JP2021130407A - Warm feeling device and vehicle seat - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a warm feeling device that emphasizes warm feeling above actual local skin temperature of a seated person of a seat.SOLUTION: Warm feeling devices 1A and 1B for giving a seated person of a seat 3 a warm feeling are equipped with thermal stimulating portions 10 and 20 that give thermal stimulation h to a skin surface of the seated person of the seat, tactile stimulating portions 11 and 21 that give tactile stimulation f to the skin surface of the seated person of the seat, and a control portion 12 that operates the thermal stimulating portions during a first period T2, operates the tactile stimulating portions for a second period T5 later than the start of the first period by a predetermined time t, and controls to intermittently repeat the operation of the thermal stimulating portions and the tactile stimulating portions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a warming device and a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a warming device for giving a warm feeling to a seated person and a vehicle seat provided therewith.

As a conventional seat heater, a plurality of heater units are arranged in different parts of a seat, and the output ratio of the plurality of heater units is controlled for each heater unit after at least one heater unit reaches a predetermined temperature. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this seat heater, the temperature balance is optimized, the thermal comfort is improved, and energy saving is achieved.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-178130

However, in the above-mentioned conventional seat heater, since only the heater unit is used to give a warm feeling to the seated person, a large amount of heat energy is required so that the seated person can obtain a sufficient warm feeling. Therefore, the energy saving effect that can be obtained is limited to the part where the temperature becomes too high when a plurality of heater units are operated under the same control, and the temperature is suppressed to an appropriate level, and the effect is limited.

In addition, it is necessary to increase the area of the heater unit in order to provide sufficient thermal comfort even for a seated person with a large physique, which consumes wasted energy when the seated person has a small physique. Become. This problem can be solved by dividing the heater unit and increasing the number of divisions and control channels to change the heating area according to the physique of the seated person, but in this case, the device becomes complicated and the number of parts is increased. And the cost will increase.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and provides a warming device capable of emphasizing and feeling warmth above the actual local skin temperature of the seated person, and a vehicle seat provided with the warming device. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a warming device for giving a warm feeling to the seated person of the seat, and heat-stimulates the skin surface of the seated person of the seat. The heat stimulating part that gives a tactile stimulus, the tactile stimulating part that gives a tactile stimulus to the skin surface of the seated person of the seat, and the heat stimulating part are operated for the first period, and are determined more than the start of the first period. It is a gist to include a control unit that operates the tactile stimulus unit for a second period with a time delay of the above time and controls the operation of the thermal stimulus unit and the tactile stimulus unit to be intermittently repeated.
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the heat stimulating portion is arranged at a high sitting pressure portion where the seating pressure of the seated person is high on the seat, and the tactile stimulating portion is formed on the seat. The gist is that the seating pressure of the seated person is arranged in the low sitting pressure portion lower than the high sitting pressure portion.
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the seat includes a seat back serving as a backrest of the seated person, and the heat stimulating portion is seated by the seated person in the width direction of the seat back. The tactile stimulating portion is arranged at the high sitting pressure portion located on the central side in terms of position, and the tactile stimulating portion is arranged at the low sitting pressure portion located outside the high sitting pressure portion in the width direction of the seat back. It is a summary.
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the seat includes a seat cushion that serves as a seat for a seated person, and the heat stimulating portion is rearward in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion. The gist is that the tactile stimulating portion is arranged at the high sitting pressure portion located on the side, and the tactile stimulating portion is arranged at the low sitting pressure portion located on the front side of the high sitting pressure portion in the anteroposterior direction of the seat cushion.
In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 5 is a vehicle seat, and it is a gist to include the warming device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

According to the warming device of the present invention, a heat stimulating part that gives a heat stimulus to the skin surface of the seated person, a tactile stimulating part that gives a tactile stimulus to the skin surface of the seated person, and a heat stimulating part. Is operated for the first period, and the tactile stimulating part is operated for the second period after a predetermined time from the start of the first period, and the thermal stimulating part and the tactile stimulating part are controlled to be repeatedly operated intermittently. It is provided with a control unit for the operation. As a result, the thermal stimulus and the tactile stimulus can be locally and intermittently applied to the skin surface of the seated person at substantially the same timing, and the area where the tactile stimulus is given by the thermal illusion phenomenon (Thermal Referral). Can make you feel warmer than the actual skin temperature. As a result, the area of the heat stimulating portion can be reduced and the energy consumption can be greatly reduced as compared with the conventional seat heater in which the heater is provided in the entire range where the feeling of warmth is desired.

Further, when the heat stimulating portion is arranged at the high sitting pressure portion of the seat and the tactile stimulating portion is arranged at the low sitting pressure portion of the seat, the seating person is placed at the portion where the seating pressure is high due to the heat stimulation. On the other hand, a feeling of warmth is effectively given, and a feeling of warmth is effectively given to a part where the sitting pressure of the seated person is low due to the temperature illusion phenomenon generated by the tactile stimulus. Further, even if the area of the heat stimulating portion is reduced, a warm feeling is given by the tactile stimulus to the portion where the sitting pressure of the seated person is low, so that the robustness against the physical disparity of the seated person is enhanced.

When the seat is provided with a seat back, the heat stimulating portion is arranged in the high sitting pressure portion of the seat back, and the tactile stimulating portion is arranged in the low sitting pressure portion of the seat back. The heat stimulus effectively gives a warm feeling to the seated person's back and waist, etc., and the temperature illusion phenomenon caused by the tactile stimulus causes the seated person's shoulders, body side, etc. to sit down. A feeling of warmth is effectively given to the low part. Further, even if the area of the heat stimulating portion provided on the seat back is reduced, a feeling of warmth is given by the tactile stimulus to the part with low sitting pressure such as the shoulder and the side of the occupant. Robustness is enhanced.

Further, when the seat is provided with a seat cushion, the heat stimulating portion is arranged at the high sitting pressure portion of the seat cushion, and the tactile stimulating portion is arranged at the low sitting pressure portion of the seat cushion. The heat stimulus effectively gives a warm feeling to the seated person's buttocks and other parts with high seating pressure, and the temperature illusion phenomenon caused by the tactile stimulus gives the seated person a low sitting pressure part such as the thigh. On the other hand, a feeling of warmth is effectively given. Further, even if the area of the heat stimulating portion provided on the seat cushion is reduced, a feeling of warmth is given by the tactile stimulus to a portion having a low sitting pressure such as the thigh of the seated person, so that the robustness against the physical disparity of the seated person is achieved. Is enhanced.

According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, since the above-mentioned warming device is provided, thermal stimulation and tactile stimulation can be locally and intermittently applied to the skin surface of the seated person at substantially the same timing, and the temperature can be applied. The area where the tactile stimulus is given by the thermal referral can make the area feel warmer than the actual skin temperature. As a result, the area of the heat stimulating portion can be reduced and the energy consumption can be greatly reduced as compared with the conventional seat heater in which the heater is provided in the entire range where the feeling of warmth is desired.

The present invention will be further described in the following detailed description with reference to the plurality of references mentioned with reference to non-limiting examples of typical embodiments according to the invention. Similar parts are shown through several figures.
It is a perspective view of the automobile seat provided with the warming device which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the said warming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the said warming apparatus, (a) shows the front view of the seat back, and (b) shows the sectional view taken along line bb. It is a timing diagram which shows the control pattern of the heat stimulation part and the tactile stimulation part by the control part which concerns on Example. It is a timing diagram which shows the pattern of giving the heat stimulus and the tactile stimulus to the seated person of the said seat. It is a timing diagram which shows the heating pattern of the heat stimulation part which concerns on Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the skin segment. It is a graph which shows the experimental result of the temperature illusion phenomenon (Thermal Referral). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating another form of a warming apparatus.

The matters shown here are for exemplifying and exemplifying embodiments of the present invention, and are considered to be the most effective and effortless explanations for understanding the principles and conceptual features of the present invention. It is stated for the purpose of providing what seems to be. In this regard, it is not intended to show structural details of the invention beyond a certain degree necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, and some embodiments of the invention are provided by description in conjunction with the drawings. It is intended to clarify to those skilled in the art how it is actually realized.

<Warming device>
The warming device according to the present embodiment is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 2, 4 and the like, a warming device (1A, 1B) for giving a warm feeling to the seated person of the seat (3). The heat stimulating part (10, 20) that gives a heat stimulus (h) to the skin surface of the seated person of the seat (3) and the tactile stimulus (tactile stimulus) to the skin surface of the seated person of the seat (3). The tactile stimulating part (11, 21) giving f) and the heat stimulating part (10, 20) are operated in the first period (T2), and at a predetermined time (t) from the start of the first period (T2). ) The tactile stimulating unit (11, 21) is operated for the second period (T5) with a delay, and the thermal stimulating unit (10, 20) and the tactile stimulating unit (11, 21) are controlled to repeat the operation intermittently. It includes a control unit (12).

The warming device (1A, 1B) applies a temperature illusion phenomenon (Thermal Referral) to give a warm feeling (warm feeling; warm feeling) to the seated person of the seat (3). This temperature illusion phenomenon gives a thermal stimulus to a first local region on the skin surface (hereinafter, also referred to as “temperature changing region”) and a second local region on the skin surface (hereinafter, “induction region”). It is also called), which is a phenomenon in which a feeling of warmth occurs in the induction region above the actual skin temperature when a tactile stimulus is given. That is, it is a phenomenon in which the warm feeling generated in the temperature change region is transferred to the induction region.

The type, number, arrangement location, etc. of the heat stimulating portions (10, 20) are not particularly limited as long as the heat stimulus (h) is applied to the temperature-changing region of the skin surface of the seated person of the seat (3). Examples of the heat stimulating unit (10, 20) include a heater using a heating wire or a heating sheet, a heater that irradiates infrared rays, a blowing mechanism that blows warm air, and the like. Further, the heat stimulating portions (10, 20) can be provided, for example, on the surface layer portion of the sheet (3) or on the cover material to be retrofitted to the sheet (3). Further, the amount of heat output by the heat stimulating unit (10, 20) is not particularly limited. Further, the temperature change rate in the temperature change region by the heat stimulating unit (10, 20) is not particularly limited, and for example, the absolute value of the temperature change rate is 0.1 ° C./sec to 10 ° C./sec (preferably 0.2). ° C./sec to 8 ° C./sec).

The type, number, arrangement location, etc. of the tactile stimulus units (11, 21) are not particularly limited as long as the tactile stimulus (f) is applied to the induction region on the skin surface of the seated person of the seat (3). Examples of the tactile stimulating unit (11, 21) include a vibrator that gives vibration to the induction region, a pressing mechanism that applies pressing pressure to the induction region by a roller or the like, and the like. Examples of this vibrator include those using a voice coil motor, an eccentric motor, ultrasonic waves, and the like. Further, as the frequency of the vibrator, for example, 1 Hz to 1000 Hz can be mentioned. Further, the tactile stimulating portion (11, 21) can be provided, for example, on the surface layer portion of the sheet (3) or on the cover material retrofitted to the sheet (3).

The thermal stimulation unit (10, 20) is arranged in the temperature change region, and the tactile stimulation unit (11, 21) is arranged in the induction region. The region where the heat stimulating portion (10, 20) is provided and the region where the tactile stimulating portion (11, 21) is provided may be at least a partially overlapping region, but are preferably regions that do not overlap. This is because the effect of the temperature illusion phenomenon can be more easily obtained.

The control unit (12) is configured to control the power supply to the heat stimulation unit (10, 20) and control the drive of the tactile stimulation unit (11, 21). These control methods are not particularly limited, and for example, a PWM (pulse width modulation) method can be applied for easy control. If PWM control is used, the power supply during operation can be easily changed by the duty ratio of the pulse wave.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example, the control unit (12) turns on the operation of the heat stimulation unit (10, 20) in the first period (T2) and turns on the operation of the first period (T2). The operation of the tactile stimulating unit (11, 21) is turned on for the second period (T5) after a predetermined time (t) delay from the start. Then, the control unit (12) operates the heat stimulation unit (10, 20) and the tactile stimulation unit (11, 21) intermittently (for example, in the cycle T1). In the example shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the heat stimulating part (10, 20) is turned off during the period after the first period (T2) (third period T3), and the tactile stimulating part (11, 21) is turned off. ) Is turned off during the period after the second period (T5) (fourth period T6). Then, this series of operations is repeated in a predetermined cycle (T1 = T4).

The length of the first period (T2), the delay time (t), the second period (T5), and the cycle (T1) can be set as appropriate. Further, a part or all of the first period (T2) and the second period (T5) may overlap (see FIG. 5). That is, the delay time (t) may be zero, may be less than or equal to the first period (T2), or may be longer than the first period (T2).
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in a configuration in which the heat stimulating unit (10, 20) and the tactile stimulating unit (11, 21) are divided into a plurality of parts, the corresponding heat stimulating unit (10, 20) The length of the first period (T2), the delay time (t), the second period (T5), and the cycle (T1) may be set for each of the tactile stimulating units (11, 21).

When the operation of the heat stimulating unit (10, 20) is turned on, the heat stimulus (h) is given to the seated person of the seat (3). Further, when the tactile stimulus units (11, 21) are turned on, the tactile stimulus (f) is given to the seated person. Here, for the seated person, the heat stimulus (h) is easily transmitted to the temperature changing region after the start of operation of the heat stimulating part (10, 11) due to the influence of the environmental temperature, the amount of clothes of the seated person, and the like. The tactile stimulus (f) is easily transmitted to the induction region at the same time as the operation of the tactile stimulus portions (11, 21) starts regardless of the environmental temperature, the amount of clothing of the seated person, and the like. Therefore, in order to transmit the thermal stimulus (h) and the tactile stimulus (f) to the seated seater of the seat (3) at the same time, the control unit (12) has the thermal stimulus unit (12) as shown in FIG. 10 and 20) are operated in advance, and the tactile stimulating unit (11, 21) is operated after a delay time (t) from the start of the operation.
The delay time (t) is appropriately selected depending on, for example, the environmental temperature, the body part of the seated person, the amount of clothing, the material of the sheet (3) surface layer, and the like. Examples of the delay time (t) include 0 seconds to 5 seconds (preferably 0.1 seconds to 4 seconds).
Further, the control unit (12) detects, for example, the environmental temperature and / or the amount of clothing of the seated person, adjusts the delay time (t) based on the detection result, and adjusts the heat stimulation unit (10, 20) and the heat stimulation unit (10, 20). The tactile stimulator (11, 21) may be controlled.

The first period (T2), second period (T5), and cycle (T1, T4) are also appropriately selected according to the environmental temperature, body part, sheet (3) surface layer material, required warmth, and the like. Will be done. Examples of the first period (T2) include 0.1 seconds to 5 seconds (preferably 0.2 seconds to 4 seconds). The second period (T5) includes, for example, 0.1 seconds to 5 seconds (preferably 0.2 seconds to 4 seconds). Each period (T2, T5) may have the same value or may have different values. Examples of the period (T1, T4) include 0.1 seconds to 10 seconds (preferably 0.2 seconds to 8 seconds).

The control process by the control unit (12) may be realized by any of hardware and software, and preferably a microcontroller (microcomputer) including a CPU, a storage device (ROM, RAM, etc.), an input / output circuit, and the like. It can be configured by providing peripheral circuits such as an input / output interface around the above. The control unit (12) may be incorporated in the seat (3) or may be provided separately.

As the warming device (1A, 1B) according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. ) Is arranged in the high sitting pressure part (4a, 5a), and the tactile stimulating part (11, 21) has a seating pressure (contact pressure) of the seated person in the seat (3) higher than that of the high sitting pressure part (4a, 5a). Examples thereof include a form in which the seating pressure is low (4b, 5b).

The structure, use, etc. of the sheet (3) are not particularly limited. The seat (3) usually includes a seat cushion (5) that serves as a seat for the seated person. Further, the seat (3) may include, for example, a seat back (4) that serves as a backrest for a seated person. Further, the seat (3) may be, for example, one in which only one seated person can be seated, or one in which a plurality of seated people can be seated side by side. That is, the seat (3) may include, for example, one or a plurality of seating areas in which one seated person can be seated.

When the warming device (1A) is used for the seat back (4), for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat stimulating unit (10) is a seated person (person) in the width direction of the seat back (4). It is arranged at a high sitting pressure portion (4a) located on the center side (that is, the center side of the seating area in the width direction of the seat back (4)) based on the seating position, and the tactile stimulating portion (11) is the seat back (4). It can be arranged at a low sitting pressure portion (4b) located outside the high sitting pressure portion (4a) in the width direction of the above.

The distance (S1) between the center of the heat stimulating portion (10) in the width direction and the center line of the seating position of the seat back (4) is, for example, 0 mm to 500 mm (preferably 0 mm to 300 mm). .. Further, for example, the distance (S2) between the center of the tactile stimulating portion (11) in the width direction and the center line of the seating position of the seat back (4) is, for example, 0 mm to 500 mm (preferably 0 mm to 300 mm). Can be mentioned.

When the warming device (1B) is used for the seat cushion (5), for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat stimulating portion (20) is located on the rear side of the seat cushion (5) in the front-rear direction. The tactile stimulating portion (21) is arranged at the pressure portion (5a), and the tactile stimulation portion (21) is arranged at the low sitting pressure portion (5b) located in front of the high sitting pressure portion (5a) in the anteroposterior direction of the seat cushion (5). Can be done.

<Vehicle seat>
The vehicle seat (3) according to the present embodiment includes, for example, the above-mentioned warming device (1A, 1B) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example. Examples of the vehicle seat (3) include seats for automobiles, railways, aircraft, ships, and the like. Further, in the case of an automobile seat, for example, it may be a front seat or a rear seat in the second and subsequent rows.

The reference numerals in parentheses of each configuration described in the above-described embodiment indicate the correspondence with the specific configurations described in the examples described later.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the automobile seat 3 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “seat 3”) is exemplified as the “vehicle seat” according to the present invention (see FIG. 1). The seat 3 includes a seat back 4 that serves as a backrest for the seated person, and a seat cushion 5 that serves as a seat for the seated person.

(1) Configuration of warming device The warming device 1A according to the present embodiment is used for the seat back 4 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The warming device 1A includes a heat stimulating unit 10, a tactile stimulating unit 11, and a control unit 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heat stimulating unit 10 applies heat stimulation h to a first local region (hereinafter, also referred to as “temperature changing region”) on the skin surface of the seated person in contact with the seat back 4. It is what you give. The heat stimulating unit 10 is a planar heater that heats a temperature changing region. This planar heater has a predetermined size (for example, 50 mm × 50 mm) and a heating rate of the heater surface (for example, 0.5 ° C./sec to 0.7 ° C./sec). Further, a plurality of heat stimulating portions 10 (six in the figure) are arranged at high seating pressure portions 4a located on the center side with respect to the seating position reference of the seated person in the width direction of the seat back 4. Further, the heat stimulating portion 10 is arranged on the skin material of the seat back 4. Further, the distance S1 between the center of the heat stimulating portion 10 and the center line of the seat back 4 is set to about 50 mm. The pressure fluctuation in the contact range before and after the temperature change in the temperature change region is preferably less than the human discrimination threshold.

The tactile stimulus unit 11 applies the tactile stimulus f to a second local region (hereinafter, also referred to as “induction region”) on the skin surface of the seated person in contact with the seat back 4. The tactile stimulus unit 11 is a vibrator (specifically, a voice coil motor) that gives vibration to the induction region. This vibrator has a predetermined size (for example, 50 mm in diameter), frequency (for example, 100 Hz), vibration acceleration of the sheet surface (for example, 2 G), and total amplitude (for example, 0.1 mm). Further, a plurality of tactile stimulating portions 11 (six in the figure) are arranged in the low sitting pressure portion 4b located outside the high sitting pressure portion 4a in the width direction of the seat back 4. Further, the tactile stimulation unit 11 is arranged inside the seat back 4. Further, the distance S2 between the center of the tactile stimulating portion 11 and the center line of the seat back 4 is set to about 100 mm.

The temperature change region and the induction region are regions that do not overlap. In the pair of the pair of heat stimulating parts 10 and the tactile stimulating parts 11 adjacent to each other on the left and right, the skin segment including the temperature changing region is the same as the skin segment including the induction region. It is assumed that the skin segment located on the right half of the body and the skin segment located on the left half of the body belong to different skin segments.

Here, human skin can be classified into a number of skin segments. There is an idea that one skin segment is a region controlled by sensory nerves extending from one spinal nerve root. Therefore, when the skin segment including the temperature-changing region and the skin segment including the induction region are close to each other, the effect of the temperature illusion phenomenon can be easily obtained. For example, the skin segment containing the temperature-changing region and the skin segment containing the induction region may be the same or adjacent to each other.

Some of the above skin segments have been proposed. In the "skin clause" herein, Keegan JJ. and Garrett FD. : The segmental distribution of the cutaneous nerves in the limbs of man. The skin segment of Anat Rec 102 pp409-437 (1948) is adopted, and the skin segment of the left half of the body and the skin segment of the right half of the body are treated as different segments.

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic diagram for explaining the skin segment. As mentioned above, some skin segments have been proposed and are not necessarily unique. FIG. 7 is a very simplified diagram for easy understanding of the concept of skin segments common to those skin segments. One skin segment occupies a band-shaped area depending on the height of the spinal cord nerve. The skin segment containing the point P and the skin segment containing the point Q are adjacent to each other. The skin segment containing the point P and the skin segment containing the point R are the same. The distance between the point P and the point Q is shorter than the distance between the point P and the point R. However, while the skin segment containing the point P and the point R is the same, the skin segment containing the point P and the skin segment containing the point Q are adjacent to each other. In this case, when the point P is the temperature change region and the point R is the induction region rather than the point Q, the effect of a high temperature illusion phenomenon can be obtained. As described above, it is preferable that the temperature changing region and the induction region are closer in the skin segment than the linear distance between the temperature changing region and the induction region.

In the general definition of skin segment, there is no distinction between the left and right halves across the median. However, the actual sensory nerves are divided into left and right halves and integrated. Therefore, the skin segment in the present specification is defined as different between the left half body and the right half body. The skin segment located on the right half of the body and the skin segment located on the left half of the body belong to different skin segments.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 12 is electrically connected to the heat stimulation unit 10 and the tactile stimulation unit 11. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the control unit 12 intermittently applies the heat stimulus h and the tactile stimulus f to the skin surface of the seated person in a synchronized manner, and the heat stimulus unit 10 and the tactile stimulus unit. 11 is interlocked and controlled. In this example, the control unit 12 controls the thermal stimulation unit 10 and the tactile stimulation unit 11 by a PWM method, and the vertical axis represents each duty ratio in FIG.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 12 operates the heat stimulating unit 10 in a predetermined period T1 (for example, 6 seconds) and operates the first period T2 (for example, 0.8 seconds). It is controlled to repeat the stop of T3 (for example, 5.2 seconds) for the period of 3. Further, in the predetermined period T4 (for example, 6 seconds) in which the tactile stimulus unit 11 has the same value as the period T1, the operation of the second period T5 (for example, 0.8 seconds) and the operation of the fourth period T6 (for example, 6 seconds) are performed. It is controlled to repeat the stop of 5.2 seconds). Further, the control unit 12 sets a delay time t (for example, 1.8 seconds) from the start of operation of the heat stimulation unit 10 in order to allow the seater of the seat 3 to perceive the heat stimulation h and the tactile stimulation f substantially at the same time. Then, the tactile stimulus unit 11 is operated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the thermal stimulus h is repeatedly applied to the temperature changing region in a predetermined cycle T1, and the tactile stimulus f is repeatedly given to the induction region in a cycle T4 which substantially coincides with the cycle T1. Is given.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 12 operates the heat stimulation unit 10 so as to raise the temperature of the temperature changing region by applying the heat stimulation h intermittently. The heat stimulating unit 10 raises the temperature of the temperature changing region in the first period T2 (heating period), stops the operation, and lowers the temperature of the temperature changing region in the third period T3 (heat dissipation period). And, as a whole, the average temperature of the skin rises slowly. Vertically, the absolute value of the temperature change rate in the temperature changing region in the heat dissipation period T3 is smaller than the absolute value of the temperature change rate in the temperature changing region in the heating period T2. Therefore, in the heating period T2, the skin temperature rises rapidly, and in the heat dissipation period T3, the skin temperature falls relatively slowly.

(2) Action of the warming device Next, the action of the warming device 1A having the above configuration will be described. By the operation of the warming device 1A, the heat stimulating unit 10 repeatedly applies heat stimulation (heating) h to the temperature-changing region of the skin surface of the back and waist of the seated person in contact with the seat back 4, and the seat back 4 The tactile stimulus (vibration) f is repeatedly applied to the induction region of the skin surface of the seated person in contact with the heat stimulus h at substantially the same timing as the thermal stimulus h. As a result, the seated person feels warmer than the actual skin temperature in the induction region where the tactile stimulus is given by the thermal illusion phenomenon (Thermal Referral).

(3) Effect of Example According to the warming device 1A of this example, the heat stimulating portion 10 that gives a heat stimulus h to the skin surface of the seated person of the seat 3 and the skin surface of the seated person of the seat 3 The tactile stimulus unit 11 that gives the tactile stimulus f and the thermal stimulus unit 10 are operated for the first period T2, and the tactile stimulus unit 11 is operated for the second period t later than the start of the first period T2. A control unit 12 that operates T5 and controls the operation of the thermal stimulation unit 10 and the tactile stimulation unit 11 so as to be repeated intermittently is provided. As a result, the thermal stimulus h and the tactile stimulus f can be locally and intermittently applied to the skin surface of the seated person of the seat 3 at substantially the same timing, and the tactile stimulus f is given by the thermal illusion phenomenon (Thermal Referral). It is possible to make the area to be warmed up more than the actual skin temperature. As a result, the area of the heat stimulating unit 10 can be reduced and the energy consumption can be greatly reduced, as compared with the conventional seat heater in which the heater is provided in the entire range where the feeling of warmth is desired.

In particular, in the warming device 1A of the present embodiment, the heat stimulating unit 10 heats the human skin surface by repeating the heating period T2 and the heat dissipation period T3. In this way, since the temperature of the human skin surface is changed in small steps, the rate of temperature rise of the skin can be sufficiently increased. When the temperature rise rate of the skin is high, a feeling of warmth is likely to occur, so that a temperature illusion phenomenon is likely to occur. That is, a person relatively strongly develops a warm temperature sensation even in an unheated induction region.

Further, in the warming device 1A of the present embodiment, a person feels a warming sensation due to heating and a warming sensation due to a temperature illusion phenomenon in a complex manner. By redistributing or emphasizing the warm sensation felt in the heated portion, the warm sensation device 1A can make the warm sensation stronger than the actual temperature in the induction region. Further, the warming device 1A does not need to heat the entire volume of air in the automobile, but only needs to locally heat a part of the human skin. Therefore, the warming device 1A can make a person feel more warmth in the automobile at a stage where the heating appliance is just turned on and the inside of the automobile is not so warm. That is, human comfort is improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the warming device 1A actually heats only a part of the human skin. Therefore, each heat stimulating unit 10 may be small. Further, the amount of heat output by the warming device 1A may be small. From these facts, the power consumption of heating appliances such as heaters and air conditioners can be suppressed, and an energy saving effect can be expected.

Further, in this embodiment, the heat dissipation period T3 is longer than the heating period T2. In the heat dissipation period T3, since the skin is naturally cooled, the skin temperature rises rapidly in the heating period T2, and the skin temperature falls relatively slowly in the heat dissipation period T3. Since the heat dissipation period T3 is longer than the heating period T2, the temperature of the skin can be gradually raised as a whole. That is, excessive heating of the skin can be suppressed.

Further, in this embodiment, the heat stimulating portion 10 is arranged at the high sitting pressure portion 4a of the seat back 4, and the tactile stimulating portion 11 is arranged at the low sitting pressure portion 4b of the seat back 4. As a result, the heat stimulus h effectively gives a warm feeling to the seated person's back, waist, and other parts with high sitting pressure, and the temperature illusion phenomenon generated by the tactile stimulus f causes the seated person's shoulders and body sides. A feeling of warmth is effectively given to a part having a low sitting pressure such as. Further, even if the area of the heat stimulating portion 10 provided on the seat back 4 is reduced, a warm feeling is given by the tactile stimulus f to a portion having a low sitting pressure such as the shoulder portion and the body side portion of the seated person. Robustness against physical disparity is enhanced.
On the other hand, when a portion where the seating pressure of the seated person is low is heated by the heater, the heat is difficult to be transmitted when the contact pressure is low, so that the heating efficiency is lowered. On the other hand, tactile stimuli such as vibration are easily transmitted even if the contact pressure is low.

<Other forms>
Next, the warming device 1B according to another embodiment will be described, but the same components as those of the above-mentioned warming device 1A are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(1) Configuration of warming device This warming device 1B is used for the seat cushion 5 as shown by virtual lines in FIGS. 1 and 2. The warming device 1B includes a heat stimulating unit 20, a tactile stimulating unit 21, and a control unit 12.

The heat stimulating unit 20 applies heat stimulation h to the temperature-changing region of the skin surface of the seated person in contact with the seat cushion 5. The heat stimulating unit 20 is a planar heater that heats a temperature changing region. Further, a plurality (two in the figure) of the heat stimulating portions 20 are arranged at the high sitting pressure portions 5a located on the rear side in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 5.

The tactile stimulus unit 21 gives the tactile stimulus f to the induction region on the skin surface of the seated person in contact with the seat cushion 5. The tactile stimulus unit 21 is a vibrator (specifically, a voice coil motor) that gives vibration to the induction region. Further, a plurality of tactile stimulating portions 21 (two in the figure) are arranged in the low sitting pressure portion 5b located in front of the high sitting pressure portion 5a in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 5.

(2) Action and effect of the warming device By operating the warming device 1B having the above configuration, the heat stimulating unit 20 heats (heats) the temperature-changing region of the skin surface of the buttock of the seated person in contact with the seat cushion 5. While h is repeatedly given, the tactile stimulus (vibration) f is repeatedly given to the induction region on the skin surface on the back side of the thigh of the seated person in contact with the seat cushion 5 at substantially the same timing as the thermal stimulus h. As a result, the seated person feels a warmer feeling than the actual skin temperature in the induction region where the tactile stimulus f is given by the thermal illusion phenomenon (Thermal Referral).

According to the above-mentioned warming device 1B, in addition to exhibiting substantially the same action and effect as the above-mentioned warming device 1A, the heat stimulating unit 20 is arranged at the high sitting pressure portion 5a of the seat cushion 5, and the tactile stimulating unit 21 Since it is arranged in the low sitting pressure portion 5b of the seat cushion 5, the thermal stimulus h effectively gives a warm feeling to the seated person's buttocks and other high sitting pressure portions, and the temperature generated by the tactile stimulus f. The illusion phenomenon effectively gives a feeling of warmth to a part having low sitting pressure such as the thigh of the seated person. Further, even if the area of the heat stimulating portion 20 provided on the seat cushion 5 is reduced, a feeling of warmth is given by the tactile stimulus f to a portion having a low sitting pressure such as the thigh of the seated person, so that there is a difference in body size of the seated person. Robustness is enhanced.

<Experimental example>
Next, an experimental example relating to the thermal illusion phenomenon (Thermal Referral) will be described. As an experimental method, while heating two places on the left calf of the subject, a heating part is placed on the back of the right foot and a vibrating part is placed on the back of the left foot. The back of the left foot is temperature-controlled so as to be constant at 32 ° C. The back of the foot is the instep. The two calves on the left are heated alternately in a pulsed manner. The subject receives vibrations on the back of his left foot while heating two parts of his left calf. The subject can operate the adjusting device for the heating part of the back of the right foot. The subject operates the adjusting device for the heating part of the right back so that the right back and the left back feel the same warmth while the left calf is being heated and the left back is vibrated. .. In this state, the temperatures of the two points on the left calf of the subject and the backs of the left and right feet are measured. The skin segment including the calf and the skin segment including the back of the foot are adjacent to each other.

According to the results of the above experiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the skin temperature of the back of the right foot and the back of the left foot gradually rises and falls gradually as a whole. The temperature of the back of the left foot maintains a constant value of about 32 ° C. The temperature of the back of the right foot is rising due to heating by the heating part. After 100 seconds from the start of the experiment, the temperature of the back of the left foot is 32 ° C, and the temperature of the back of the right foot and the left calf is about 38 ° C to 39 ° C. The experiment was completed after 100 seconds had passed. As described above, the temperature difference between the back of the right foot and the back of the left foot is about 6 ° C. 100 seconds after the start of the experiment. However, the subject has the illusion that the back of the right foot and the back of the left foot are at the same temperature. In this way, when vibration is applied to the back of the left foot along with pulse heating to the left calf, the subject feels warmth on the back of the left foot even though the temperature of the back of the left foot has not risen.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention according to the purpose and application. That is, in the above embodiment, the seat 3 may be a combination of the warming devices 1A and 1B, or the sheet 3 may be a sheet 3 using only one of the warming devices 1A and 1B.

Further, in the above embodiment, the warming devices 1A and 1B configured by combining a pair of tactile stimulating units 11 and 21 and heat stimulating units 10 and 20 adjacent to each other have been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, As shown in FIG. 9, the thermal sensation devices 1A and 1B may be configured by combining a single thermal stimulus unit 10 and 20 with respect to a plurality of tactile stimulus units 11 and 21.

Further, in the above embodiment, the heat stimulating parts 10 and 20 provided on the skin material of the sheet 3 are illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the heat stimulating parts 10 and 20 provided in the sheet 3 may be used. .. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the tactile stimulating units 11 and 21 provided in the seat 3 have been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the tactile stimulating units 11 and 21 provided on the skin material of the seat 3 may be used. ..

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the seat 3 includes an ottoman 6 as a footrest, the tactile stimulating unit 11 is arranged at the front end portion of the ottoman 6 in the anteroposterior direction, and the thermal stimulating unit 10 is the ottoman 6. It can be placed behind the front end portion in the anteroposterior direction of. As a result, even if the ottoman 6 is used while wearing shoes, vibration stimulation can be effectively applied to the foot.

The above examples are for illustration purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference to typical embodiments, the language used in the description and illustration of the invention is understood to be descriptive and exemplary rather than restrictive. As described in detail here, modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention in that form. Although specific structures, materials and examples have been referred to herein in detail of the invention, it is not intended to limit the invention to the disclosures herein, but rather the invention is claimed in the accompanying claims. It shall cover all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses within the scope.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments detailed above, and various modifications or modifications can be made within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

The present invention is widely used as a technique for giving a warm feeling to a seated person.

1A, 1B; warmth device, 3; automobile seat, 4; seat back, 4a; high sitting pressure part, 4b; low sitting pressure part, 5; seat cushion, 5a; high sitting pressure part, 5b; low sitting pressure part, 10, 20; thermal stimulation unit 11,21; tactile stimulation unit, 12; control unit.

Claims (5)

It is a warming device to give a warm feeling to the seated person.
A heat stimulating portion that gives a heat stimulus to the skin surface of the seated person of the sheet, and
A tactile stimulus portion that gives a tactile stimulus to the skin surface of the seated person of the sheet,
The heat stimulating unit is operated for the first period, and the tactile stimulating unit is operated for the second period after a predetermined time from the start of the first period, and the heat stimulating unit and the tactile stimulus are intermittently operated. A control unit that controls the operation of the unit repeatedly,
A warming device characterized by being provided with. The heat stimulating portion is arranged at a high sitting pressure portion where the seating pressure of the seated person is high on the seat.
The warming device according to claim 1, wherein the tactile stimulating portion is arranged at a low sitting pressure portion where the sitting pressure of the seated person on the seat is lower than that of the high sitting pressure portion. The seat is provided with a seat back that serves as a backrest for the seated person.
The heat stimulating portion is arranged at the high sitting pressure portion located on the center side with respect to the seating position reference of the seated person in the width direction of the seat back.
The warming device according to claim 2, wherein the tactile stimulating portion is arranged at the low sitting pressure portion located outside the high sitting pressure portion in the width direction of the seat back. The seat is provided with a seat cushion that serves as a seat for the seated person.
The heat stimulating portion is arranged at the high sitting pressure portion located on the rear side in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion.
The warming device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the tactile stimulating portion is arranged at the low sitting pressure portion located in front of the high sitting pressure portion in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion. A vehicle seat comprising the warming device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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