Seat air conditioning device

Abstract

A seat air conditioning device (1) is applied to a seat (1) on which a seated person sits. The seat air conditioning device has: a blower (11) that sucks air from a seat surface side on which the seated person is supported; and an air guide path (211, 511, 512) that guides the air from the seat surface side to the blower. The seat includes: a seat cushion (2) that supports a lower body of the seated person; and a seat back (5) that supports an upper body of the seated person. The blower is disposed in the seat back in a manner that an air current caused in association with an operation of the blower flows toward the seat back side more than the seat cushion side.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-012813 filed on January 29, 2020, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to a seat air conditioning device. BACKGROUND

[0004] In the past, in a seat air conditioning device in which a blower is provided in a seat cushion and air is exchanged around a seat by blowing air from the seat cushion, a structure in which a part of the airflow caused by the blower is guided to the seat back side through a duct is known (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2019-0053538

[0008] However, the seat air conditioning device described in Patent Literature 1 is a structure in which air is supplied to the seat back side via a duct. Therefore, the airflow caused by the operation of the blower flows toward the seat cushion side more than the seat back side. In such a configuration, since air exchange is preferentially performed around a part of the body of the seated person that is less sensitive to cooling, the efficiency is poor. This was found by the inventors of the present application through research. SUMMARY

[0009] An object of the present application is to provide a seat air conditioning device that can efficiently give comfort to a seated person.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present application, a seat air conditioning device,

[0011] applied to a seat on which a seated person sits, includes:

[0012] a blower that sucks in air from a support surface side that supports the seated person in the seat; and

[0013] an air guide path that guides the air from the support surface side to the blower,

[0014] the seat includes a seat cushion that supports the lower body of the seated person and a seat back that supports the upper body of the seated person,

[0015] the blower is provided in the seat back in such a manner that the airflow caused by the operation of the blower flows toward the seat back side more than the seat cushion side.

[0016] Thus, the air exchange capacity on the seat back side is improved, and the seat back supports the upper half of the body having a higher cold spot density and a higher sweating rate than the lower half of the body. That is, since air exchange around the portion sensitive to cooling in the body of the seated person is preferentially performed, it is possible to efficiently provide comfort to the seated person.

[0017] Further, the bracketed reference symbols attached to each structural element and the like indicate an example of the correspondence relationship of the structural element and the like to the specific structural element and the like described in the embodiments described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a seat to which the seat air conditioning device of the first embodiment is applied.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a seat back of the seat air conditioning device to which the first embodiment is applied.

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a seat back cushion of the seat back of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the seat back cushion of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 is a view for explaining the pressure distribution in the seat back when a dummy is seated.

[0023] Figure 6 is a view for explaining the cold spot distribution of the body.

[0024] Figure 7 is a view for explaining the sweating rate of the body.

[0025] Figure 8 is a view for explaining the air intake amount in the seat air conditioning device of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 is a schematic front view showing a first modification example of the seat back cushion of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 10 is a schematic front view showing a second modification example of the seat back cushion of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11 is a schematic view of a seat to which the seat air conditioning device of the second embodiment is applied.

[0029] Figure 12 is a view for explaining the air guide path of the seat of the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 13This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the amount of air intake in the seat air conditioning unit of the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the airflow path of the seat in the third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the resistance section installed in the connecting pipe.

[0033] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the airflow path of the seat in the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the ventilation resistance in the airflow path of the seat according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those described in prior embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Additionally, in embodiments where only a portion of the structural elements is described, the structural elements described in prior embodiments can be applied to other portions of the structural elements. The following embodiments can be partially combined between the various embodiments, even without explicit explicit description, as long as there is no particular obstacle to combination.

[0036] (First Implementation)

[0037] Reference Figures 1-8 This embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example of applying the seat air conditioning device 10 of the present invention to a seat 1 installed in the front seat of an automobile will be described. The directions DR1, DR2, DR3, etc., marked in each figure are shown for ease of understanding the relationship between the figures. Each direction DR1, DR2, DR3 represents the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions when the seat 1 of the embodiment is installed in the automobile. Furthermore, the installation state of the seat air conditioning device 10, etc. of the present invention is not limited to the directions marked in each figure.

[0038] [Overview of Seat 1]

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the seat 1 includes a seat cushion 2 that forms the seat portion for the person P to sit on, a headrest 3 that supports the head of the person P, and a seat back 5 that serves as the backrest for the person P. Furthermore, the person P is the user of the seat 1, which also includes people who are not actually sitting in the seat 1. Figure 2The seated person P shown in FIG. 1 is a dummy DP of an AM50 type. The dummy DP of the AM50 type is a dummy mannequin of a percentage of 50 of an American adult male.

[0040] The seat cushion 2 is a portion that mainly supports the buttocks in the lower body of the seated person P. Although not shown, the seat cushion 2 has a seat pad, a skin, and the like. The seat pad is a cushioning member composed of a material that can be elastically deformed, such as polyurethane foam. The skin is a member that covers the surface side of the seat pad.

[0041] Here, the seat cushion 2 does not form an air guide path that guides air from the support surface side (i.e., the surface side) of the seat 1 to the air blower 11 described later. That is, the seat cushion 2 is a configuration that cannot suck in air by the air blower 11 described later.

[0042] The headrest 3 is a portion that supports the head of the seated person P. Although not shown, the headrest 3 has a head pad, a skin, and the like. The head pad is a cushioning member composed of a material that can be elastically deformed, such as polyurethane foam. The skin is a member that covers the surface side of the head pad.

[0043] The seat back 5 is a portion that supports the upper body of the seated person P except for the head. The present embodiment, when the portion of the seat back 5 that is exposed to the seated person P side is equally divided into two portions of upper and lower, sets the portion on the upper side as an upper back portion PA, and sets the portion on the lower side as a lower back portion PB.

[0044] The present embodiment equally divides the portion of the seat back 5 that is exposed to the seated person side into six, and sets the six portions in order from the lower side as a first back portion P1, a second back portion P2, a third back portion P3, a fourth back portion P4, a fifth back portion P5, and a sixth back portion P6. The upper back portion PA corresponds to the fourth back portion P4, the fifth back portion P5, and the sixth back portion P6. In addition, the lower back portion PB corresponds to the first back portion P1, the second back portion P2, and the third back portion P3.

[0045] Specifically, the first back portion P1 of the seat back 5 constitutes a support portion that supports the buttocks of the body, and the second back portion P2 constitutes a support portion that supports the waist of the body. In addition, the third back portion P3 and the fourth back portion P4 of the seat back 5 constitute a support portion that supports the thoracic spine portion of the body. Also, the fifth back portion P5 of the seat back 5 constitutes a support portion that supports the shoulder of the body, and the sixth back portion P6 constitutes a support portion that supports the cervical spine portion of the body. The thoracic spine portion of the body corresponds to the portion from below the shoulder to above the waist of the dummy DP. In addition, the shoulder of the body is assumed to be, for example, the range from the clavicle to the scapulohumeral joint located at the upper end of the scapula in the dummy DP.

[0046] The lower end portion of the seat back 5 is linked to the rear end portion of the seat cushion 2 via an automatic adjustment mechanism not shown. In addition, a headrest 3 is linked to the upper end portion of the seat back 5. As shown in Figure 2 the seat back 5 has a back cushion 51, a skin 52, and a back frame 53, and the like.

[0047] The back cushion 51 is a cushioning member made of a material capable of elastically deforming such as urethane foam. As shown in Figure 3 a plurality of ventilation holes 510 through which air flows caused by a blower 11 described later pass are formed on the surface side of the back cushion 51. The ventilation holes 510 are constituted by through holes that penetrate the back cushion 51. Hereinafter, the formation positions of the plurality of ventilation holes 510 will be described.

[0048] A ventilation path 511 connected to the plurality of ventilation holes 510 is formed on the inner side of the back cushion 51. The ventilation path 511 includes a ventilation groove 511a formed on the inner side of the back cushion 51 and a closing member 511b that covers the ventilation groove 511a from the inner side of the back cushion 51. The closing member 511b is constituted by, for example, felt.

[0049] The ventilation path 511 is linked to a manifold ML formed on the inner side of the back cushion 51. The manifold ML is a space that collects and guides air flows flowing in the ventilation path 511 to the blower 11 described later. In the present embodiment, the ventilation holes 510, the ventilation path 511, and the manifold ML constitute an air guide path that guides air from the support surface side (i.e., the surface side) of the seat 1 to the blower 11 described later.

[0050] Here, as shown in Figure 1 the seat back 5 has a pair of side supports 5A, 5B that support the seated person P from the width direction of the seat back 5, and a center support 5C disposed between the pair of side supports 5A, 5B. The pair of side supports 5A, 5B protrude toward the seated person side compared to the center support 5C so as to be able to support the seated person P from the width direction of the seat back 5.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4 the back cushion 51 has side portions 51A, 51B corresponding to the pair of side supports 5A, 5B, and a center portion 51C corresponding to the center support 5C.

[0052] A pair of longitudinal suspension grooves 513, 514 are formed on the surface side of the back cushion 51, and a pair of transverse suspension grooves 515, 516 are formed intersecting the pair of longitudinal suspension grooves 513, 514. The pair of longitudinal suspension grooves 513, 514 and the pair of transverse suspension grooves 515, 516 are portions that house the seams of the skin 52.

[0053] In order not to affect the ride comfort of the seat 1, a pair of longitudinal suspension grooves 513, 514 is formed between the side portions 51A, 51B and the center portion 51C. The pair of longitudinal suspension grooves 513, 514 extends from the lower end side of the cushion 51 toward the upper end side.

[0054] In order not to affect the ride comfort of the seat 1, a pair of lateral suspension grooves 515, 516 is provided at a portion corresponding to the vicinity of the shoulders of the seated person P and a portion corresponding to the vicinity of the waist. In other words, the pair of lateral suspension grooves 515, 516 is set between the second back portion P2 and the third back portion P3 and between the fourth back portion P4 and the fifth back portion P5 in the seat back 5. The pair of lateral suspension grooves 515, 516 extends from one of the pair of longitudinal suspension grooves 513, 514 toward the other in a manner substantially orthogonal to the pair of longitudinal suspension grooves 513, 514.

[0055] The skin 52 is a member that covers the surface side of the cushion 51. Specifically, the skin 52 is disposed on the surface side of the support surface of the upper body of the seated person P in the seat back 5. The skin 52 is composed of a material having air permeability.

[0056] The back frame 53 is a frame-shaped member that constitutes the skeleton of the seat back 5. The cushion 51 is attached to the back frame 53. A setting space for setting the air blower 11 and the like described later is formed between the back frame 53 and the cushion 51. A lumbar support can also be added to the back frame 53. The lumbar support is a structure that maintains the vicinity of the waist of the body and optimizes the posture.

[0057] [Outline of the seat air conditioning device 10]

[0058] The seat air conditioning device 10 is configured as an SVS that directly cools the human body by air supply from the seat 1. In addition, SVS is an abbreviation for Seat Ventilation System. The seat air conditioning device 10 has the ventilation path 511 provided in the seat back 5 described above, the air blower 11, and the like.

[0059] The air blower 11 is disposed between the back frame 53 and the cushion 51. The air blower 11 is fixed with respect to the back frame 53. Specifically, the air blower 11 is provided in the upper back portion PA in the seat back 5.

[0060] The air blower 11 is connected to the manifold ML. Thereby, when the air blower 11 is driven, the airflow passes through the manifold ML. Specifically, the suction port of the air of the air blower 11 is connected to the manifold ML.

[0061] The seat air-conditioning device 10 sucks air from the manifold ML by the blower 11, and thus the air flow caused by the blower 11 passes through the plurality of vent holes 510 and the ventilation paths 511. In the seat air-conditioning device 10 thus configured, if it is configured to suck air from substantially the entire surface of the seat 1, for example, the ventilation is performed also in the vicinity of the portion of the seated person's body that is not sensitive to cooling, and the efficiency can be poor.

[0062] In view of this, the seat air-conditioning device 10 of the present embodiment is configured to suck air from a portion of the seat 1 in consideration of the distribution of the sitting pressure of the cushion 51, the distribution of the cold spot density of the seated person's body, and the distribution of the perspiration rate. Specifically, the formation positions of the vent holes 510 in the cushion 51 are set so as to easily suck air from the vicinity of the portion of the seated person's body that is sensitive to cooling. Hereinafter, the formation positions of the vent holes 510 are described after the distribution of the sitting pressure of the cushion 51, the distribution of the cold spot density of the seated person's body, and the distribution of the perspiration rate are described.

[0063] [Distribution of Sitting Pressure of Cushion 51]

[0064] The pressure (i.e., the sitting pressure) acting on the portion of the seat back 5 exposed to the seated person P side when the seated person P is seated on the seat 1 in a standard posture is not the same throughout the entire cushion 51. As shown in FIG. 6, the sitting pressure of the cushion 51 becomes the greatest in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm from the hip joint point H of the seated person P, i.e., in the range of HP100 to HP200. Figure 5

[0065] In the vicinity of HP100 to HP200 on the surface side of the cushion 51, the seated person P is in close contact with the cushion 51, and deformation of the cushion 51 easily occurs, and thus the passage of the air flow in the vent holes 510 and the ventilation paths 511 is easily impeded. That is, in the lower back portion PB of the seat back 5, the passage of the air flow in the vent holes 510 and the ventilation paths 511 is easily impeded.

[0066] On the other hand, the sitting pressure of the cushion 51 decreases as the distance from the hip joint point H of the seated person P increases in the range of 200 mm or more from the hip joint point H of the seated person P. That is, in the upper back portion PA of the seat back 5, the passage of the air flow in the vent holes 510 and the ventilation paths 511 is difficult to impede. Further, the range of 300 mm to 600 mm from the hip joint point H of the seated person P corresponds to HP300 to HP600 shown in FIG. 7. Figure 5

[0067] Therefore, from the viewpoint of the sitting pressure of the cushion 51, the passage of the air flow by avoiding the lower back portion PB including the range of HP100 to HP200 can be expected to achieve an increase in the efficiency of air conditioning.

[0068] Here,​​Figure 5 The number indicated as "HP" postscript indicates the distance from the hip joint point H of the seated person P (unit: "mm"). The hip joint point H is a reference when the seated person P is seated on the seat 1. The hip joint point H can be interpreted as, for example, a rotation center point at which the torso and the upper leg of the dummy DP of the AM50 type are connected when the dummy DP is seated on the seat 1.

[0069] Specifically, it is assumed that HP0 to HP100 are the range of the first backrest portion PI that supports the hip of the body in the seat back 5. It is assumed that HP100 to HP200 are the range of the second backrest portion P2 that supports the waist of the body in the seat back 5. It is assumed that HP200 to HP300 are the range of the third backrest portion P3 that supports the lower thoracic spine portion of the body in the seat back 5. It is assumed that HP300 to HP400 are the range of the fourth backrest portion P4 that supports the upper thoracic spine portion of the body in the seat back 5. It is assumed that HP400 to HP500 are the range of the fifth backrest portion P5 that supports the shoulder of the body in the seat back 5. It is assumed that HP500 to HP600 are the range of the sixth backrest portion P6 that supports the cervical spine portion of the body in the seat back 5. More specifically, it is assumed that the upper thoracic spine portion of the present embodiment is the range from the third thoracic vertebra to the seventh thoracic vertebra in the body. In addition, it is assumed that the lower thoracic spine portion is the range from the eighth thoracic vertebra to the twelfth thoracic vertebra in the body.

[0070] [Distribution of cold spot density]

[0071] On the back of the body of the seated person P, the cold spots that feel cold are not uniformly distributed, but, for example, as shown in Figure 6 , there is a deviation on the back of the body. In addition, the cold spot density is the number of cold spots per unit area.

[0072] According to Figure 6 , the cold spot density has a tendency to be larger in the cervical spine portion Al, the shoulder portion A2, the upper thoracic spine portion A3, the lower thoracic spine portion A4, and the waist A5 of the body, and smaller in the upper arm portion A6, the elbow portion A7, the hand portion A8, the upper leg portion A9, the knee portion A10, and the foot portion Al l.

[0073] Therefore, from the viewpoint of the cold spot density, by focusing on the cervical spine portion Al, the shoulder portion A2, the upper thoracic spine portion A3, the lower thoracic spine portion A4, and the waist A5 of the body, it is expected that the efficiency of air conditioning can be improved. In other words, from the viewpoint of the cold spot density, by performing air exchange in the range of 100 mm or more from the hip joint point H, it is expected that the efficiency of air conditioning can be improved.

[0074] [Distribution of sweating rate]

[0075] On the back of the body of the seated person P, the sweating rate is not uniformly distributed, but, for example, as shown in Figure 7As shown, there is a deviation in the back of the body. Further, the perspiration rate is the amount of perspiration per unit area under prescribed environmental conditions.

[0076] According to Figure 7 , the perspiration rate has a tendency to be greater in the upper portion of the shoulder B1, the middle portion of the shoulder B2, the lower portion of the shoulder B3, the upper thoracic spine portion B4, the lower thoracic spine portion B5, the waist B6, to be standard in the hip portion B7, the upper leg portion B11, and to be smaller in the upper arm portion B8, the elbow portion B9, the hand portion B10, the knee portion B12, the foot portion B13.

[0077] Therefore, from the viewpoint of the perspiration rate, by focusing on the middle portion of the shoulder B2, the lower portion of the shoulder B3, the upper thoracic spine portion B4, the lower thoracic spine portion B5, the waist B6, ventilation can be expected to achieve an increase in the efficiency of air conditioning. In other words, from the viewpoint of the perspiration rate, by performing ventilation in a range of 100 mm or more from the hip point H, it can be expected to achieve an increase in the efficiency of air conditioning.

[0078] [Formation position of vent hole 510]

[0079] The vent hole 510 of the present embodiment is formed in a portion of the cushion 51 corresponding to the upper back portion PA, taking into account the distribution of the sitting pressure of the cushion 51, the distribution of the cold spot density, and the distribution of the perspiration rate. Specifically, the vent hole 510 is formed in a range of HP300 to HP500 in the cushion 51. That is, the area ratio of the vent hole 510 per unit area in the upper side of the shoulder corresponding portion 51F and the thoracic spine corresponding portion 51D of the cushion 51 corresponding to the fourth back portion P4 and the fifth back portion P5 is greater than the area ratio of the vent hole 510 in other portions. In the present embodiment, the "area ratio of the vent hole 510" refers to the area occupied by the vent hole 510 per unit area in the surface of the cushion 51.

[0080] Specifically, two vent holes 510A, 510B are formed in the waist corresponding portion 51E corresponding to the second back portion P2 and the shoulder corresponding portion 51F corresponding to the fifth back portion P5 in the cushion 51, respectively. Further, eight vent holes 510C, 510D having the same degree of opening area as the above-described vent holes 510A, 510B are formed in the thoracic spine corresponding portion 51D of the cushion 51. More specifically, six vent holes 510C are formed in the fourth back portion P4 of the cushion 51, and two vent holes 510D are formed in the third back portion P3 of the cushion 51. Thereby, the area ratio of the vent hole 510 in the fourth back portion P4 of the cushion 51 is greater than the area ratio of the vent hole 510 in the third back portion P3 of the cushion 51.

[0081] Further, the ratio of the area occupied by the ventilation holes 510 per unit area in the central portion 51C of the cushion 51 corresponding to the central support 5C is larger than the ratio of the area occupied by the ventilation holes 510 in the side portions 51A, 51B corresponding to the pair of side supports 5A, 5B. The plurality of ventilation holes 510 of the present embodiment are formed in the central portion 51C, but not in the side portions 51A, 51B.

[0082] Further, the plurality of ventilation holes 510 of the present embodiment are formed so as to be biased toward positions in the central portion 51C that are closer to the side portions 51A, 51B than the central position CL of the central portion 51C. Specifically, four ventilation holes 510 are formed in the cushion 51 along the upper lateral hanging grooves 515, and three ventilation holes 510 are formed side by side along the vertical hanging grooves 513, 514. Further, the ventilation paths 511 formed on the inner side of the cushion 51 are concentrated in the upper backrest portion PA compared to the lower backrest portion PB in correspondence with the plurality of ventilation holes 510.

[0083] [Operation of the seat air conditioning device 10]

[0084] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the seat air conditioning device 10 is provided on the seat backrest 5 of the seat 1. The seat air conditioning device 10 is configured to suck air from the surface side of the seat backrest 5 and discharge the air to the outside of the seat backrest 5. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the seat air conditioning device 10 is provided on the seat backrest 5 of the seat 1. The seat air conditioning device 10 is configured to suck air from the surface side of the seat backrest 5 and discharge the air to the outside of the seat backrest 5.

[0085] In this way, if the air is sucked from the surface side of the seat backrest 5, the heat of the seat backrest 5 that is relatively hot when the occupant P first gets in the vehicle does not blow to the body, so the cooling effect on the body can be improved. Further, in the case where cold air is blown from the instrument panel of the front portion of the vehicle, the cold air is sucked along the body of the occupant, so the cooling effect on the body can be further improved.

[0086] Here, the seat air conditioning device 10 is provided with respect to the seat backrest 5 so that the airflow caused by the operation of the air blower 11 flows toward the seat backrest 5 side rather than the seat cushion 2 side. Further, the air guide path of the seat air conditioning device 10 that guides air from the support surface side of the seat 1 to the air blower 11 is formed in the seat backrest 5, but not in the seat cushion 2.

[0087] Here, the seat air conditioning device 10 is provided with respect to the seat backrest 5 so that the airflow caused by the operation of the air blower 11 flows toward the seat backrest 5 side rather than the seat cushion 2 side. Further, the air guide path of the seat air conditioning device 10 that guides air from the support surface side of the seat 1 to the air blower 11 is formed in the seat backrest 5, but not in the seat cushion 2. Figure 8

[0088] ​In the present embodiment, the amount of air drawn into the seat 1 decreases in the order of the upper back portion PA, the lower back portion PB, and the seat cushion 2. Specifically, the proportion of the amount of air drawn from the upper back portion PA side among the total amount of air drawn into the seat 1 exceeds 50%.

[0089] As explained above, the seat air conditioning device 10 is disposed so that the airflow caused by the operation of the air blower 11 flows toward the seat back 5 side more than toward the seat cushion 2 side. Specifically, the air guide path of the seat air conditioning device 10 that guides air from the support surface side of the seat 1 toward the air blower 11 is formed in the seat back 5, and is not formed in the seat cushion 2.

[0090] Thus, the air exchange capacity on the seat back 5 side, which supports the upper body having a higher cold spot density and a higher perspiration rate than the lower body, is increased. That is, since air exchange around the parts of the seated person's body that are sensitive to cooling is preferentially performed, comfort for the seated person can be efficiently provided.

[0091] In addition, the air guide path of the seat 1 is configured so that the proportion of the amount of air drawn from the seat back 5 side among the total amount of air drawn into the seat 1 exceeds 50%. Thus, by the configuration of the air guide path, air exchange around the parts of the seated person's body that are sensitive to cooling can be preferentially performed.

[0092] In addition, the air guide path of the seat 1 is configured so that the amount of air drawn into the seat 1 decreases in the order of the upper back portion PA, the lower back portion PB, and the seat cushion 2. Thus, the air exchange capacity at the upper back portion PA of the seat back 5, which corresponds to the shoulder and thoracic spine portions having a higher cold spot density and a higher perspiration rate than the other parts of the body, is increased.

[0093] In particular, since the upper back portion PA has a lower pressure on the seat than the lower back portion PB, which corresponds to the waist portion having a higher cold spot density and a higher perspiration rate than the shoulder and thoracic spine portions, the flow of air is less likely to be obstructed, and thus comfort for the seated person can be efficiently provided.

[0094] Further, the upper back portion PA is closer to the head of the body than the lower back portion PB. Therefore, by concentrating the ventilation holes 510 in the upper back portion PA, indirect airflows can be easily generated around the face including the forehead, cheek, and jaw, where cold spots are more densely distributed, and thus the seated person P can be provided with further thermal sensation.

[0095] Furthermore, if the ventilation path 511 is partially formed so as to be biased toward the backrest 51, since the thickness of the entire backrest 51 does not need to be increased in order to form the ventilation path 511, weight reduction can be achieved.

[0096] Further, the air guide passage of the seat 1 is configured such that the proportion of the amount of air drawn in from the upper back portion PA side in the total amount of air drawn in to the seat 1 is 50% or more. Thus, ventilation in the vicinity of a portion of the seated person's body that is sensitive to cooling and in which it is difficult to obstruct the flow of air can be preferentially performed.

[0097] Further, the air blower 11 is provided in the upper back portion PA of the seat back 5. In this case, if the air blower 11 is provided in the upper back portion PA in which a large amount of air is drawn in, the ventilation passage 511 in the air guide passage that faces the air blower 11 from the upper back portion PA side is shortened. Thus, it is possible to suppress pressure loss in the ventilation passage 511 and achieve efficient air conditioning in which energy loss is suppressed.

[0098] Further, in the case where the air blower 11 is provided in the upper back portion PA, it is possible to thin the thickness of the front and rear of the lower back portion PB. Thus, by expanding the space on the lower side of the rear of the seat 1, it is possible to sufficiently secure foot space and baggage space for the rear seat members behind the seat 1.

[0099] Here, the plurality of ventilation holes 510 of the present embodiment are formed in positions closer to the side portions 51A, 51B than the central position CL of the central portion 51C. In the central portion 51C, the pressure on the seat back 5 is lower in the positions closer to the side portions 51A, 51B than the central position CL of the central portion 51C, and it is difficult to obstruct the flow of air. Thus, by concentrating the plurality of ventilation holes 510 in the vicinity of the side portions 51A, 51B in the central portion 51C, it is possible to achieve efficient air conditioning in which energy loss is suppressed.

[0100] Further, by concentrating the plurality of ventilation holes 510 in the vicinity of the side portions 51A, 51B in the central portion 51C, since air flow is easily generated in the vicinity of the armpits in which sweat glands are concentrated in the body, it is possible to give further comfort to the seated person.

[0101] (First Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0102] In the above-described first embodiment, although a structure in which the ventilation holes 510 are also formed in the range of HP100 to HP200 in the cushion 51 is illustrated, the formation positions of the ventilation holes 510 are not limited thereto. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the ventilation holes 510 can be formed in the range of HP100 to HP200 in the cushion 51 and the range of HP300 to HP400 in the seat back 5. Figure 9As shown, the ventilation holes 510 can also be formed in the range of HP200 to HP400 in the cushion 51. Specifically, the ventilation holes 510 are formed in the thoracic vertebrae corresponding portion 51D in the cushion 51 corresponding to the third backrest portion P3 and the fourth backrest portion P4, and are not formed in other portions other than the thoracic vertebrae corresponding portion 51D. In other words, the ventilation holes 510 are formed in the thoracic vertebrae corresponding portion 51D corresponding to the shoulder to the waist of the dummy DP, and are not formed in other portions other than the thoracic vertebrae corresponding portion 51D.

[0103] In particular, since the seat air conditioning device 10 of the present embodiment restricts the formation positions of the plurality of ventilation holes 510 to the thoracic vertebrae corresponding portion 51D, comfort can be provided to the seated person and energy loss can be greatly suppressed.

[0104] (Second Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0105] In the above-described first modification, although a structure in which the ventilation holes 510 are formed in the third backrest portion P3 and the fourth backrest portion P4, respectively, is exemplified, the formation positions of the ventilation holes 510 are not limited thereto. For example, as shown, the ventilation holes 510 can be formed only in the fourth backrest portion P4 of the third backrest portion P3 and the fourth backrest portion P4. Thereby, since the formation positions of the plurality of ventilation holes 510 are restricted to the portion of the thoracic vertebrae corresponding portion 51D corresponding to the fourth backrest portion P4, comfort can be provided to the seated person and energy loss can be greatly suppressed. Figure 10

[0106] (In other Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0107] In the above-described first embodiment, although a structure in which the plurality of ventilation holes 510 are provided in the center portion 51C and are not provided in the side portions 51A, 51B is exemplified, the formation positions of the ventilation holes 510 are not limited thereto. For example, at least a part of the ventilation holes 510 can be formed in the side portions 51A, 51B.

[0108] In the above-described first embodiment, although a structure in which the formation positions of the ventilation holes 510 are shifted to shift the air suction position in the seat back 5 is exemplified, the seat back 5 is not limited thereto. The seat back 5 can also be, for example, a configuration in which the ventilation resistance in the ventilation passage 511 is made smaller in the upper back portion PB than in the lower back portion PA, so that the air suction amount is biased to the upper back portion PA.

[0109] ​In the first embodiment described above, although the air intake volume of the seat 1 is shown to decrease in the order of upper backrest PA, lower backrest PB, and seat cushion 2 as the airflow path of the seat 1, the airflow path of the seat 1 is not limited to this. The airflow path of the seat 1 may also be configured, for example, so that the air intake volume is equal at the upper backrest PA and the lower backrest PB.

[0110] In the first embodiment described above, although a structure in which the blower 11 is disposed on the upper backrest PA is illustrated, the placement of the blower 11 is not limited to this. The blower 11 may also be disposed, for example, on the lower backrest PB.

[0111] In the first embodiment described above, although a structure is shown in which the seam of the cover 52 is accommodated in a pair of longitudinal suspension grooves 513, 514 and a pair of transverse suspension grooves 515, 516 of the cushion 51, the seat back 5 is not limited to this. The seat back 5 may, for example, have the material of the cushion 51 foamed on the inside of the cover 52, thus forming the cover 52 integrally with the cushion 51. The same applies to the seat cushion 2.

[0112] (Second Implementation)

[0113] Next, refer to Figures 11-13 The second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0114] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the seat cushion 2 includes a cushion 21, a cover 22, etc. Multiple first ventilation holes 210 are formed on the outer side of the cushion 21 for airflow caused by the blower 11 to pass through. A first ventilation passage 211 connected to the multiple first ventilation holes 210 is formed on the inner side of the cushion 21.

[0115] The seat back 5 has a second ventilation hole 510 formed on the surface of the cushion 51 for airflow caused by the blower 11 to pass through. The second ventilation hole 510 is formed more in the upper backrest PA than in the lower backrest PB, so that the intake of air is concentrated in the upper backrest PA.

[0116] Additionally, a second ventilation passage 512 connected to a plurality of second ventilation holes 510 is formed on the inner side of the cushion 51. This second ventilation passage 512 is connected to the blower 11 via a manifold (not shown).

[0117] Here, the first ventilation path 211 is connected to the second ventilation path 512 via the connecting pipe 23. The connecting pipe 23 is a separate component from the backrest 51 and the seat cushion 21, and is disposed on the back of the backrest 51 and the seat cushion 21. One end of the connecting pipe 23 is connected to the first ventilation path 211 and the other end is connected to the second ventilation path 512. In this embodiment, the first ventilation path 211, the second ventilation path 512, and the connecting pipe 23 constitute an air guide path that guides air from the support surface side of the seat 1 to the blower 11.

[0118] The airflow drawn in from the seat cushion 2 flows in the order of the first ventilation path 211 and the connecting pipe 23. Therefore, the airflow path on the seat cushion 2 consists of the first ventilation path 211 and the connecting pipe 23.

[0119] On the other hand, the airflow drawn in from the seat back 5 side flows towards the blower 11 via the second ventilation path 512 without passing through the connecting pipe 23. Therefore, the passage length from the support surface side of the seat 1 to the blower 11 is shorter on the seat back 5 side than on the seat cushion 2 side. Because the passage length of the airflow path of the seat 1 is shorter, the ventilation resistance is smaller on the seat back 5 side than on the seat cushion 2 side.

[0120] Therefore, as Figure 13 As shown, the airflow path of the seat 1 in this embodiment is configured such that the amount of air drawn into the seat 1 decreases in the order of upper backrest PA, lower backrest PB, and seat cushion 2. Furthermore, the airflow path of the seat 1 is configured such that approximately 50% of the total amount of air drawn into the seat 1 is drawn from the upper backrest PA side, and approximately 30% is drawn from the lower backrest PB side. Moreover, according to the airflow path of the seat 1 in this embodiment, the proportion of air drawn from the seat backrest 5 side of the total amount of air drawn into the seat 1 exceeds 50%.

[0121] The other structures are the same as in the first embodiment. The seat air conditioning device 10 of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment through a structure common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0122] In particular, the air duct of the seat 1 in this embodiment includes a first ventilation duct 211 formed on the seat cushion 2, a second ventilation duct 512 formed on the seat back 5 and connected to the blower 11, and a connecting pipe 23 connecting the first ventilation duct 211 and the second ventilation duct 512.

[0123] Therefore, the first ventilation path 211 differs from the second ventilation path 512 in that it is connected to the blower 11 by a connecting pipe 23. As a result, the airflow caused by the operation of the blower 11 tends to flow more towards the seat back 5 than towards the seat cushion 2.

[0124] Thus, even if the seat air conditioning unit 10 of this embodiment has a structure with a single blower 11, the airflow caused by the operation of the blower 11 can flow towards the seat back 5 side relative to the seat cushion 2 side due to the structure of the seat 1.

[0125] Here, the airflow path of seat 1 is configured such that the air intake decreases in the order of upper backrest PA, lower backrest PB, and seat cushion 2. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, it can efficiently provide comfort to the occupant.

[0126] (A variation of the second embodiment)

[0127] In the second embodiment described above, although the air intake volume is shown as decreasing in the order of upper backrest PA, lower backrest PB, and seat cushion 2 as the airflow path of seat 1, the airflow path of seat 1 is not limited to this. The airflow path of seat 1 may also be, for example, in which the air intake volume of upper backrest PA is equal to the air intake volume of lower backrest PB, or in which the air intake volume of lower backrest PB is equal to the air intake volume of seat cushion 2.

[0128] (Third Implementation)

[0129] Next, refer to Figure 14 , Figure 15 The third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0130] like Figure 14 As shown, a resistance section 24 is provided in the connecting pipe 23 to increase the ventilation resistance of the airflow passing through the inner side of the connecting pipe 23 via the first ventilation passage 211. This resistance section 24 is designed to make the ventilation resistance of the airflow passage on the seat cushion 2 side greater than the ventilation resistance of the airflow passage on the seat back 5 side.

[0131] like Figure 15 As shown, the resistance section 24 is composed of a throttling section 241 that throttles the passage inside the connecting pipe 23. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage of the connecting pipe 23 is reduced by the resistance section 24.

[0132] The other structures are the same as in the second embodiment. The seat air conditioning device 10 of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the second embodiment through a structure common to or equivalent to that of the second embodiment.

[0133] In particular, the connecting pipe 23 of this embodiment is provided with a resistance section 24 that acts as a ventilation resistance to the airflow passing through the inner side of the connecting pipe 23. As a result, the airflow generated by the operation of the blower 11 flows more easily to the second ventilation path 512 than the first ventilation path 211. Therefore, the airflow generated by the operation of the blower 11 can be made to flow towards the seat back 5 side rather than the seat cushion 2 side.

[0134] (A variation of the third embodiment)

[0135] In the third embodiment described above, although the structure in which the resistance section 24 of the connecting pipe 23 is composed of a throttling section 241 is illustrated, the resistance section 24 is not limited to this. For example, the resistance section 24 may also be composed of a portion in which the passage length is extended by means of a curved passage.

[0136] (Fourth Implementation)

[0137] Next, refer to Figure 16 , Figure 17 The fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0138] like Figure 16 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first ventilation path 211 is smaller than that of the second ventilation path 512. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first ventilation path 211 is approximately half the size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the second ventilation path 512. Therefore, as... Figure 17 As shown, the first ventilation path 211 has a greater ventilation resistance than the second ventilation path 512.

[0139] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower ventilation passage 512b formed on the lower backrest PB is smaller than that of the upper ventilation passage 512a formed on the upper backrest PA. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path of the seat 1 decreases in the order of upper backrest PA, lower backrest PB, and seat cushion 2. Therefore, the airflow path of the seat 1 is configured such that the amount of air drawn into the seat 1 decreases in the order of upper backrest PA, lower backrest PB, and seat cushion 2.

[0140] The other structures are the same as in the second embodiment. The seat air conditioning device 10 of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the second embodiment through a structure common to or equivalent to that of the second embodiment.

[0141] In particular, the first ventilation path 211 in this embodiment is configured to have a greater ventilation resistance than the second ventilation path 512. As a result, the airflow generated by the operation of the blower 11 tends to flow towards the second ventilation path 512 rather than the first ventilation path 211. Therefore, the airflow generated by the operation of the blower 11 can be made to flow towards the seat back 5 rather than the seat cushion 2 side.

[0142] (Variation of the fourth embodiment)

[0143] The air guide path of the seat 1 is not limited to the structure exemplified in the fourth embodiment, and for example, can be a structure in which the passage cross-sectional area of the first ventilation path 211 is smaller than the passage cross-sectional area of the second ventilation path 512 and the resistance portion 24 is provided in the connection duct 23.

[0144] In addition, the seat air conditioning device 10 can also be a structure in which the skin 22 of the seat cushion 2 is composed of a material having lower air permeability than the skin 52 of the seat back 5, and the air flow is biased toward the seat back 5 side from the seat cushion 2 side.

[0145] (Other embodiments)

[0146] The above describes representative embodiments of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and for example, various variations can be made as follows.

[0147] In the above-described embodiments, although a structure in which the air blower 11 is provided only in the seat back 5 is exemplified, the seat air conditioning device 10 is not limited thereto. The seat air conditioning device 10 can be a structure in which the air flow is biased toward the seat back 5 side from the seat cushion 2 side in conjunction with the operation of the air blower 11, and the air blowing device can be provided not only in the seat back 5 but also in the seat cushion 2.

[0148] In the above-described embodiments, although a structure having the headrest 3 is exemplified as the seat 1, the seat 1 can not have the headrest 3.

[0149] In the above-described embodiments, although an example in which the seat air conditioning device 10 of the present application is applied to the seat 1 provided in a vehicle is described, the application target of the seat air conditioning device 10 is not limited thereto. The seat air conditioning device 10 can be widely applied to a fixed-type seat or the like used in a theater, a home, or the like, for example.

[0150] In the above-described embodiments, it is self-evident that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential except for cases where it is particularly indicated that they are essential and cases where it is clear from the principle that they are essential.

[0151] In the above-described embodiments, in cases where the number, numerical value, amount, range, or the like of the structure elements of the embodiments is mentioned, it is self-evident that the numerical value is not limited to the specific number except for cases where it is particularly indicated that it is essential and cases where it is clear from the principle that it is limited to the specific number.

[0152] In the above-described embodiments, when the shape, positional relationship, and the like of a structural element or the like are mentioned, the shape, positional relationship, and the like are not limited to the shape, positional relationship, and the like unless otherwise specifically indicated or unless the shape, positional relationship, and the like are inherently limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, and the like.

[0153] (SUMMARY)

[0154] According to a first aspect shown by some or all of the above-described embodiments, a seat air-conditioning device is provided with a blower that sucks in air from the side of a support surface of a seat, and an air guide path that guides air from the side of the support surface to the blower. The blower is disposed in a seat back in a manner such that an air current caused by operation of the blower flows toward the seat back side rather than the seat cushion side.

[0155] According to a second aspect, the air guide path is configured such that the proportion of the amount of air sucked in from the seat back side in the total amount of air sucked in to the seat exceeds 50%. Thus, by the configuration of the air guide path, ventilation in the vicinity of a part of the seated person's body that is sensitive to cooling is preferentially performed.

[0156] According to a third aspect, when a part of the seat back that is exposed to the seated person side is equally divided into an upper back part and a lower back part, the air guide path is configured such that the amount of air sucked in decreases in the order of the upper back part, the lower back part, and the seat cushion.

[0157] Thus, the ventilation capacity at the upper back part of the seat back, which corresponds to the shoulder part and the thoracic vertebra part where the body cold point density and the perspiration rate are high, is increased. In particular, since the upper back part has a lower pressure on the seat than the lower back part, which corresponds to the waist part where the body cold point density and the perspiration rate are high, like the shoulder part and the thoracic vertebra part, the circulation of the air current is less likely to be hindered, and thus the comfort of the seated person can be efficiently provided.

[0158] According to a fourth aspect, the air guide path is configured such that the proportion of the amount of air sucked in from the upper back part side in the total amount of air sucked in to the seat is 50% or more. Thus, ventilation in the vicinity of a part of the seated person's body that is sensitive to cooling, i.e., a part where the circulation of the air current is less likely to be hindered, can be preferentially performed.

[0159] According to a fifth aspect, the blower is disposed in the upper back part of the seat back. Thus, if the blower is disposed in the upper back part where the amount of air sucked in is large, since the ventilation path from the upper back part side to the blower in the air guide path is shortened, the pressure loss in the ventilation path can be suppressed, and thus efficient air conditioning with suppressed energy loss can be achieved.

[0160] According to a sixth aspect, the air guide path is formed in the seat back, and not formed in the seat cushion. Thus, since a structure for sucking in air from the seat cushion side is not needed, the seat air-conditioning device can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0161] According to a seventh aspect, the air guide path includes: a first air passage formed in a seat cushion; a second air passage formed in a seat back and connected to the air blower; and a connection duct connecting the first air passage and the second air passage. The first air passage and the second air passage differ in that the connection duct is installed between the air blower. Thus, the air flow caused by the operation of the air blower is likely to flow toward the seat back side rather than the seat cushion side.

[0162] According to an eighth aspect, a resistance portion that becomes an air passage resistance of the air flow through the inside of the connection duct is provided in the connection duct. Thus, the air flow caused by the operation of the air blower is likely to flow toward the second air passage rather than the first air passage. Therefore, the air flow caused by the operation of the air blower can be made to flow toward the seat back side rather than the seat cushion side. Further, the "air passage resistance" is a pressure loss generated when the air flow passes through the flow path.

[0163] According to a ninth aspect, the first air passage is configured to have a larger air passage resistance than the second air passage. Thus, the air flow caused by the operation of the air blower is likely to flow toward the second air passage rather than the first air passage. Therefore, the air flow caused by the operation of the air blower can be made to flow toward the seat back side rather than the seat cushion side.

Claims

1. A seat air conditioning device applied to a seat on which a seated person sits, characterized by, Possessing: a blower that sucks in air from a seat surface side that supports a seated person in the seat; and an air guide path that guides air from the seat surface side to the blower, the seat includes a seat cushion that supports the lower body of the seated person and a seat back that supports the upper body of the seated person, the blower is disposed in the seat back in a manner that air flow caused by operation of the blower flows toward the seat back side more than the seat cushion side, a plurality of ventilation holes are formed in the seat back on the seat surface side of the seat back cushion, the ventilation holes being for passage of air flow caused by the blower, when a portion of the seat back that is exposed to the seated person side is equally divided into six from top to bottom and the six portions are sequentially set as a first back portion, a second back portion, a third back portion, a fourth back portion, a fifth back portion, and a sixth back portion from the lower side, an area occupied by the ventilation holes in the fourth back portion is larger than an area occupied by the ventilation holes in the other portions except the fourth back portion, and the second back portion is not formed with the ventilation holes.

2. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the air guide path is configured so that a proportion of an air intake amount from the seat back side in a total air intake amount of air sucked into the seat exceeds 50%.

3. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein when a portion of the seat back that is exposed to the seated person side is equally divided into two as an upper back portion and a lower back portion, the air guide path is configured so that an air intake amount decreases in the order of the upper back portion, the lower back portion, and the seat cushion.

4. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein the air guide path is configured so that a proportion of an air intake amount from the upper back portion side in a total air intake amount of air sucked into the seat is 50% or more.

5. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein the blower is disposed in the upper back portion of the seat back.

6. The seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air guide path is formed in the seat back and not formed in the seat cushion.

7. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the air guide path includes a first air guide path formed in the seat cushion, a second air guide path formed in the seat back and connected to the blower, and a connection duct that connects the first air guide path and the second air guide path.

8. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 7, wherein a resistance portion that becomes a ventilation resistance of air flow passing through an inner side of the connection duct is provided in the connection duct.

9. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first air guide path is configured to have a ventilation resistance that is larger than that of the second air guide path.

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