JP2022073921A - Seat air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a seat air conditioner suppressing deterioration in air conditioning efficiency.SOLUTION: A seat air conditioner 3 includes: a blower 34; a first ventilation passage 31 guiding air sucked through a first air intake port 31a provided to a seat part 10 on which a person on a seat 1 is seated, by the blower 34; a second ventilation passage 32 discharging the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 by the blower 34 through a first discharge port 32a provided to the seat 1; a third ventilation passage 33 different from the second ventilation passage 32 and discharging the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 through a second discharge port 33a provided to the seat 1; and a discharge ventilation passage selecting and switching part 35 provided on a side of the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a nearer than the blower 34, and selecting at least one ventilation passage of the second ventilation passage 32 and the third ventilation passage 33 to change the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31. The first air intake port 31a is disposed on a place vertically downward of the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates to a seat air conditioner that blows air to a person seated in the seat.

Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional vehicle seat air conditioner. The vehicle seat air conditioner is provided on the vehicle seat, and air is provided by a distribution duct that distributes the seat back air passage and the seat cushion seat air passage, and air conditioning air from the vehicle interior air conditioning unit that air-conditions the vehicle interior. It is equipped with a blower that sucks in from the suction port and blows out from the air outlet to lead to the distribution duct.

JP-A-2015-89682A

For example, in many seat air conditioners used as conventional vehicle seat air conditioners, a blower provided on the seat sucks a part of the air discharged by the vehicle interior air conditioner unit for air-conditioning the vehicle interior. However, in particular, when the vehicle interior air-conditioning unit is originally used to air-condition the vehicle interior, part of the cold air is consumed by the heat capacity of the seat heated under the scorching sun, so that the entire vehicle interior cannot be sufficiently air-conditioned. There is. That is, the air conditioning efficiency such as the cooling efficiency and the heating efficiency of the entire vehicle interior is lowered, so that it tends to be impossible to appropriately control the temperature of the entire vehicle interior. For example, in the summer when the temperature of the vehicle is high, the heat tends to be trapped in the vehicle, so the air sucked into the seat is also hot at the time of starting the vehicle interior air conditioning unit, and it is difficult to supply cold air to the seat. ..

Therefore, in the present disclosure, a seat air conditioner capable of suppressing a decrease in air conditioning efficiency is provided.

The seat air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a seat air conditioner used for a seat, and is sucked from a blower and a first intake port provided in a seat for a person to sit on the seat by the blower. A first ventilation path for guiding the air, a second ventilation path for discharging the air guided to the first ventilation path by the blower from the first discharge port provided on the sheet, and the second ventilation path. A third ventilation path for discharging the air guided to the first ventilation path by the blower from the second discharge port provided on the sheet, and the first discharge port rather than the blower. And a discharge ventilation passage provided on the second discharge port side and switching the air guided to the first ventilation passage by selecting at least one of the second ventilation passage and the third ventilation passage. The first intake port, the first ventilation path, the blower, the discharge ventilation path selection switching section, the second ventilation path, the first discharge port, the third ventilation path, and the selection switching section are provided. The second discharge port is built in the seat, the first intake port is arranged vertically below the first discharge port and the second discharge port, and the side on which a person sits on the seat portion. Air is taken in from the seat surface, which is the surface of the surface, and the first ventilation passage is provided in the seat portion, and reaches the discharge ventilation passage selection switching portion from the first intake port via the blower.

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 air conditioner of the present disclosure can suppress a decrease in air conditioning efficiency.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat provided with a seat air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat provided with a seat air conditioner in line II-II of FIG. 1 and a cross-sectional view of the seat. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a seat air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the seat air conditioner when the seat back is viewed from the front, and a top view showing the seat air conditioner when the seat is viewed from the upper surface. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat air conditioner according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an air flow path in the seat back when the first mode is executed, a schematic top view in the seat portion, and a schematic side view in the seat. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing an air flow path in the seat back when the second mode is executed, a schematic top view in the seat portion, and a schematic side view in the seat. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing an air flow path in the seat back when the third mode is executed, a schematic top view in the seat portion, and a schematic side view in the seat. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the seat provided with the seat air conditioner in the first modification of the embodiment and a cross-sectional view of the seat. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat provided with a seat air conditioner according to the second modification of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the seat provided with the seat air conditioner in the modified example 3 of the embodiment and a cross-sectional view of the seat. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat air conditioner in the modified example 4 of the embodiment.

The seat air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a seat air conditioner used for a seat, and is sucked from a blower and a first intake port provided in a seat for a person to sit on the seat by the blower. A first ventilation path for guiding the air, a second ventilation path for discharging the air guided to the first ventilation path by the blower from the first discharge port provided on the sheet, and the second ventilation path. A third ventilation path for discharging the air guided to the first ventilation path by the blower from the second discharge port provided on the sheet, and the first discharge port rather than the blower. And a discharge ventilation passage provided on the second discharge port side and switching the air guided to the first ventilation passage by selecting at least one of the second ventilation passage and the third ventilation passage. The first intake port, the first ventilation path, the blower, the discharge ventilation path selection switching section, the second ventilation path, the first discharge port, the third ventilation path, and the selection switching section are provided. The second discharge port is built in the seat, the first intake port is arranged vertically below the first discharge port and the second discharge port, and the side on which a person sits on the seat portion. Air is taken in from the seat surface, which is the surface of the surface, and the first ventilation passage is provided in the seat portion, and reaches the discharge ventilation passage selection switching portion from the first intake port via the blower.

According to this, air can be sucked from the first intake port provided in the seat by the blower, that is, the air convection around the seat can be sucked. In the present disclosure, the seat air conditioner directly supplies a portion of the air-conditioned cold or warm air to the seat, as compared to, for example, a conventional seat air conditioner applied to a vehicle. The cold air or warm air that is specifically discharged is less likely to be consumed by the sheet. For this reason, air that has been air-conditioned throughout the vehicle interior by the air conditioner is taken in from the first intake port, and the taken-in air is discharged from at least the first discharge port or the second discharge port and blown onto a person seated on the seat. , Can cool and warm a person's body.

Therefore, in this seat air conditioner, it is possible to suppress a decrease in air conditioning efficiency.

In particular, since the first intake port is arranged vertically below the first discharge port and the second discharge port, for example, a first intake port is provided at a place corresponding to the lower limbs of a person and a place corresponding to the upper body of the person. It is also possible to provide a first discharge port and a second discharge port. In this case, air is sucked in from the first intake port provided on the seat surface near the human body to generate an air flow in the vicinity of the body, and the sucked air is discharged from at least the first discharge port or the second discharge port. You can blow air on people with. As a result, it is possible to create an air flow that wraps around the human body, so that air-conditioned air can be retained around the person sitting on the seat, providing a comfortable air-conditioned environment with minimal air-conditioning energy. can do. More specifically, since air can be taken in from the first intake port formed on the seat surface of the seat, it is possible to suppress stuffiness due to sweating of the buttocks and thighs of the person in contact with the seat surface. can. Further, since the first discharge port and the second discharge port are arranged vertically above the first intake port, air can be blown to the upper body side of a person. In other words, since it is possible to create an air flow from the upper body side of the person to the points corresponding to the buttocks and thighs, it is possible to keep the conditioned air around the person sitting on the seat, and the minimum air conditioning. Energy can provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment.

Further, in the summer, when a person gets into the vehicle in a sweaty state, especially in the buttocks, the first intake port is arranged vertically below the seat from the first discharge port and the second discharge port, so that the first intake port is arranged from the buttocks. No air is discharged. As a result, it is possible to suppress human discomfort due to unnecessary cooling of the sweated buttocks.

In addition, the conventional vehicle seat air conditioner sucks in the air discharged by the vehicle interior air conditioner unit. However, in the summer, immediately after a person gets into the vehicle, the air-conditioning unit in the vehicle interior does not stand up sufficiently and sucks in warm air in a state where cold air is not discharged, so that warm air is discharged toward the person. The Rukoto. Therefore, a person may feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, since the seat air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure is not configured to directly suck in the discharged air of the air conditioner (vehicle interior air conditioning unit), it suppresses human discomfort due to the discharge of warm air. be able to.

Further, the seat has a first intake port, a first ventilation path, a blower, a discharge ventilation path selection switching unit, a second ventilation path, a first discharge port, a third ventilation path, and a second discharge, which constitute a seat air conditioner. Since the outlet is built-in, the configuration can be simplified.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first discharge port is arranged vertically below the second discharge port.

According to this, for example, by providing a first discharge port and a second discharge port at a location corresponding to the upper body of a person, air can be blown to the lower side of the upper body of the person by the first discharge port, or by the second discharge port. Air can be blown onto the upper side of a person's upper body. For this reason, air can be blown to a predetermined part of the human body, and by partially cooling or warming it, it is possible to keep the conditioned air around the person sitting on the seat, which is the minimum. With limited air conditioning energy, it is possible to provide a more comfortable air conditioning environment.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the discharge air passage selection switching unit guides the air guided to the first air passage only to the second air passage, thereby guiding the first discharge port. It has a first mode of discharging air from.

According to this, it is possible to prevent air from being blown to the lower side of the upper body such as the buttocks and waist of a person, in other words, to the upper side of the upper body such as the head and neck of a person. The air blown to the lower side of the upper body of a person by being discharged from the first discharge port is taken in from the first intake port of the seat surface, that is, the person sitting on the seat from the first discharge port. It is sucked into the first intake port through the lower side of the upper body. Therefore, it is possible to create an air flow that wraps from the lower side of the upper body of a person to the buttocks and thighs.

To give a specific example, when a person is seated on the seat for a long time, or when the seat heater is turned on during heating of the air conditioner for air-conditioning around the seat, the first mode is executed. It is possible to prevent the part where the person is in contact with the sheet from getting stuffy. As another example, it is a mode in which air is not discharged from the second discharge port immediately after a person sits on the seat when the seat is warm, or immediately after starting the air conditioner when the person is sweating. By executing the first mode, it is possible to suppress the discomfort of being too cold by not spraying on the head and neck of a warm person. Therefore, the conditioned air can be kept around the person sitting on the seat, and a more comfortable conditioned environment can be provided with the minimum conditioned energy.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the discharge air passage selection switching unit guides the air guided to the first air passage only to the third air passage, thereby guiding the second discharge port. It has a second mode of discharging air from the air.

According to this, it is possible to prevent air from being blown to the upper side of the upper body such as the head and neck of a person, in other words, to the lower side of the upper body such as the buttocks and waist of a person. The air blown to the upper side of the upper body of a person by being discharged from the second discharge port is taken in from the first intake port of the seat surface, that is, the person sitting on the seat from the second discharge port. It is sucked into the first intake port through the upper side of the upper body. Therefore, it is possible to create an air flow that surrounds the upper side of the upper body of a person and the buttocks and thighs.

To give a specific example, by lowering the temperature around the seat with an air conditioner, the back and waist of a person may be wet with sweat even if the heat remaining on the seat is cooled. In this case, by executing the second mode, the acromion, neck, head, etc. can be cooled while preventing the back and waist of the person from being excessively cooled. Therefore, the conditioned air can be kept around the person sitting on the seat, and a more comfortable conditioned environment can be provided with the minimum conditioned energy.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the discharge air passage selection switching unit simultaneously guides the air guided to the first air passage to the second air passage and the third air passage. It has a third mode in which air is simultaneously discharged from the first discharge port and the second discharge port.

According to this, the air blown to a person by being discharged from the first discharge port and the second discharge port is taken in from the first intake port on the seat surface, that is, the first discharge port and the second discharge port. It is sucked into the first intake port from the exit through a person seated on the seat. Therefore, it is possible to create an air flow that substantially envelops the entire human body, including the entire upper body of the human body, the buttocks, and the thighs.

To give a specific example, by lowering the temperature around the seat with an air conditioner, even if the heat remaining on the seat is discharged, when there is a lot of solar radiation, when sitting for a long time, etc. You may have a fever in your body. In this case, the whole body of the person can be cooled by executing the third mode. Further, when it is desired to reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner, the whole body of a person can be cooled by executing the third mode. For this reason, it is possible to keep the conditioned air around the person sitting on the seat, to provide a more comfortable conditioned environment, and to suppress the energy consumption of the system including the air conditioner. You can also.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a control unit for controlling the blower and the discharge air passage selection switching unit is provided, and the discharge air passage selection switching unit is guided to the first ventilation passage. The first mode in which the air is discharged from the first discharge port by guiding the air to only the second ventilation passage, and the air guided to the first ventilation passage is guided only to the third ventilation passage. The first discharge port and the second are obtained by simultaneously guiding the air guided to the first ventilation passage to the second ventilation passage and the third ventilation passage in the second mode in which the air is discharged from the second discharge port. It has a third mode in which air is discharged from the discharge port at the same time, and the control unit selects one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode to discharge the air. Switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit.

According to this, since the control unit can select any mode from the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, it appropriately cools or warms according to the state and desire of the person. be able to.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor is provided, and the control unit includes information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. Based on the information indicating the detected humidity, the mode of the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit is switched.

According to this, since the temperature and humidity in the vicinity of the seat can be detected, the mode of the discharge air passage selection switching unit can be switched so as to generate an air flow that the person feels comfortable with. Further, for example, the result of detecting the temperature and humidity can be output to the air conditioner. Therefore, the air conditioner can perform air conditioning based on the result of detecting the temperature and humidity.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor is arranged in the first ventilation passage or the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit.

According to this, the temperature and humidity on the surface of the seat, specifically, the temperature corresponding to the buttocks and thighs of the person sitting on the seat, and the temperature between the buttocks and thighs and the seat surface. Humidity can be detected accurately. Therefore, it is possible to switch the mode of the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit so as to generate an air flow that the person feels more comfortable.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first ventilation passage communicates with a second intake port which is an intake port different from the first intake port, and the second intake port is the seat. It is formed on a surface other than the seat surface.

According to this, since the first air passage communicates not only with the first intake port but also with the second intake port, the air sucked from the first intake port between the seat surface and the person and other than the seat surface It can be mixed with the air sucked from the formed second intake port. In this way, since the air around the seat can be positively taken in, it is possible to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting on the seat.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first discharge port is arranged at a position corresponding to at least one of the back and waist of a person, and the second discharge port is , Positioned corresponding to at least one of a person's head, neck, and acromion.

According to this, if air is discharged from the first discharge port, air can be blown to at least one of the back and waist of a person, and if air is discharged from the second discharge port. , At least one of a person's head, neck, and acromion can be blown with air. Therefore, it is possible to partially cool or warm the human body, and it is also possible to substantially cool or warm the whole body of the person. Therefore, the conditioned air can be kept around the person sitting on the seat, and a more comfortable conditioned environment can be provided with the minimum conditioned energy.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit drives the blower, the discharge air passage selection switching unit is first switched to the first mode, and then the second mode. The mode is switched, and then the third mode is switched.

According to this, seat air conditioning is performed in a mode that adapts to the ever-changing changes in the vehicle interior environment, especially immediately after a person gets into the vehicle in the summer until the cooling of the air conditioner progresses. , Air-conditioned air can be retained around the person sitting on the seat, and a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided with the minimum air-conditioning energy.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit is based on at least one of information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and information indicating the humidity detected by the humidity sensor. When at least one of the temperature and the humidity becomes stable within a predetermined range, the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit is switched to the first mode.

According to this, in the state where the cooling by the air conditioner is stable, the air is discharged from the back and the waist and not to the head, neck, and shoulder peaks, so that the head, neck, and shoulder peaks are discharged. It is possible to maintain a comfortable air-conditioning environment by suppressing the overcooling of the head and maintaining the air flow that is wrapped from the back and the waist to the legs.

Further, in the vehicle seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first intake port is formed at the central portion and the outer edge portion of the seat surface.

According to this, air is sucked from the first intake port formed in the central part of the seat surface between the buttocks and the thigh and the seat surface, so that the buttock and the thigh of a person are stuffy. It can be suppressed. Further, since the first intake port formed on the outer edge of the seat surface is formed at a position where it is difficult to be covered by the buttocks and thighs of a person, air around the seat can be taken in. For example, even if air cannot be taken in from the first intake port formed in the central portion of the seat surface, air can be taken in from the first intake port formed in the outer edge portion of the seat surface. Therefore, air can be discharged from the first and second discharge ports.

Further, in the vehicle seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer edge portion is at least one of the inner portion of the seat surface and the front end portion.

According to this, even in the outer edge portion of the seat surface, particularly the inner portion and the front end portion of the seat surface are less likely to be covered by the buttocks and thighs of a person. Therefore, the accuracy that air can be taken in from the first intake port is further increased.

Further, in the vehicle seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second intake port arranged at a position different from the first intake port and a fourth ventilation passage connected to the second intake port. The intake air passage selection switching unit connected to the first air passage and the fourth air passage is provided, the intake air passage selection switching unit is connected to the control unit, and the blower is the intake air passage selection switching unit. The intake air passage selection switching unit is connected between the unit and the discharge air passage selection switching unit, and the intake air passage selection switching unit has a fourth mode in which the first air passage is connected to the blower and the fourth ventilation path is connected to the blower. The control unit has a fifth mode for connecting and a sixth mode for connecting the first ventilation passage and the fourth ventilation passage to the blower, and the control unit has the fourth mode, the fifth mode, and the sixth mode. By selecting one of the modes, the mode of the intake air passage selection switching unit is switched.

According to this, the air sucked from the first intake port between the seat surface and the person and the air sucked from the second intake port formed other than the seat surface can be selected and mixed. If the temperature of the air sucked in from the second intake port is different from the temperature of the air sucked in from the first intake port, by selecting and mixing these, finer temperature control becomes possible, so sit on the seat. It is possible to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for those who are.

Further, in the vehicle seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (1) sets the intake air passage selection switching unit to the fourth mode and the discharge air passage selection switching unit to the first mode. The mode is switched, (2) the intake air passage selection switching unit is switched to the fifth mode, the discharge air passage selection switching unit is switched to the second mode, and (3) the intake air passage selection switching unit is switched to the sixth mode. It has an operation procedure of switching to a mode, (4) switching the intake air passage selection switching unit to the fourth mode, and (5) switching the discharge air passage selection switching unit to the third mode.

According to this, for example, when a person gets into a car in the middle of summer, even if cold air cannot be emitted from the air conditioner, the operation (1) first blows air only to the person's waist and back, and the heat of vaporization due to sweat. Can give a feeling of coldness. At this time, do not blow on the neck and shoulders so that the lukewarm wind does not hit. Next, when cold air starts to come out from the air conditioner by the operation of (2), the cold air is positively taken in from the second intake port and the air to the waist and back wet with sweat is stopped (suppressing overcooling). Blow out from the neck and shoulders to cool. Next, by the operation of (3), intake is also performed from the first intake port on the seat surface, and the comfort is improved by starting the generation of the air flow that envelops the person. Next, by the operation of (4), only the airflow that surrounds the person is generated, and the intake of cold air from the air conditioner is stopped so as not to be too cold. Next, by the operation of (5), not only the neck and shoulders but also the waist and back are blown to suppress the heat buildup of the waist and back due to long-time riding. By having such an operation procedure in the control of the control unit, it is possible to improve the comfort especially when riding in the middle of summer.

Further, in the vehicle seat air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in the control unit, the intake air passage selection switching unit continues the fourth mode or the sixth mode for a first predetermined period. At the same time, the intake air passage selection switching unit is switched to the fifth mode and the discharge air passage selection switching unit is alternately switched between the first mode and the second mode for a second predetermined period.

According to this, when the generation of the airflow surrounding the person continues, and especially when the driver's tension is relaxed, the air of the air conditioner whose temperature is different from that of the seat surface (first intake port) is taken into the second intake air. It is possible to alert the driver by inhaling air only from the mouth and alternately blowing air to the driver's waist, back and neck, and shoulders.

In addition, in this embodiment, the description of a person's neck and acromion will be described as including the vicinity of the neck and the upper back portion in the vicinity of the acromion.

It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, the 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 are 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 the 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 sheet, that is, the direction perpendicular to each of the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is referred to as a 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 when viewed in FIG. 1) in the Y-axis direction is referred to as a plus direction side, and the opposite side thereof is referred to as a minus direction side. Further, the right side is the right side of the person with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle when the person is seated on the seat, and is in the minus direction of the Y axis. Further, the left side is the left side of the person with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle when the person is seated on the seat, and is the Y-axis plus direction. Further, the upper side of the seat in the Z-axis direction 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)
<Structure: Sheet 1>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the seat 1 provided with the seat air conditioner 3 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the seat 1 provided with the seat air conditioner 3 in line II-II of FIG. 1 and a cross-sectional view of the seat. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the seat air conditioner 3 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, for example, a seat 1 mounted on a vehicle or the like blows air onto the upper body of a person to cool or warm the person seated in the seat 1. Specifically, the seat 1 can cool or warm the human body by blowing air onto the head, neck, acromion, back, waist, and the like of the person seated on the seat 1. It is also possible to generate an air flow by sucking air from the portion corresponding to the buttocks and the thighs, and suppress the stuffiness between the buttocks and the thighs and the sheet 1. Such a seat 1 includes a seat portion 10 for a person to sit on, a seat back 13, a headrest 15, a seat air conditioner 3, and a power supply unit 70.

[Seat 10]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat portion 10 is a seat cushion that supports the buttocks, thighs, and the like of a person seated on the seat 1. The seat portion 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 seat 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 buttocks, thighs, and the like of the seated person.

The first seat pad 11a is provided with a first ventilation passage 31 for guiding air taken in from the first vent 12a of the seat surface 11c, which is the surface on the Z-axis plus direction side of the first seat cover 11b. .. Immediately below the first seat pad 11a, there are a first ventilation passage 31, a part of the second ventilation passage 32, a part of the third ventilation passage 33, a blower 34, and a discharge ventilation, which are components of the seat air conditioner 3. A road selection switching unit 35 and the like are provided. Specifically, these are fixed to the springs directly under the first seat pad 11a, but the description of the springs is omitted in FIG. The components of the seat air conditioner 3 are not limited to the configuration fixed to the spring, and may be fixed to the seat frame in the front portion of the first seat pad 11a. By driving the blower 34, air flows into the first ventilation passage 31 in the first seat pad 11a. The first ventilation passage 31 formed in the first seat pad 11a may be a simple through hole formed in the first seat pad 11a, or may be composed of a ventilation duct.

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

The first seat cover 11b is formed with a first vent 12a for sucking air. The first ventilation port 12a is a seat surface 11c which is a surface on the side where a person sits on the seat portion 10 (a surface on the Z-axis plus direction side), and is located at a position corresponding to the first intake port 31a of the seat air conditioner 3. It is formed. In the present embodiment, a plurality of first vents 12a are formed with respect to the first seat cover 11b along the X-axis direction, and a plurality of rows arranged in the Y-axis direction are formed. In FIG. 1, the solid arrow corresponds to the first vent 12a.

The air sucked from the first ventilation port 12a is guided to the first intake port 31a of the seat air conditioner 3, is taken in from the first intake port 31a, and is guided to the first ventilation passage 31. Therefore, the first ventilation port 12a also serves as an intake port for sucking the air convected on the seat surface 11c by the suction force from the first intake port 31a driven by the seat air conditioner 3. The first vent 12a may be a part of the first ventilation passage 31. In this case, the first vent 12a is an example of the first intake port.

[Seat back 13]
The seat back 13 is a backrest portion that supports the acromion, back, and waist of the person seated on the seat 1. The seat back 13 is long along the Z-axis direction and is arranged so as to stand up against the seat portion 10. The seat back 13 has a second seat pad 13a corresponding to a cushion material and a second seat cover 13b covering the second seat pad 13a.

The second seat pad 13a is made of, for example, urethane foam or the like, and has a configuration in the lower part of the seat back 13 so that the backrest angle can be adjusted around the Y axis according to the posture. The second seat pad 13a supports the acromion, back, waist and the like of the seated person.

The second seat pad 13a is provided with a part of the second ventilation passage 32 and a part of the third ventilation passage 33 for discharging the air taken in from the first ventilation port 12a. In the second seat pad 13a, the air that has flowed into the first ventilation passage 31 in the first seat pad 11a by the drive of the blower 34 is the first of the first discharge port 32a and the third ventilation passage 33 of the second ventilation passage 32. 2 Discharge is discharged from at least one of the discharge ports 33a. The second ventilation passage 32 and the third ventilation passage 33 formed in the second seat pad 13a may be merely through holes formed in the first seat pad 11a, or may be composed of a ventilation duct.

The second seat cover 13b is a cover that covers the second seat pad 13a. The second seat cover 13b is, for example, a leather cover, a fiber cover, or the like.

The second seat cover 13b is formed with a second vent 12b and a third vent 12c for discharging the sucked air. The second vent 12b is a surface facing the person seated on the seat 10 (the surface on the plus direction side of the X axis), and is formed at a position corresponding to the first discharge port 32a of the second ventilation passage 32. .. Further, the third ventilation port 12c is a surface facing the person seated on the seat portion 10, and is formed at a position corresponding to the second discharge port 33a of the third ventilation passage 33. The third vent 12c is arranged vertically above the second vent 12b, that is, on the Z-axis plus direction side. In the present embodiment, a plurality of second vents 12b and third vents 12c are formed with respect to the second seat cover 13b, respectively. In FIG. 1, the broken line arrow corresponds to the second vent passage 32, and the alternate long and short dash arrow corresponds to the third vent passage 33.

Specifically, the plurality of second vents 12b are divided into three groups, the first group of the three groups is formed in the central portion of the second seat cover 13b in the Y-axis direction, and the rest. The two second groups and the third group are formed on the second seat cover 13b so as to be arranged on both sides in the Y-axis plus direction and the Y-axis minus direction with respect to the central portion. That is, the first group is formed on the part of the second seat cover 13b corresponding to at least one part of the back and the waist of the person, and the second group and the third group are both arms or. It is formed at the position corresponding to both sides.

Further, the plurality of third vents 12c are also divided into three groups, the fourth group of the three groups is formed in the central portion of the second seat cover 13b in the Y-axis direction, and the remaining two second groups are formed. The group 5 and the group 6 are formed on the second seat cover 13b so as to be arranged on both sides of the Y-axis plus direction and the Y-axis minus direction with respect to the central portion. For example, the fourth group is formed on the portion of the second seat cover 13b corresponding to at least one of the human head, neck, and acromion, and the fifth and sixth groups are , It is formed in the position corresponding to both ears or acromion.

The plurality of second vents 12b are guided by the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32, and the air discharged from the first discharge port 32a passes through them. That is, when the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32 by the drive of the seat air conditioner 3 is discharged from the first discharge port 32a, the air is guided to the second ventilation port 12b. Therefore, the second vent 12b also serves as a discharge port for discharging air to the outside of the sheet 1. The second vent 12b may be a part of the second ventilation passage 32. In this case, the second vent 12b is an example of the first discharge port.

Further, the air discharged from the second discharge port 33a is also guided to the first ventilation path 31 and the third ventilation path 33 through the plurality of third ventilation ports 12c. That is, when the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 and the third ventilation passage 33 by the drive of the seat air conditioner 3 is discharged from the second discharge port 33a, the air is guided to the third ventilation port 12c. Therefore, the third vent 12c also serves as a discharge port for discharging air to the outside of the sheet 1. The third vent 12c may be a part of the third ventilation passage 33. In this case, the third vent 12c is an example of the second discharge port.

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

The third vent 12c may be formed in the headrest 15. That is, a part of the third ventilation passage 33 may be provided in the headrest 15.

[Seat air conditioner 3]
The seat air conditioner 3 is an air conditioner used for the seat 1 and capable of blowing air from behind the person toward the person seated on the seat 1. The seat air conditioner 3 sucks convective air around the seat 1 and blows the sucked air to blow air. Therefore, if the temperature around the sheet 1 is higher than normal temperature, it becomes warm air, and if it is lower than normal temperature, it becomes cold air. The seat air conditioner 3 may be equipped with an air conditioner capable of performing heating and cooling.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the seat air conditioner 3 when the seat back 13 is viewed from the front, and a top view showing the seat air conditioner 3 when the seat 10 is viewed from the top.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the seat air conditioner 3 includes a blower 34, a first ventilation passage 31, a second ventilation passage 32, a third ventilation passage 33, a discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35, and the like. It includes a sensor 50 and a control unit 60.

The blower 34 takes in air from the first vent 12a formed in the first seat cover 11b of the seat 1, and the taken in air is taken into the second vent 12b and the third vent 12b formed in the second seat pad 13a. It can be discharged from 12c. Specifically, the blower 34 is electrically connected to the control unit 60 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 60 to take in air from the first intake port 31a via the first ventilation port 12a and take in air. The discharged air is discharged from the first discharge port 32a via the first ventilation path 31, the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 and the second ventilation path 32, and the intake air is selected from the first ventilation path 31 and the discharge ventilation path. It is discharged from the second discharge port 33a via the switching unit 35 and the third ventilation passage 33.

The blower 34 is arranged inside the first seat pad 11a (in the present embodiment, directly below the first seat pad 11a) in order to take in air from the first intake port 31a of the first seat cover 11b. In the present embodiment, the blower 34 is arranged on the first ventilation passage 31, but the flow path through which air flows from the first intake port 31a of the first ventilation passage 31 to the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. If it can be formed, it may be arranged outside the first ventilation passage 31. The blower 34 may be arranged outside the first seat pad 11a, and the arrangement position is not particularly limited.

The first ventilation passage 31 guides the air sucked from the first intake port 31a provided in the seat portion 10 of the seat 1 by the blower 34. That is, air flows in the first ventilation passage 31. The first ventilation passage 31 is composed of, for example, a ventilation duct. One end of the first ventilation passage 31 forms the first intake port 31a, and the other end is connected to the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 via the blower 34. That is, the first ventilation passage 31 reaches the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 from the first intake port 31a via the blower 34. The first intake port 31a can take in air from the surface (seat surface 11c) on the side where a person sits on the seat portion 10, and corresponds to the first ventilation port 12a of the first seat cover 11b. .. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the first intake port 31a overlaps with the first ventilation port 12a. In the present embodiment, the first intake port 31a sucks air through the first ventilation port 12a, but may be configured to directly suck air.

In the second ventilation passage 32, the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 by the blower 34 flows in the second ventilation passage 32 and is discharged from the first discharge port 32a provided in the seat back 13 of the seat 1. The second ventilation passage 32 is composed of, for example, a ventilation duct. One end of the second ventilation passage 32 forms the first discharge port 32a, and the other end is connected to the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. The first discharge port 32a corresponds to the second ventilation port 12b of the second seat cover 13b. When viewed along the X-axis direction, the first discharge port 32a overlaps with the second ventilation port 12b. In the present embodiment, the first discharge port 32a discharges air through the second ventilation port 12b, but may be configured to directly discharge air.

The second ventilation passage 32 reaches the first discharge port 32a from the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. In the present embodiment, the second ventilation passage 32 extends from the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 in the first seat pad 11a to the second seat pad 13a. Further, in the present embodiment, the second ventilation passage 32 extends to the vicinity of the second vent 12b (first group) formed in the central portion of the second seat cover 13b in the Y-axis direction, and the first one. It is a substantially Y-shaped structure extending from the vicinity of the group in both the Y-axis plus direction and the Y-axis minus direction. The first discharge port 32a is formed at a portion of the second ventilation passage 32 corresponding to the first group and at the tip of each of the second ventilation passages 32 extending on both sides thereof. That is, the first discharge port 32a is arranged at a position corresponding to at least one of the back and waist of the person.

The third ventilation passage 33 is a ventilation passage different from the second ventilation passage 32, and the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 by the blower 34 flows in the third ventilation passage 33 and reaches the seat back 13 of the seat 1. Discharge from the provided second discharge port 33a. The third ventilation passage 33 is composed of, for example, a ventilation duct. One end of the third ventilation passage 33 forms the second discharge port 33a, and the other end is connected to the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. The second discharge port 33a corresponds to the third vent port 12c of the second seat cover 13b. When viewed along the X-axis direction, the second discharge port 33a overlaps with the third vent port 12c. In the present embodiment, the second discharge port 33a discharges air through the third ventilation port 12c, but may be configured to directly discharge air.

The third ventilation passage 33 reaches the second discharge port 33a from the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. In the present embodiment, the third ventilation passage 33 extends from the discharge ventilation passage selection switching portion 35 in the first seat pad 11a to the second seat pad 13a. Further, in the present embodiment, the third ventilation passage 33 extends to the vicinity of the third vent 12c (fourth group) formed in the central portion of the second seat cover 13b in the Y-axis direction, and the fourth. It is a substantially Y-shaped structure extending from the vicinity of the group in both the Y-axis plus direction and the Y-axis minus direction. The second discharge port 33a is formed at a portion of the third ventilation passage 33 corresponding to the fourth group and at the tip of each third ventilation passage 33 extending on both sides thereof. That is, the second discharge port 33a is arranged at a position corresponding to at least one of the human head, neck, and acromion.

Due to the configuration of the first ventilation passage 31, the second ventilation passage 32, and the third ventilation passage 33, the first intake port 31a, the first discharge port 32a, and the second discharge port 33a have the following relationship. The first intake port 31a is arranged vertically below the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a. Further, the first discharge port 32a is arranged vertically below the second discharge port 33a. As a result, the person seated on the seat 1 by discharging the air taken in from the parts corresponding to the human hips and thighs from the parts corresponding to the person's head, neck, acromion, back, waist, etc. Creates an air flow that wraps around.

The discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 is provided on the side of the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a with respect to the blower 34, and the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 is introduced into the second ventilation passage 32 and the third ventilation passage. Select and switch at least one of the 33 ventilation paths. The discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 is composed of a damper or the like, and can switch the air flow path, that is, the air passage. In the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31, the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 is arranged on the downstream side of the blower 34. The discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 simultaneously transfers the air guided to the first air passage 31 to only the second air passage 32, only the third air passage 33, and both the second air passage 32 and the third air passage 33. It is possible to selectively guide to either.

Specifically, the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 has a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. In the first mode, the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 is guided only to the second ventilation passage 32, so that the air is discharged from the first discharge port 32a. In the second mode, the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 is guided only to the third ventilation passage 33, so that the air is discharged from the second discharge port 33a. In the third mode, the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 is simultaneously guided to the second ventilation passage 32 and the third ventilation passage 33, so that the air is discharged from the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a at the same time. The discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 is electrically connected to the control unit 60 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 60 to select one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. Will be done.

[Sensor 50]
The sensor 50 detects a state related to the seat 1 and a state of a person sitting on the seat 1.

Specifically, the sensor 50 detects at least one of the temperature and humidity of the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 as the state relating to the seat 1. The sensor 50 is a temperature sensor 51 and a humidity sensor 52. In the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, both the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 are used as the sensor 50. In the present embodiment, the seat air conditioner 3 may include at least one of the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52. Here, the humidity sensor 52 is configured to measure and output relative humidity.

The temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 are arranged in the first ventilation passage 31 or the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. As a result, the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 apply the temperature corresponding to the buttocks and thighs of the person seated on the seat 1 and the humidity corresponding to the buttocks and thighs and the seat surface 11c. It can be detected with high accuracy. The temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 output the information indicating the temperature and the information indicating the humidity to the control unit 60 as a result of detecting the information.

Further, the sensor 50 detects the state of a person. The state of a person is the sweating state of the person, the sitting period, and the like. For example, the sensor 50 may include a sensor that detects the sitting period of a person seated on the seat 1, or may include an image pickup device that captures an image of the person. The sensor 50 that detects the sitting period may detect the sitting period based on, for example, the starting period of the vehicle, or may detect the sitting period, which is the period during which the presence of a person is continuously detected. The sensor 50 may output to the control unit 60 as a result of detecting the information indicating the seating period. Further, the sensor 50 may detect the sweating state of a person by taking an image of the person. The sensor 50 may output to the control unit 60 as a result of detecting the information indicating the sweating state of a person.

[Control unit 60]
The control unit 60 controls the blower 34 and the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35. The control unit 60 is a microcomputer that turns on / off the current flowing through the blower 34 and the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35, and controls the output of the blower 34 by changing the current value.

The control unit 60 switches the mode of the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 by selecting any of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. Further, even if the control unit 60 switches the mode of the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 based on at least one of the information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 and the information indicating the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 52. good.

For example, the control unit 60 may switch the mode of the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 according to the detection result detected by the sensor 50. Specifically, the control unit 60 executes control to switch the mode of the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 based on the sweating state of the person detected by imaging the state of the person using the sensor 50 of the image pickup device or the like. You may. Further, the control unit 60 may execute control to switch the mode of the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 based on the temperature around the seat 1 when a person is seated on the seat 1.

Further, the control unit 60 may have a function of communicating with the control unit of the air conditioner mounted on the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the air conditioner control unit 61). In this case, the control unit 60 can transmit the detection result of the sensor 50 to the air conditioner control unit 61 and receive the operating state of the air conditioner. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 60 will be described as being electrically connected to the air conditioner control unit 61.

[Power supply unit 70]
The power supply unit 70 is a power supply circuit that supplies electric power to the blower 34 and the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 via the control unit 60 and the like. Here, the power supply unit 70 is a DC power supply supplied from a battery (not shown). The power supply unit 70 is controlled by the control unit 60 to adjust the current supplied to the blower 34 and the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35.

<Processing>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat air conditioner 3 in the embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, the sensor 50 detects a state related to the seat 1 and a state of a person sitting on the seat 1 (S11). Specifically, the sensor 50 outputs information indicating the temperature of the seat 1, information indicating the humidity of the seat 1, etc. to the control unit 60 as a state related to the seat 1, or a state of a person sitting on the seat 1. As a result, information indicating a person's sweating state, information indicating a sitting period, and the like are output to the control unit 60. In the following, information indicating the temperature will be mainly described.

As a result acquired from the sensor 50, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the first condition is satisfied based on the state related to the seat 1 and the state of the person sitting on the seat 1 (S12).

For example, if the temperature of the sheet 1 is a predetermined temperature or higher (for example, 20 ° C. or higher) based on the information indicating the temperature of the sheet 1, it is considered that the temperature inside the sheet 1 is high and heat remains in the sheet 1. .. In this case, if air is blown out from the second discharge port 33a, warm air will be blown to the head, neck, acromion, etc. of the person, and the person may feel uncomfortable. In addition, even if cold air is blown onto a person's head, neck, acromion, etc. after the ambient temperature has stabilized, the person may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the first condition is satisfied as a determination item. When the first condition is satisfied, for example, immediately after the person is seated on the seat 1 (specifically, immediately after the person gets on the vehicle), when the person is sweating, or when the person is seated on the seat 1 for a long time. , Immediately after starting the air conditioner while the seat heater is turned on during heating of the air conditioner for air-conditioning the surroundings of the seat 1. Information indicating a state immediately after the start of the air conditioner conditioner is received by the control unit 60 by communication with the air conditioner control unit 61. At this time, the control unit 60 may receive information indicating whether the operation of the air conditioner is cooling or heating. Hereinafter, the same applies to the second condition and the third condition. The control unit 60 may determine whether or not the first condition is satisfied as a determination item based on the information indicating the humidity. For example, when the first condition is the first humidity or more (humidity is 90% or more), it may be determined that the first condition is satisfied in the same manner as described above.

When the control unit 60 determines that the first condition is satisfied (YES in S12), the control unit 60 selects the first mode, switches the mode of the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35, and causes the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 to change the mode. One mode is executed (S13).

FIG. 6a is a schematic plan view showing an air flow path in the seat back 13 when the first mode is executed, and a schematic top view of the seat portion 10, and FIG. 6b is a schematic top view in the seat 1. It is a side view. As shown in a of FIG. 6a and b of FIG. 6, when the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 executes the first mode, the air taken in from the first vent 12a of the seat surface 11c of the seat 1 is the first. It is guided to 1 intake port 31a, is sucked from the first intake port 31a and is guided to the first ventilation passage 31, and after reaching the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35, is guided to the second ventilation passage 32 and is guided to the first discharge port. It is discharged from 32a, passes through the second vent 12b, and is blown out to the outside of the sheet 1. As a result, for example, by blowing air on the back and waist of a person without blowing warm air on the head, neck, shoulder peaks, etc. of the person, from the lower side of the upper body of the person to the buttocks and thighs of the person. It can create a wrapping airflow. Further, even if cold air is not discharged from the first discharge port 32a when the human head, neck, acromion, etc. are sweating, the heat of vaporization of the sweat causes the human head, neck, acromion, etc. to be blown. It can be expected to cool down. Further, when a person is seated on the seat 1 for a long time, or when the seat heater is mounted on the seat 1 and the seat heater is turned on during heating of the air conditioner, the first mode is executed. This makes it possible to prevent the portion in contact with the sheet 1 from getting stuffy. The control unit 60 ends the process. Then, the control unit 60 repeats the process from step S11.

Further, when the control unit 60 determines that the first condition is not satisfied (NO in S12), the control unit 60 obtains from the sensor 50, and as a result, is based on the state related to the seat 1 and the state of the person sitting on the seat 1. , It is determined whether or not the second condition is satisfied (S14).

For example, if the temperature of the sheet 1 is lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, less than 20 ° C.) based on the information indicating the temperature of the sheet 1, it is considered that the temperature inside the sheet 1 is low. For example, when the back and waist of a person are wet with sweat, if air is blown out from the first discharge port 32a, cold air will be blown to the back and waist of the person, and the back and waist will be excessively cooled. It may end up. Therefore, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the second condition is satisfied as a determination item. When the second condition is satisfied, for example, the temperature around the seat 1 is lowered by an air conditioner for air-conditioning the circumference of the seat 1, and the back and waist are wet with sweat. The control unit 60 may determine whether or not the second condition is satisfied as a determination item based on the information indicating the humidity. For example, when the humidity is less than the first humidity and less than the second humidity (humidity less than 90% and 70% or more), it may be determined that the second condition is satisfied in the same manner as described above.

When the control unit 60 determines that the second condition is satisfied (YES in S14), the control unit 60 selects the second mode, switches the mode of the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35, and causes the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 to change the mode. Two modes are executed (S15).

7a is a schematic plan view showing an air flow path in the seat back 13 when the second mode is executed, and FIG. 7b is a schematic top view of the seat portion 10. FIG. 7b is a schematic view in the seat 1. It is a side view. As shown in a of FIG. 7a and b of FIG. 7, when the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 executes the second mode, the air taken in from the first vent 12a of the seat surface 11c of the seat 1 is the first. It is guided to the 1 intake port 31a, is taken in from the 1st intake port 31a, is guided to the 1st ventilation path 31, is guided to the 3rd ventilation path 33 after reaching the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35, and is guided to the 2nd discharge port. It is discharged from 33a, passes through the third vent 12c, and is blown out to the outside of the sheet 1. As a result, for example, by blowing air on the head, neck, and acromion of a person without blowing cold air on the back and waist, the upper side of the upper body of the person and the buttocks and thighs are wrapped. Can create an air flow. In addition, by blowing air on the head, neck, acromion, etc. of a person, it can be expected that the sympathetic nerve of the independent nerve activity of the person sitting on the seat 1 is suppressed and the parasympathetic nerve is activated. You can relax people. The control unit 60 ends the process. Then, the control unit 60 repeats the process from step S11.

Further, when the control unit 60 determines that the second condition is not satisfied (NO in S14), the control unit 60 obtains from the sensor 50, and as a result, is based on the state related to the seat 1 and the state of the person sitting on the seat 1. , It is determined that the third condition is satisfied.

For example, if the temperature of the sheet 1 is lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, less than 20 ° C.) based on the information indicating the temperature of the sheet 1, it is considered that the temperature inside the sheet 1 is low. For example, when the amount of solar radiation is large or when the person is seated for a long time, the back and waist may be stuffy due to the heat accumulated in the human body, and the whole body of the person may be cooled. There are also cases where you want to reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner. The control unit 60 may determine whether or not the third condition is satisfied as a determination item. When the first condition and the second condition are not satisfied, that is, when the third condition is satisfied, for example, the temperature around the seat 1 is lowered by the air conditioner, and the human body is filled with heat. This is when the back is stuffy, or when you want to reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner. The control unit 60 may determine whether or not the third condition is satisfied as a determination item based on the information indicating the humidity. For example, when the humidity is less than the second humidity (humidity less than 70%) as the third condition, it may be determined that the third condition is satisfied in the same manner.

When the control unit 60 determines that the third condition is satisfied, the control unit 60 selects the third mode, switches the mode of the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35, and causes the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 to execute the third mode. (S16).

8a is a schematic plan view showing an air flow path in the seat back 13 when the third mode is executed, and FIG. 8B is a schematic top view of the seat portion 10, and FIG. 8b is a schematic view in the seat 1. It is a side view. As shown in a of FIG. 8 and b of FIG. 8, when the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 executes the third mode, the air taken in from the first vent 12a of the seat surface 11c of the seat 1 is the first. It is guided to the 1 intake port 31a, is taken in from the 1st intake port 31a, is guided to the 1st ventilation passage 31, and is guided to the 2nd ventilation passage 32 and the 3rd ventilation passage 33 after reaching the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. Then, the air is discharged from the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a, passes through the second ventilation port 12b and the third ventilation port 12c, and is blown out to the outside of the sheet 1. As a result, for example, by blowing air on a person's head, neck, acromion, back, waist, etc., it is possible to create an air flow that wraps the entire upper body of the person to the buttocks and thighs. In addition, by blowing air on the entire upper body of a person, it is possible to cool the whole body of the person, suppress stuffiness of the back and waist, and suppress the energy consumption of the air conditioner. The control unit 60 ends the process. Then, the control unit 60 repeats the process from step S11.

In this treatment example, the temperature and humidity of the sheet 1 may be prioritized over the humidity.

By repeating the process described above, the control unit 60 can freely switch from the first mode to the third mode when the state related to the sheet 1 or the state of a person changes.

Here, an example will be described in which the control unit 60 first switches the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 to the first mode, then to the second mode, and then to the third mode when the blower 34 is driven. do.

When the control unit 60 determines from the information from the air conditioner control unit 61 that it is immediately after a person gets into the vehicle in the summer, it first determines that the first condition is satisfied, and sets the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to the first. Switch to mode and execute. The information from the air conditioner control unit 61 is, for example, information indicating the activation of the air conditioner control unit 61, information indicating an input operation to the operation unit of the air conditioner, and the like. As a result, since air is first discharged from the first discharge port 32a to the back and waist of the person, the sweating back and waist can be cooled by the heat of vaporization of the sweat.

Next, when the control unit 60 determines from the information from the air conditioner control unit 61 that the cooling by the air conditioner has started to work, it is determined that the second condition is satisfied, and the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 is seconded. Switch to mode and execute. The information from the air conditioner control unit 61 is, for example, information indicating the temperature in the vicinity of the air outlet of the air conditioner, information indicating the temperature in the vehicle interior, and the like. As a result, air is discharged from the human head, neck, and acromion from the second discharge port 33a, but since the cooling has begun to work, the discharged air is also cooled. By discharging this air to the head, neck, and acromion, it is possible to cool efficiently and suppress overcooling of the back and waist.

Next, when the control unit 60 determines from the information from the air conditioner control unit 61 that the cooling effect of the air conditioner has progressed, the control unit 60 determines that the third condition is satisfied, and determines that the third condition is satisfied, and sets the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35. Switch to the third mode and execute. The information from the air conditioner control unit 61 is also, for example, information indicating the temperature in the vicinity of the air outlet of the air conditioner, information indicating the temperature in the vehicle interior, and the like. As a result, by discharging the air from both the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a, the air inside the vehicle can be discharged so as to wrap the whole body of the person. It is possible to provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment.

Further, the control unit 60 has at least one of the temperature and the humidity within a predetermined range based on at least one of the information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 and the information indicating the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 52. When it becomes stable, the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 may be switched to the first mode. Specifically, as the first condition, at least one of the temperature of 25 ° C. ± 1 ° C., which is a predetermined range, and the humidity (relative humidity) of 70% ± 5%, which is a predetermined range, is satisfied. Then, the control unit 60 switches the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to the first mode and executes the operation. That is, stability within a predetermined range means that the temperature remains within a range of ± several ° C. with respect to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 within a predetermined period, and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 52. It means that it stays within the error range of ± several percent.

As a result, when at least one of the temperature and the humidity becomes stable within a predetermined range, the cooling by the air conditioner becomes stable. , Air is discharged from the back and waist, not to the head, neck, and acromions. Therefore, a comfortable air-conditioned environment can be maintained by suppressing the overcooling of the head, neck, and acromion and maintaining the air flow wrapped from the back and the waist to the legs.

<Action effect>
Next, the operation and effect of the seat air conditioner 3 in the present embodiment will be described.

As described above, the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment is the seat air conditioner 3 used for the seat 1, and is provided on the blower 34 and the seat portion 10 for the person on the seat 1 to be seated by the blower 34. The first ventilation passage 31 for guiding the air sucked from the first intake port 31a and the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 by the blower 34 are discharged from the first discharge port 32a provided on the sheet 1. The second ventilation passage 32 and the second ventilation passage 32 are different from the second ventilation passage 32, and the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 by the blower 34 is discharged from the second discharge port 33a provided in the sheet 1. The air passage 33 and the air provided on the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a side of the blower 34 and guided to the first ventilation passage 31 are among the second ventilation passage 32 and the third ventilation passage 33. It is provided with a discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 that selects and switches at least one ventilation path. Then, the first intake port 31a, the first ventilation passage 31, the blower 34, the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35, the second ventilation passage 32, the first discharge port 32a, the third ventilation passage 33, and the second discharge port 33a. Is built into the sheet 1. The first intake port 31a is arranged vertically below the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a, and air is blown from the seat surface 11c, which is the surface on which a person sits on the seat portion 10. The first air passage 31 is provided in the seat portion 10 to take in air, and reaches the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 from the first intake port 31a via the blower 34.

According to this, air can be sucked from the first intake port 31a provided in the seat 1 by the blower 34, that is, the air convection around the seat 1 can be sucked. In the present embodiment, the seat air conditioner is different from the case where the air conditioner of the vehicle directly supplies a part of the air-conditioned cold air or warm air to the seat, for example, as in the conventional seat air conditioner applied to the vehicle. The cold air or warm air directly discharged by 3 is less likely to be consumed by the sheet 1. Therefore, a person who takes in air that has been air-conditioned in the entire vehicle interior by the air conditioner from the first intake port 31a, discharges the taken-in air from at least the first discharge port 32a or the second discharge port 33a, and sits on the seat 1. By spraying on, the human body can be cooled or warmed.

Therefore, in this seat air conditioner 3, it is possible to suppress a decrease in air conditioning efficiency.

In particular, since the first intake port 31a is arranged vertically below the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a, for example, the first intake port 31a is provided at a position corresponding to the lower limbs of a person, and the upper body of the person is provided. The first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a may be provided at the locations corresponding to the above. In this case, air is sucked from the first intake port 31a provided on the seat surface 11c near the human body to generate an air flow in the vicinity of the body, and at least the first discharge port 32a or the second discharge port 33a is used for the sucked air. Air can be blown to a person by discharging from. As a result, it is possible to create an air flow that wraps around the human body, so that the air-conditioned air can be retained around the person sitting on the seat 1, and a comfortable air-conditioned environment can be created with the minimum air-conditioning energy. Can be provided. More specifically, since air can be taken in from the first intake port 31a formed on the seat surface 11c of the seat 1, the stuffiness due to sweating of the buttocks and thighs of the person in contact with the seat surface 11c can be prevented. It can be suppressed. Further, since the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a are arranged vertically above the first intake port 31a, air can be blown to the upper body side of a person. That is, since it is possible to generate an air flow from the upper body side of the person toward the parts corresponding to the buttocks and the thighs, it is possible to keep the conditioned air around the person sitting on the seat 1, which is the minimum. With air conditioning energy, it is possible to provide a more comfortable air conditioning environment.

Further, in the summer, when a person gets into the vehicle in a sweaty state, the first intake port 31a is arranged vertically below the seat 1 from the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a, especially in the buttocks. , Air is not discharged from the buttocks. As a result, it is possible to suppress human discomfort due to unnecessary cooling of the sweated buttocks.

In addition, the conventional vehicle seat air conditioner sucks in the air discharged by the vehicle interior air conditioner unit. However, in the summer, immediately after a person gets into the vehicle, the air-conditioning unit in the vehicle interior does not stand up sufficiently and sucks in warm air in a state where cold air is not discharged, so that warm air is discharged toward the person. The Rukoto. Therefore, a person may feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, since the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment is not configured to directly suck the discharged air of the air conditioner, it is possible to suppress human discomfort due to the discharge of warm air.

Further, the seat 1 has a first intake port 31a, a first ventilation passage 31, a blower 34, a discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35, a second ventilation passage 32, a first discharge port 32a, and a third, which constitute the seat air conditioner 3. Since the ventilation passage 33 and the second discharge port 33a are built-in, the configuration can be simplified.

Further, in the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, the first discharge port 32a is arranged vertically below the second discharge port 33a.

According to this, for example, by providing a first discharge port 32a and a second discharge port 33a at a location corresponding to the upper body of a person, air can be blown to the lower side of the upper body of the person by the first discharge port 32a, or a second. Air can be blown to the upper side of the upper body of a person by the discharge port 33a. For this reason, since air can be blown to a predetermined part of the human body, it is possible to keep the conditioned air around the person sitting on the seat 1 by partially cooling or warming the air. A more comfortable air-conditioning environment can be provided with the minimum amount of air-conditioning energy.

Further, in the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 guides the air guided to the first ventilation path 31 only to the second ventilation path 32, so that the air is introduced from the first discharge port 32a. Has a first mode of discharging.

According to this, it is possible to prevent air from being blown to the lower side of the upper body such as the buttocks and the waist of a person, in other words, to the upper side of the upper body such as the head and neck of a person. The air blown downward from the upper body of a person by being discharged from the first discharge port 32a is taken in from the first intake port 31a of the seat surface 11c, that is, is seated on the seat 1 from the first discharge port 32a. It is sucked into the first intake port 31a through the lower side of the upper body of the person who is in the air. Therefore, it is possible to create an air flow that wraps from the lower side of the upper body of a person to the buttocks and thighs.

To give a specific example, when a person is seated on the seat 1 for a long time, or when the seat heater is turned on when the air conditioner for heating the surroundings of the seat 1 is heated, the first mode is executed. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the portion where the person is in contact with the sheet 1 from getting stuffy. As another example, immediately after a person sits on the seat 1 when the seat 1 is warm, or immediately after starting the air conditioner when the person is sweating, air is not discharged from the second discharge port 33a. By executing the first mode, which is a mode, it is possible to suppress the discomfort of being overcooled by preventing the head and neck of a warm person from being sprayed. Therefore, the conditioned air can be kept around the person sitting on the seat 1, and a more comfortable conditioned environment can be provided with the minimum conditioned energy.

Further, in the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 guides the air guided to the first ventilation path 31 only to the third ventilation path 33, so that the air is introduced from the second discharge port 33a. Has a second mode of discharging.

According to this, it is possible to prevent air from being blown to the upper side of the upper body such as the head and neck of a person, in other words, to the lower side of the upper body such as the buttocks and waist of a person. The air blown upward from the upper body of the person by being discharged from the second discharge port 33a is taken in from the first intake port 31a of the seat surface 11c, that is, is seated on the seat 1 from the second discharge port 33a. It is sucked into the first intake port 31a through the upper side of the upper body of the person who is in the air. Therefore, it is possible to create an air flow that surrounds the upper side of the upper body of a person and the buttocks and thighs.

To give a specific example, by lowering the temperature around the seat 1 with an air conditioner, even if the heat remaining on the seat 1 is cooled, the back and waist of a person may be wet with sweat. .. In this case, by executing the second mode, the acromion, neck, head, etc. can be cooled while preventing the back and waist of the person from being excessively cooled. Therefore, the conditioned air can be kept around the person sitting on the seat 1, and a more comfortable conditioned environment can be provided with the minimum conditioned energy.

Further, in the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 simultaneously guides the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 to the second ventilation passage 32 and the third ventilation passage 33. It has a third mode in which air is simultaneously discharged from one discharge port 32a and a second discharge port 33a.

According to this, the air blown to a person by being discharged from the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a is taken in from the first intake port 31a of the seat surface 11c, that is, the first discharge port. The air is taken into the first intake port 31a from the 32a and the second discharge port 33a via a person seated on the seat 1. Therefore, it is possible to create an air flow that substantially envelops the entire human body, including the entire upper body of the human body, the buttocks, and the thighs.

To give a specific example, by lowering the temperature around the seat 1 with an air conditioner, even if the heat remaining on the seat 1 is discharged, when the amount of solar radiation is large, when sitting for a long time, etc. The human body may be full of heat. In this case, the whole body of the person can be cooled by executing the third mode. Further, when it is desired to reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner, the whole body of a person can be cooled by executing the third mode. Therefore, it is possible to keep the conditioned air around the person sitting on the seat 1, provide a more comfortable conditioned environment, and suppress the energy consumption of the system including the air conditioner. You can also do it.

Further, in the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, the blower 34 and the control unit 60 for controlling the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 are provided, and the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 is guided to the first air passage 31. The first mode in which the air is discharged from the first discharge port 32a by guiding the air only to the second ventilation passage 32, and the second mode in which the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 is guided only to the third ventilation passage 33. The first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port by simultaneously guiding the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 to the second ventilation passage 32 and the third ventilation passage 33 in the second mode in which the air is discharged from the discharge port 33a. It has a third mode in which air is discharged from 33a at the same time, and the control unit 60 selects one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode to select and switch the discharge air passage. Switch the mode of 35.

According to this, since the control unit 60 can select any mode from the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, it can be appropriately cooled or warmed according to a person's condition and request. can do.

Further, in the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, at least one of the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 is provided. The control unit 60 switches the mode of the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 based on at least one of the information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 and the information indicating the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 52.

According to this, since the temperature and humidity in the vicinity of the seat can be detected, the mode of the discharge air passage selection switching unit can be switched so as to generate an air flow that the person feels comfortable with. Further, for example, the result of detecting the temperature and humidity can be output to the air conditioner. Therefore, the air conditioner can perform air conditioning based on the result of detecting the temperature and humidity.

Further, in the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, at least one of the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 is arranged in the first ventilation passage 31 or the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35.

According to this, the temperature and humidity on the seat surface, specifically, the temperature corresponding to the buttocks and thighs of the person seated on the seat 1, and between the buttocks and thighs and the seat surface 11c. The corresponding humidity can be detected accurately. Therefore, it is possible to switch the mode of the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 so as to generate an air flow that the person feels more comfortable.

Further, in the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, the first discharge port 32a is arranged at a position corresponding to at least one of the back and waist of the person, and the second discharge port 33a is the person. It is located in a position corresponding to at least one of the head, neck, and acromion.

According to this, if air is discharged from the first discharge port 32a, the air can be blown to at least one of the back and waist of the person, and the air is discharged from the second discharge port 33a. Then, air can be blown to at least one of a person's head, neck, and acromion. Therefore, it is possible to partially cool or warm the human body, and it is also possible to substantially cool or warm the whole body of the person. Therefore, the conditioned air can be kept around the person sitting on the seat 1, and a more comfortable conditioned environment can be provided with the minimum conditioned energy.

Further, in the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, when the blower 34 is driven, the control unit 60 first switches the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 to the first mode, and then switches to the second mode. Next, the mode is switched to the third mode.

According to this, seat air conditioning is performed in a mode that adapts to the ever-changing changes in the vehicle interior environment, especially immediately after a person gets into the vehicle in the summer until the cooling of the air conditioner progresses. , The air-conditioned air can be retained around the person sitting on the seat 1, and a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided with the minimum air-conditioned energy.

Further, in the seat air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment, the control unit 60 is based on at least one of the information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51 and the information indicating the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 52. When at least one of the temperature and the humidity becomes stable within a predetermined range, the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 is switched to the first mode.

According to this, in the state where the cooling by the air conditioner is stable, the air is discharged from the back and the waist and not to the head, neck, and shoulder peaks, so that the head, neck, and shoulder peaks are discharged. It is possible to maintain a comfortable air-conditioning environment by suppressing the overcooling of the head and maintaining the air flow that is wrapped from the back and the waist to the legs.

(Variation example 1 of the embodiment)
In this modification, the first ventilation passage 131 is further communicated with the second intake port 31b, which is different from the seat air conditioner 3 of the embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the other configurations in this modification are the same as those in the embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the seat 1 provided with the seat air conditioner 3a in the modified example of the embodiment, and a cross-sectional view of the seat.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first ventilation passage 131 communicates with the second intake port 31b, which is an intake port different from the first intake port 31a. Specifically, the first ventilation passage 131 has a communication hole 31c forming the second intake port 31b. In the present embodiment, the communication hole 31c extends from the second intake port 31b along the Z-axis direction and is connected to the first ventilation passage 131. The second intake port 31b is formed on a surface other than the seat surface 11c of the seat 1. In the present embodiment, the second intake port 31b is formed on the surface opposite to the seat surface 11c (the surface on the Z-axis minus direction side of the seat portion 10), and can take in air around the bottom of the seat 1. can. The air taken in from the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 31b is mixed between the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 31b to the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35, and is the second ventilation. It is guided to at least one of the air passages 32 and the third air passage 33.

Further, the second intake port 31b may be arranged so as to face the air outlet of the air conditioner mounted on the vehicle. That is, the second intake port 31b may be mixed with the air flowing through the first ventilation passage 131 by sucking the cold air or the warm air discharged by the air conditioner.

In such a seat air conditioner 3a of the present modification, the first ventilation passage 131 communicates with the second intake port 31b, which is an intake port different from the first intake port 31a, and the second intake port 31b is the seat 1. It is formed on a surface other than the seat surface 11c.

According to this, since the first ventilation passage 131 communicates not only with the first intake port 31a but also with the second intake port 31b, the air sucked from the first intake port 31a between the seat surface 11c and the person , The air sucked from the second intake port 31b formed other than the seat surface 11c (here, the air around the bottom of the seat 1) can be mixed. In this way, since the air around the seat 1 can be positively taken in, it is possible to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting on the seat 1.

Also in this modification, the same action and effect as described above are obtained.

(Modification 2 of the embodiment)
In this modification, the first intake port 31a is formed in the central portion and the outer edge portion of the seat surface 11c, and in particular, the inner portion 11d, the front end portion 11e, and both side portions 11f of the seat surface 11c are formed as the outer edge portions. It differs from the seat air conditioner 3 of the embodiment in that the first intake port 31a is formed in the seat air conditioner 31a. Unless otherwise specified, the other configurations in this modification are the same as those in the embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the seat 1 provided with the seat air conditioner 3b in the second modification of the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first intake port 31a is formed at the central portion and the outer edge portion of the seat surface 11c. Here, the outer edge portion includes the inner portion 11d of the seat surface 11c, the front end portion 11e, and both side portions 11f. Here, it is assumed that the outer edge portion is all of the inner portion 11d, the front end portion 11e, and both side portions 11f, but this is because the outer edge portion is at least one of the inner portion 11d and the front end portion 11e. All you need is. Therefore, the air is guided to the first ventilation passage 31 by the first intake port 31a provided in both the central portion and the outer edge portion.

According to this, between the buttocks and thighs and the seat surface 11c, air is taken in from the first intake port 31a formed in the central portion of the seat surface 11c, thereby taking in air from the buttocks and thighs of a person. Can suppress stuffiness. Further, among the first intake ports 31a formed on the outer edge portion (back portion 11d, front end portion 11e, and both side portions 11f) of the seat surface 11c, particularly the back portion 11d and the front end portion of the seat surface 11c. Since the first intake port 31a formed in 11e is formed at a position where it is more difficult to be covered by the buttocks and thighs of a person, air around the seat can be taken in. For example, even if air cannot be taken in from the first intake port 31a formed in the central portion of the seat surface 11c, air is taken in from the first intake port 31a formed in the outer edge portion of the seat surface 11c. Therefore, air can be discharged from the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a.

(Variation example 3 of the embodiment)
In this modification, the second intake port 31b arranged at a position different from the first intake port 31a, the fourth ventilation path 31c1 connected to the second intake port 31b, the first ventilation path 31 and the fourth ventilation port 31b. The seat air conditioner 3c is different from the seat air conditioner 3 of the embodiment in that the seat air conditioner 3c further includes an intake air passage selection switching unit 36 connected to the road 31c1. Unless otherwise specified, the other configurations in this modification are the same as those in the embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the seat 1 provided with the seat air conditioner 3c in the modified example 3 of the embodiment and a cross-sectional view of the seat 1.

As shown in FIG. 11, the second intake port 31b is arranged at a position different from that of the first intake port 31a. In this modification, as in FIG. 9, the seat portion 10 is formed on the surface of the seat portion 10 on the negative direction side of the Z axis, and air around the bottom portion of the seat 1 can be taken in. The second intake port 31b is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 11, and may be arranged on the side surface or the back surface of the seat back 13, for example. Further, the second intake port 31b may be connected to an air conditioner (not shown) mounted on the vehicle. The second intake port 31b is connected to the fourth ventilation passage 31c1, and the fourth ventilation passage 31c1 is connected to the intake ventilation passage selection switching unit 36. Similarly, the first air passage 31 connected to the first intake port 31a is also connected to the intake air passage selection switching unit 36.

The intake air passage selection switching unit 36 has a function of selecting at least one of the first air passage 31 and the fourth air passage 31c1. Since the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 is connected to the blower 34, the air from the selected air passage is taken in by the blower 34. Since the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 is electrically connected to the control unit 60, the control unit 60 can select at least one of the first air passage 31 and the fourth air passage 31c1.

From such a configuration, the blower 34 is connected between the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 and the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35.

Here, the selection mode of the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 is defined as follows. First, the mode in which the first ventilation passage 31 is connected to the blower 34 is defined as the fourth mode. Next, the mode in which the fourth ventilation passage 31c1 is connected to the blower 34 is defined as the fifth mode. Next, the mode in which both the first ventilation passage 31 and the fourth ventilation passage 31c1 are connected to the blower 34 is defined as the sixth mode. Therefore, the control unit 60 switches the mode of the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 by selecting any of the fourth mode, the fifth mode, and the sixth mode. With this configuration, the control unit 60 controls to take in air from at least one of the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 31b and blow out air from at least one of the first discharge port 32a and the second discharge port 33a. be able to.

Next, the operation of the seat air conditioner 3c of this modification will be described. Normally, as described in the embodiment, the control unit 60 controls one of the first mode to the third mode based on the outputs of the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52, for example. At the same time, the control unit 60 controls any of the fourth mode to the sixth mode. Regarding this control, for example, if the outputs of the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 exceed a predetermined threshold value, the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 is used to positively take in the temperature-controlled air of the air conditioner. Is controlled to be in the fifth mode. Then, when the outputs of the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 tend to fall below a predetermined threshold value, the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 is set to the sixth in order to take in the air from the seat surface 11c and generate an air flow that envelops the person. Control to be in mode. Then, if the outputs of the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 fall below a predetermined threshold value and are stable, the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 is set to the fourth mode in order to generate only the airflow that surrounds the person. To control. Then, if the outputs of the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 fluctuate, the control unit 60 controls the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 so as to obtain the optimum mode described above by comparing with a predetermined threshold value. good.

According to this, the air sucked from the first intake port 31a between the seat surface 11c and the person and the air sucked from the second intake port 31b formed other than the seat surface 11c are selected and mixed. be able to. If the temperature of the air sucked from the second intake port 31b is different from the temperature of the air sucked from the first intake port 31a, by selecting and mixing these, finer temperature control becomes possible. It is possible to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the seated person.

Next, for example, the operation when a person gets into the car in midsummer will be described. When the control unit 60 determines that, for example, the door is unlocked from the non-use state of the vehicle and the temperature inside the vehicle interior from the air conditioner is equal to or higher than the threshold value (30 ° C. as an example), the control unit 60 performs the following operation. ..

The control unit 60 first (1) discharges the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 to the fourth mode (intake air from only the seat surface 11c) and the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 to the first mode (toward only the waist and back). ). By the operation of (1), when cold air cannot be emitted from the air conditioner immediately after the start of use of the vehicle, the air is blown only to the waist and back of the person, and the heat of vaporization by sweat can give a feeling of coldness. At this time, do not blow on the neck and shoulders so that the lukewarm wind does not hit.

Next, the control unit 60 sets the (2) intake air passage selection switching unit 36 to the fifth mode (intake air from other than the seat surface 11c) and the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 to the second mode (toward only the neck and shoulders). Switch to discharge). When cold air starts to come out from the air conditioner by the operation of (2), the cold air is positively taken in from the second intake port 31b, and the air to the waist and back wet with sweat is stopped (overcooling is suppressed). Blow out from the neck and shoulders to cool.

Next, the control unit 60 switches (3) the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 to the sixth mode (intake air from both the seat surface 11c and the seat surface 11c). The discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 remains in the second mode (discharge toward only the neck and shoulders). By the operation of (3), intake is also performed from the first intake port of the seat surface 11c, and the comfort is improved by starting the generation of the air flow that surrounds the person.

Next, the control unit 60 switches (4) the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 to the fourth mode (intake air from only the seat surface 11c). The discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 remains in the second mode (discharge toward only the neck and shoulders). By the operation of (4), only the airflow that surrounds the person is generated, and the intake of cold air from the air conditioner is stopped so as not to be too cold.

Next, the control unit 60 switches (5) the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to the third mode (discharge toward both the waist and back and the neck and shoulders). The intake air passage selection switching unit 36 remains in the fourth mode (intake air only from the seat surface 11c). By the operation of (5), not only the neck and shoulders but also the waist and back are blown to suppress the heat buildup of the waist and back due to long-time riding.

The switching between (1) and (5) by the control unit 60 is performed based on the elapsed time from boarding and the output of the temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52.

According to this, by having such an operation procedure in the control of the control unit 60, it is possible to improve the comfort especially when riding in the middle of summer.

(Variation example 4 of the embodiment)
In this modification, the control unit 60 selects the intake air passage for the second predetermined period while the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 continues the fourth mode or the sixth mode for the first predetermined period. It differs from the seat air conditioner 3c of the modification 3 in that the switching unit 36 is switched to the fifth mode and the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 is alternately switched between the first mode and the second mode. Unless otherwise specified, the other configurations in this modification are the same as those in modification 3, and the same configurations and functions are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat air conditioner 3c in the modified example 4 of the embodiment.

Since the structure of the seat air conditioner 3c of this modification is the same as that of FIG. 11 described in modification 3, the operation characteristic of this modification will be described below with reference to FIG. 12.

The control unit 60 repeatedly executes the operation according to the flowchart of FIG. 12 while the vehicle is in use. When the flowchart of FIG. 12 is executed, the control unit 60 currently has the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 in the fourth mode (intake air only from the seat surface 11c) or the sixth mode (other than the seat surface 11c and the seat surface 11c). (Step S21). If it is not in either mode, that is, in the fifth mode (intake from other than the seat surface 11c) (NO in S21), for example, the inside of the vehicle is hot immediately after using the vehicle, and the cold air of the air conditioner is positively discharged. Since it is assumed that the driver's attention is maintained, it can be judged that the driver's attention is maintained. Therefore, the control unit 60 ends the flowchart of FIG.

On the other hand, if it is the fourth mode or the sixth mode (YES in S21), the control unit 60 determines whether the first predetermined period has elapsed since the flowchart of FIG. 12 was executed (step S22). The first predetermined period is, for example, 30 minutes as a period until the driver's tension is interrupted by the continuation of the comfortable state of wrapping the person in the fourth mode or the sixth mode. If the first predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S22), the process returns to step S21, and the control unit 60 repeats the operations of step S21 and the like.

On the other hand, if the first predetermined period elapses (YES in S22), it is assumed that the driver's tension is interrupted, so that the control unit 60 executes the following operation for alerting the driver. ..

First, the control unit 60 switches the intake air passage selection switching unit 36 to the fifth mode (intake air from other than the seat surface 11c) (step S23). This interrupts the comfortable airflow that surrounds the person. Next, the control unit 60 alternately switches the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit 35 between the first mode (discharge toward the waist and back) and the second mode (discharge toward the neck and shoulder) (step S24). .. Here, the timing of switching alternately is, for example, every 30 seconds in which it is assumed that the driver can be alerted. Due to such an operation, a comfortable air flow is interrupted to the driver, and air blows to the waist and back and air blows to the neck and shoulders are alternately repeated, which makes the driver feel uncomfortable with air conditioning. As a result, it is possible to call attention to the interruption of tension.

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the second predetermined period has elapsed since the operation of step S23 was first started (step S25). Here, the second predetermined period is set to, for example, 5 minutes, which is assumed to be able to alert the driver by giving the above-mentioned discomfort. If the second predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S25), the control unit 60 returns to step S23 and repeats the operations after step S23.

On the other hand, if the second predetermined period elapses (YES in S25), it is assumed that the driver's attention has been completed, so that the control unit 60 is in the mode immediately before executing the flowchart of FIG. 12 (original mode). ), The intake air passage selection switching unit 36 and the discharge air passage selection switching unit 35 are switched (step S26). Then, the flowchart of FIG. 12 ends.

According to this, when the generation of the airflow surrounding the person continues and the tension of the driver is relaxed, the air of the air conditioner having a temperature different from that of the seat surface (first intake port 31a) is second. The driver can be alerted by taking in air only from the intake port 31b and alternately blowing air to the waist, back, neck, and shoulders of the driver.

(Other deformation examples, etc.)
Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments and variations of the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and the variants of the embodiments.

For example, in the seat air conditioner 3 according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications of the embodiment, the seat 1 may be provided with a seat heater. The seat heater is provided on at least one of the seat portion 10 and the seat back 13 of the seat 1 of the vehicle or the like, and heats the back, waist, buttocks, thighs, etc. of a person by generating heat and heating. The seat heater heats the sheet 1 by the heating setting and does not heat the sheet 1 by the non-heating setting. The seat heater may be arranged between the first seat pad 11a and the first seat cover 11b, and between the second seat pad 13a and the second seat cover 13b. The seat heater may have a base material and a heater wire. The base material may be a non-woven fabric formed in a sheet shape by a material having elasticity, flexibility and ductility, a foam-like resin such as cloth-like urethane, or the like. The heater wire may be a conductive wire that is electrically connected to a control unit 60 for controlling the electric power supplied to the heater wire and generates heat by the electric power from the power supply unit 70 controlled by the control unit 60. The control unit 60 may be able to turn on / off the current flowing through the heater wire and control the calorific value of the heater wire by changing the current value.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications of the embodiments, the control unit automatically selects one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. Then, the mode of the discharge air passage selection switching unit may be switched, or the mode of the discharge air passage selection switching unit may be manually switched by a human operation.

Further, in the seat air conditioner according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications of the embodiment, the control unit indicates information indicating the temperature inside the vehicle interior and humidity from the temperature sensor, humidity sensor, etc. mounted on the vehicle. The first mode and the second mode are automatically acquired from the temperature sensor, humidity sensor, etc., which are the sensors of the seat air conditioner, together with the information indicating the temperature inside the vehicle interior, the information indicating the humidity, etc. And any of the third modes may be selected.

Further, each processing unit included in the seat air conditioner according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications of the embodiment 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 each of the above-described embodiments and modifications of the embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. 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, the numbers used above are all exemplified for the purpose of specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the embodiments of the present disclosure and variations of the embodiments are not limited to the illustrated numbers.

In addition, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks can be realized as one functional block, one functional block can be divided into multiple, 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 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 simultaneously with other steps (parallel).

In addition, a form obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments and modifications of the embodiments that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, and components in the embodiments and modifications of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. And the forms realized by any combination of functions are also included in the present disclosure.

The present disclosure can be used, for example, for moving body seats such as vehicles, sofas, and the like.

1 Seat 3, 3a, 3b, 3c Seat air conditioner 10 Seat 31, 131 1st air passage 31a 1st intake port 31b 2nd intake port 31c1 4th air passage 32 2nd air passage 32a 1st discharge port 33 3rd Ventilation passage 33a Second discharge port 34 Blower 35 Discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit 36 Intake ventilation passage selection switching unit 51 Temperature sensor 52 Humidity sensor 60 Control unit

Claims (17)

A seat air conditioner used for seats,
With a blower,
A first ventilation path for guiding air sucked from a first intake port provided in a seat for a person to sit on the seat by the blower, and
A second ventilation path for discharging the air guided to the first ventilation path by the blower from the first discharge port provided on the sheet, and
A third ventilation path which is different from the second ventilation path and for discharging the air guided to the first ventilation path by the blower from the second discharge port provided on the sheet.
Air that is provided on the first discharge port and the second discharge port side of the blower and is guided to the first ventilation passage is ventilated by at least one of the second ventilation passage and the third ventilation passage. Equipped with a discharge ventilation path selection switching unit that selects and switches the path.
The first intake port, the first ventilation path, the blower, the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit, the second ventilation path, the first discharge port, the third ventilation path, and the second discharge port are the above. Built into the seat,
The first intake port is arranged vertically below the first discharge port and the second discharge port, and air is taken in from the seat surface, which is the surface on which a person sits on the seat portion.
The first ventilation passage is a seat air conditioner provided in the seat portion and reaches the discharge ventilation passage selection switching portion from the first intake port via the blower. The seat air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first discharge port is arranged vertically below the second discharge port. The second aspect of claim 2, wherein the discharge air passage selection switching unit has a first mode in which air guided to the first air passage is guided only to the second air passage to discharge air from the first discharge port. Seat air conditioner. The discharge passage selection switching unit has a second mode of discharging air from the second discharge port by guiding the air guided to the first ventilation passage only to the third ventilation passage, claim 2 or 3. The seat air conditioner described in. The discharge air passage selection switching unit simultaneously guides the air guided to the first air passage to the second air passage and the third air passage, so that air can be simultaneously provided from the first discharge port and the second discharge port. The seat air conditioner according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which has a third mode for discharging the air. A control unit for controlling the blower and the discharge air passage selection switching unit is provided.
The discharge ventilation path selection switching unit is
A first mode in which air is discharged from the first discharge port by guiding the air guided to the first ventilation path only to the second ventilation path, and
A second mode in which air is discharged from the second discharge port by guiding the air guided to the first ventilation path only to the third ventilation path, and
It has a third mode in which air guided to the first ventilation passage is simultaneously guided to the second ventilation passage and the third ventilation passage, so that air is simultaneously discharged from the first discharge port and the second discharge port. death,
The first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit switches the mode of the discharge air passage selection switching unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. Seat air conditioner. Equipped with at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor,
The sheet according to claim 6, wherein the control unit switches the mode of the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit based on the information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the information indicating the humidity detected by the humidity sensor. Air conditioner. The seat air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor is arranged in the first ventilation passage or the discharge ventilation passage selection switching unit. 6. The control unit switches the discharge air passage selection switching unit to the first mode, then to the second mode, and then to the third mode when driving the blower. The seat air conditioner according to any one of 8 to 8. The control unit has at least one of the temperature and the humidity within a predetermined range based on at least one of the information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the information indicating the humidity detected by the humidity sensor. The seat air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein when it stabilizes, the discharge air passage selection switching unit is switched to the first mode. The first ventilation passage communicates with a second intake port, which is an intake port different from the first intake port.
The seat air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second intake port is formed on a surface other than the seat surface of the seat. The first discharge port is arranged at a position corresponding to at least one of the back and the waist of a person.
The seat air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second discharge port is arranged at a position corresponding to at least one of a person's head, neck, and acromion. .. The vehicle seat air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first intake port is formed in the central portion and the outer edge portion of the seat surface. The vehicle seat air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein the outer edge portion is at least one of the inner portion of the seat surface and the front end portion. A second intake port arranged at a position different from the first intake port, a fourth ventilation passage connected to the second intake port, the first ventilation passage, and the fourth ventilation passage are connected to each other. Equipped with an intake air passage selection switching unit
The intake air passage selection switching unit is connected to the control unit.
The blower is connected between the intake air passage selection switching unit and the discharge air passage selection switching unit.
The intake air passage selection switching unit includes a fourth mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the blower, a fifth mode in which the fourth ventilation passage is connected to the blower, the first ventilation passage, and the fourth mode. It has a sixth mode in which the ventilation path is connected to the blower.
The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the control unit switches the mode of the intake air passage selection switching unit by selecting one of the fourth mode, the fifth mode, and the sixth mode. For seat air conditioner. The control unit (1) switches the intake air passage selection switching unit to the fourth mode, the discharge air passage selection switching unit to the first mode, and (2) switches the intake air passage selection switching unit to the first mode. In 5 modes, the discharge air passage selection switching unit is switched to the second mode, (3) the intake air passage selection switching unit is switched to the sixth mode, and (4) the intake air passage selection switching unit is switched to the first mode. The vehicle seat air conditioner according to claim 15, further comprising an operation procedure of switching to 4 modes and (5) switching the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit to the third mode. The control unit is the intake air passage selection switching unit for a second predetermined period when the intake air passage selection switching unit continues the fourth mode or the sixth mode for the first predetermined period. The vehicle seat air conditioner according to claim 15, wherein the fifth mode is switched to and the discharge ventilation path selection switching unit is alternately switched between the first mode and the second mode.

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