. It may be realized. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

In addition, all the numbers used above are exemplified for the purpose of concretely explaining the present disclosure, and the modified examples of the first to fifth embodiments and the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplified numbers. Not limited to.

Further, the division of the functional block in the block diagram is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks can be realized as one functional block, one functional block can be divided into a plurality of functional blocks, and some functions can be transferred to other functional blocks. You may. Further, the functions of a plurality of functional blocks having similar functions may be processed by a single hardware or software in parallel or in a time division manner.

Further, the order in which each step in the flowchart is executed is for the purpose of exemplifying the present disclosure in detail, and may be an order other than the above. Further, a part of the above steps may be executed at the same time (parallel) as other steps.

In addition, embodiments obtained by subjecting various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the modified examples of embodiments 1 to 5 and embodiments 1 and 2, embodiments 1 to 5 and embodiments 1 to 5 and the present invention are not deviated from the gist of the present disclosure. The present disclosure also includes a form realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in the modified examples of the first and second embodiments.

The present disclosure can be used, for example, as a seat heater for heating a seat equipped in a vehicle or the like.

1 Seat 10a Seat surface 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f Seat heater 30 Base material 30a Surface 31, 131, 231, 251 Heater wire 31a, 131a, 231a Right heater wire 31b, 131b, 231b Left heater wire 31a1 1st right heater wire (right heater wire)
31a2, 31a3 2nd right heater wire (right heater wire)
41 Control unit 42 Switch control unit 43 Switch 44 Temperature detection unit

Claims (8)

It is a seat heater built into the seat surface of the vehicle seat.
With the base material
A heater wire arranged on the surface of the base material is provided.
The heater wire has a right heater wire arranged on the right side of the seat surface portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle and a left heater wire arranged on the left side of the seat surface portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle.
The amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the right thigh of the person sitting on the seating surface of the right heater wire is the amount of heat generated at the position corresponding to the left thigh of the person sitting on the seating surface of the left heater wire. Different seat heater. The sheet heater according to claim 1, wherein the wiring density of the right heater wire arranged per unit area of the surface is smaller than the wiring density of the left heater wire arranged per unit area of the surface. At least a part of the right heater wire is double wiring.
A switch that turns on and off the current is electrically connected to one of the double wires.
The seat heater according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a switch control unit for controlling the switch. The seat heater according to claim 3, wherein the switch control unit turns on the switch at the start of use of the vehicle and turns off the switch when a predetermined time elapses. It is provided with a temperature detection unit that is electrically connected to the switch control unit and detects the temperature of the right heater wire.
The seat heater according to claim 3, wherein the switch control unit turns on the switch at the start of use of the vehicle and turns off the switch when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The right heater wire and the left heater wire are independent heater wires, and are independent of each other.
A control unit that controls the difference between the value of the right current flowing through the right heater wire and the value of the left current flowing through the left heater wire is provided so that the amount of heat generated by the right heater wire and the left heater wire is different. The seat heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The control unit
At the start of use of the vehicle, the value of the right current is made larger than the value of the left current.
The seat heater according to claim 6, wherein when a predetermined time elapses from the start of use of the vehicle, the value of the right current is made smaller than the value of the left current. It is provided with a temperature detection unit that is arranged in the vicinity of the right heater wire and is electrically connected to the control unit.
The control unit
At the start of use of the vehicle, the value of the left current is made smaller than the value of the right current.
The seat heater according to claim 6, wherein when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit reaches a predetermined temperature, the left current is made larger than the right current.

Images