Seat air conditioning device

Abstract

A seat air-conditioning device (10) includes a seat cushion (41) having a ventilation hole (410) opened on a surface side opposite to a seated person and a ventilation groove (411) formed on a back side so as to communicate with the ventilation hole. The seat air-conditioning device includes a back cover (43) disposed so as to oppose the back side of the seat cushion and to block an opening side of the ventilation groove, and a blower (12) disposed so as to oppose a back cover opposite portion (43a) of the back cover and to generate an airflow in a ventilation path (44) partitioned by the ventilation groove and the back cover. The back cover opposite portion (43a) is formed with a communication port (431) through which the airflow generated by the blower flows. A coincident portion (41a) of the seat cushion coincident with the back cover opposite portion in a thickness direction of the seat cushion is provided with a support portion (45, 46, 47, 48, 49) that contacts the back cover. The support portion is provided with a plurality of portions that surround the communication port.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-206197, filed on December 11, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a seat air conditioning device. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, a type of seat was known in which a plate member was arranged between the seat cushion and a blower in such a way that the ventilation passage provided in the seat cushion was not blocked when the occupant sat in the seat, and the plate member was supported by a plurality of support portions provided in the seat cushion (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-38461 Summary of the Invention

[0008] However, as shown in Patent Document 1, if plate members are added as other components, the number of components of the seat air conditioning unit in the seat will increase, and the internal structure of the seat will inevitably become more complicated.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a seat air conditioning device that can suppress the reduction in air conditioning performance caused by loads such as the weight of the seat occupant with a simple structure.

[0010] According to one point of view in this disclosure

[0011] Seat air conditioning unit includes:

[0012] The seat cushion has a ventilation hole on the surface side opposite to the seated person and a ventilation groove (411) formed on the back side that communicates with the ventilation hole.

[0013] A back cover, one side of which is disposed opposite to the back side of the seat cushion, and which blocks the open side of the ventilation slot; and

[0014] The aforementioned blower is configured opposite to another side of the back cover and generates airflow in the ventilation path formed by the ventilation slots and the back cover.

[0015] In the back cover, at the location opposite the blower, there is a communication port for airflow caused by the blower.

[0016] A support portion that contacts the back cover is provided at the overlapping portion of the seat cushion in the thickness direction, where the support portion coincides with the corresponding portion.

[0017] Multiple support sections are provided to surround the communication port.

[0018] In this way, because the load caused by the occupant's weight is distributed over a range of the back cover, the reduction in the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation path between the seat cushion and the back cover due to the load generated by the occupant sitting can be suppressed without using other components. In particular, since multiple support portions of the seat cushion are provided to surround the area opposite the blower, deformation of the portions of the seat cushion and back cover located between the occupant and the blower can be suppressed when the occupant sits on the seat. Thus, by ensuring the gap between the bottom surface of the ventilation channel and the back cover, even when the seat is subjected to loads generated by the occupant's weight, the ventilation volume corresponding to the blower's airflow capacity can be ensured. Therefore, without adding other components, the reduction in air conditioning performance caused by the loads generated by the occupant's weight can be suppressed with a simple structure.

[0019] In addition, the parenthesized reference symbols used to annotate each constituent element, etc., are an example of the correspondence between the constituent element, etc., and the specific constituent elements, etc., described in the embodiments described later. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the seat used in the seat air conditioning device of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the seat back.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic exploded view of the seat air conditioning unit.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a schematic 3D diagram of a blower.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic top view of the back cover.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of the sealing component.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a backrest cushion used for seat backs.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic rear view of a backrest cushion used for a seat back.

[0028] Figure 9This is a schematic rear view of the backrest cushion for the seat back in the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 XX sectional view.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a comparative example seat back.

[0031] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the state when a load is applied to the surface side of the seat back of the comparative example.

[0032] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state when a load is applied to the surface side of the seat back of the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the airflow near the communication opening of the backrest cushion in the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the support portion near the communication opening of the backrest cushion in the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the airflow near the communication opening of the backrest cushion in the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the support portion near the communication opening of the backrest cushion in the first modified example of the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement of the support portion near the communication opening of the backrest cushion in a second variation of the second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 19 This is a schematic rear view of another embodiment of the backrest cushion.

[0039] Figure 20 This is a schematic side view of the seat back in another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 21 This is a schematic rear view of a comparative example backrest cushion.

[0041] Figure 22 This is a schematic side view of a comparative example seat back. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are sometimes used to denote the same or equivalent matters as those described in previous embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted. Additionally, in embodiments where only a portion of the constituent elements is described, the constituent elements described in previous embodiments can be applied to other portions of the constituent elements. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other, even without explicit indication, as long as they do not particularly hinder combination.

[0043] (First Implementation)

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 14 This embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, an example of applying the seat air conditioning device 10 of this disclosure to a seat 1 installed in the front seat of a car will be described. The directions DR1, DR2, DR3, etc., marked in each figure are indicated for ease of understanding of 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 car. In addition, the installation state of the seat air conditioning device 10, etc. of this disclosure is not limited to the directions marked in each figure.

[0045] [Overview of Seat 1]

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, seat 1 includes: a seat cushion 2 forming a seat portion for a person to sit on; a headrest 3 supporting the head of the person to sit on; and a seat back 4 supporting the back of the person to sit on. The person to sit on is the user of seat 1, and also includes people who are not actually sitting on seat 1.

[0047] The seat cushion 2 is the part that primarily supports the buttocks of the occupant's lower body. Although not shown, the seat cushion 2 includes a cushioning pad and a cover. The cushioning pad is a cushioning component made of a material that can elastically deform, such as polyurethane foam. The cover is a component that covers the surface side of the cushioning pad.

[0048] The headrest 3 is a part that supports the head of the person sitting. Although not shown, the headrest 3 includes a head cushion, a cover, etc. The head cushion is a cushioning component made of a material that can elastically deform, such as polyurethane foam. The cover is a component that covers the surface side of the head cushion.

[0049] The seat back 4 is a part that supports the upper body of the occupant, excluding the head. The lower end of the seat back 4 is connected to the rear end of the seat cushion 2 via a tilting mechanism (not shown). Additionally, a headrest 3 is connected to the upper end of the seat back 4. The seat back 4 includes a central support member 4a that supports the occupant's back, and side support members 4b and 4c disposed on both sides of the central support member 4a. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the seat back 4 has a backrest cushion 41, a cover 42, a back cover 43, and a backrest frame (not shown).

[0050] The backrest cushion 41 is a cushioning element made of a material that can elastically deform, such as polyurethane foam. Multiple ventilation holes 410 are opened on the surface side of the backrest cushion 41 opposite to the seated person. These ventilation holes 410 are formed by through holes penetrating the backrest cushion 41. Ventilation grooves 411 communicating with the multiple ventilation holes 410 are formed on the back side of the backrest cushion 41. The backrest cushion 41 constitutes the seat cushion of this disclosure. The surface of the backrest cushion 41 is located on the front side in the fore-and-aft direction DR3, and the back side is located on the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction DR3. Details of the backrest cushion 41 will be described later.

[0051] The cover 42 is a component that covers the surface side of the backrest cushion 41. The cover 42 is disposed on the surface side of the seat back 4, which serves as the support surface for the upper body of the occupant. The cover 42 is made of a breathable material or a material with ventilation holes. Specifically, the cover 42 is made of cloth, fabric, leather, etc.

[0052] One side of the back cover 43 is disposed opposite to the back side of the backrest cushion 41 and is a sealing member that seals the open side of the ventilation slot 411. The back cover 43 is formed, for example, from a rigid felt or a resin such as polypropylene.

[0053] The backrest frame is a frame-shaped component that forms the skeleton of the seat back 4. A backrest cushion 41 is installed on the backrest frame. A space is formed between the backrest frame and the backrest cushion 41 for installing the fan 12, which will be described later. A lumbar support may also be added to the backrest frame. The lumbar support keeps the body near the waist and corrects posture.

[0054] [Overview of Seat Air Conditioning Unit 10]

[0055] The seat air conditioning unit 10 is configured to directly cool the human body via airflow from the seat 1 using an SVS (Seat Ventilation System). Figure 3 As shown, the seat air conditioning unit 10 includes a blower 12, a mounting plate 14, a sealing component 16, a backrest cushion 41, and a back cover 43.

[0056] The blower 12 generates airflow in the ventilation passage 44 formed inside the seat back 4. For example... Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the blower 12 is composed of a centrifugal blower of the full circumference type. This type of centrifugal blower draws in air from the intake port 120 formed on one axial side of the rotating shaft CL and blows it out radially outward from the rotating shaft CL in a full circumference. The radial direction of the rotating shaft CL is orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotating shaft CL.

[0057] The blower 12 has an impeller 121 that rotates around a rotating shaft CL and a housing 122 that houses the impeller 121. The impeller 121 is a turbine fan with blades facing rearward relative to the direction of rotation. The housing 122 has an air intake 120 formed on one axial side of the rotating shaft CL and is open about the radially outer side of the rotating shaft CL. The intake 120 is generally circular. The blower 12 is mounted to the backrest frame via a mounting plate 14. The mounting plate 14 has an opening at the portion opposite the intake 120. The blower 12 is disposed opposite the other side of the back cover 43.

[0058] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the back cover 43 has a connecting opening 431 formed at a corresponding portion 43a opposite to the blower 12, allowing airflow caused by the blower 12 to pass through. The connecting opening 431 is formed at a portion opposite to the intake port 120 of the blower 12. The connecting opening 431, like the intake port 120, is generally circular. Figure 3 In order to easily determine the opening position of the connecting port 431, multiple points are marked on the opposite part 43a of the back cover 43, which is opposite to the blower 12. Additionally, in Figure 3 In the diagram, multiple points are also marked on the overlapping portion 41a of the backrest cushion 41, which coincides with the opposite portion 43a in the thickness direction of the backrest cushion 41. Furthermore, the blower 12, the opposite portion 43a, and the overlapping portion 41a coincide with each other in the thickness direction of the backrest cushion 41. The opposite portion 43a and the overlapping portion 41a are the projection surfaces when the blower 12 is projected onto the back cover 43 or the backrest cushion 41.

[0059] An annular sealing member 16 is disposed between the back cover 43 and the blower 12 to seal the connection between the two. The sealing member 16 is disposed between the blower 12 and the back cover 43 in a manner that surrounds the communication opening 431. Figure 6 As shown, the sealing member 16 is composed of a circular member with sealing properties. The sealing member 16 has a size that can surround the communication opening 431. The sealing member 16 is held by the housing 122 and the back cover 43 of the blower 12. Alternatively, the sealing member 16 can also be separately mounted to one of the back cover 43 and the mounting plate 14.

[0060] like Figure 7As shown, a pair of vertical hanging grooves 412 and 413 extending in the vertical direction DR1 and a horizontal hanging groove 414 extending in the horizontal direction DR2 are formed on the surface side of the backrest cushion 41. The pair of vertical hanging grooves 412 and 413 and the horizontal hanging groove 414 are the parts that connect the cover 42 and the backrest cushion 41 by securing a thin rope or the like provided on the cover 42 to a wire (not shown) embedded in the backrest cushion 41. Seven ventilation holes 410 are opened on the surface side of the backrest cushion 41. Specifically, three ventilation holes 410 are formed along each of the pair of vertical hanging grooves 412 and 413, and one ventilation hole is formed near the center of the horizontal hanging groove 414.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, a ventilation groove 411 communicating with a ventilation hole 410 is formed on the back side of the backrest cushion 41. The ventilation groove 411 has a central groove 411a and five grooves 411b, 411c, 411d, 411e, and 411f extending from the central groove 411a toward the ventilation hole 410.

[0062] A ventilation path 44 is formed in the seat back 4 for airflow caused by the blower 12. The ventilation path 44 is formed by the ventilation slot 411 of the backrest cushion 41 and the back cover 43. That is, the ventilation path 44 is formed by the back cover 43 blocking the open side of the ventilation slot 411 of the backrest cushion 41.

[0063] The ventilation passage 44 has a tubular portion 441 extending toward a plurality of ventilation holes 410 and a manifold portion 442 that collects the airflow flowing through the tubular portion 441. The manifold portion 442 is formed at a position corresponding to the opposite portion 43a and the overlapping portion 41a. Thus, the airflow flowing through the ventilation holes 410 and the tubular portion 441 is guided to the blower 12, which will be described later, via the manifold portion 442 and the connecting port 431.

[0064] like Figure 2 , Figure 9 , Figure 10As shown, a support portion 45 is provided at the overlapping portion 41a of the backrest cushion 41, which contacts the back cover 43. Multiple support portions 45 are provided to surround the communication opening 431. The support portions 45 are positioned in the thickness direction of the backrest cushion 41, not opposite to the communication opening 431, thus not blocking the communication opening 431. The support portions 45 are integrally formed with respect to the backrest cushion 41. The support portions 45 protrude from the bottom surface of the ventilation slot 411 near the opposing portion 43a of the back cover 43. The support portions 45 may or may not be connected to each other via the outer portions of the overlapping portions 41a of the backrest cushion 41. The support portions 45 only need to contact the back cover 43 at least when a load is applied to the surface side of the seat backrest 4. When no load is applied to the surface side of the seat backrest 4, the support portions 45 may or may not contact the back cover 43. The support portion 45 can contact the opposite portion 43a of the back cover 43, or it can contact the outer side of the opposite portion 43a of the back cover 43.

[0065] Here, in Figure 9 In order to easily grasp the support part 45, multiple points are marked on the backrest cushion 41 at the location corresponding to the support part 45. For example Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, four support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are provided at the overlapping portion 41a of the backrest cushion 41. These support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are respectively provided in the four regions A1 to A4 when the overlapping portion 41a is divided into four regions A1 to A4 by means of the number of support portions 45 (4 in this example) centered on the center O of the connecting opening 431. In other words, when the overlapping portion 41a is divided into four regions A1 to A4 by imaginary lines IL1 and IL2 passing through the center O of the connecting opening 431 and being orthogonal to each other, support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are respectively provided in the four regions A1 to A4. The support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are arranged with approximately equal openings θ (approximately 90° in this example) around the center O of the connecting opening 431. Therefore, the ventilation path 44 extends radially around the center O of the connecting port 431 at approximately equal angles θ.

[0066] Specifically, the support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are provided in the overlapping portion 41a at the portion that overlaps with the sealing member 16 in the thickness direction of the backrest pad 41. Specifically, a portion of the support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d overlaps with the sealing member 16 in the thickness direction of the backrest pad 41. Moreover, the support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d and the sealing member 16 sandwich the back cover 43 and face each other.

[0067] The support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d decrease in width as they approach the connection opening 431, such that the spacing between adjacent portions increases as they approach the connection opening 431. In other words, the support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d decrease in width as they approach the connection opening 431, such that the passage area of ​​the ventilation path 44 increases as it approaches the connection opening 431.

[0068] In this embodiment, support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are provided at four locations: the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the central groove 411a. The top-bottom support portions 45a and 45b are arranged such that their front ends face each other, sandwiching the center O of the communication port 431. The left-right support portions 45c and 45d are arranged such that their front ends face each other, sandwiching the center O of the communication port 431. Furthermore, the portions of the support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d closest to the communication port 431 (i.e., their front ends) are formed into a rounded shape without sharp corners. Specifically, the portions of the support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d closest to the communication port 431 are curved into a generally arc-shaped form.

[0069] The contact areas of the support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d with the back cover 43 are approximately equal in size. It is desirable that the contact areas of the support portions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d with the back cover 43 be larger than those of the portion where the load is smaller when the occupant sits on the seat 1.

[0070] [Action of seat air conditioning unit 10]

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, in this configuration, when the blower 12 is driven, air is drawn into the intake port 120 of the blower 12. At this time, air from the surface side of the seat back 4 gathers near the connection port 431 via multiple ventilation holes 410 and ventilation passages 44, and is then drawn into the blower 12. The air drawn into the blower 12 is blown radially outward from the entire circumference of the blower 12.

[0072] In this way, if air is drawn in from the surface of the seat back 4, the heat from the seat back 4, which heats up initially when the occupant is seated, will not be blown onto the body, thus improving the cooling effect. Furthermore, cool air from the dashboard at the front of the vehicle is drawn in along the occupant's body, further enhancing the cooling effect.

[0073] Here, Figure 11 and Figure 12This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the seat back SB of the comparative example of this embodiment. The difference between the comparative example seat back SB and the seat back 4 of this embodiment is that the support portion 45 is not provided at the overlapping portion 41a of the backrest cushion 41. Furthermore, in... Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the text, the same symbols are used to mark the same or equivalent parts of the seat back SB in the comparative example as those in the seat back 4 of this embodiment.

[0074] like Figure 11 As shown, the seat backrest SB does not have a support portion 45 at the overlapping portion 41a of the backrest cushion 41, and the entire overlapping portion 41a constitutes the ventilation passage 44. In this structure of the seat backrest SB, if a load F1 caused by the weight of the occupant is applied from the surface side, part or all of the overlapping portion 41a of the seat backrest SB will deform in a manner close to the back cover 43. As a result, the gap between the back cover 43 and the bottom surface of the ventilation groove 411 becomes smaller, thereby reducing the passage area of ​​the ventilation passage 44. In addition, as Figure 12 As shown, when a load F1 caused by the weight of the seated person is applied from the surface side, this load acts on a portion of the back cover 43 other than the corresponding portion 43a. At this time, the reaction force F2 of the sealing member 16 relative to the load caused by the weight of the seated person from the surface side acts on the corresponding portion 43a of the back cover 43, thereby deforming the back cover 43. Specifically, the back cover 43 deforms in such a way that the gap between the back cover 43 and the bottom surface of the ventilation slot 411 decreases, and the passage area of ​​the ventilation passage 44 decreases. As a result, with the passage area of ​​the ventilation passage 44 decreasing, the amount of air flowing through the ventilation passage 44 is greatly reduced, thereby significantly reducing the air conditioning function.

[0075] To avoid this situation, it is advisable to configure the seat 1 with a plate member between the backrest cushion 41 and the blower 12, and to support the backrest cushion 41 through this plate member. However, in this case, the number of parts will increase, and the internal structure of the seat 1 will inevitably become more complicated.

[0076] Considering these factors, the seat air conditioning unit 10 of this embodiment has a support portion 45 that contacts the back cover 43 at the overlapping portion 41a of the backrest cushion 41, where the backrest cushion 41 overlaps with the opposing portion 43a in the thickness direction. In this way, as... Figure 13As shown, the load F1 caused by the weight of the seated person is distributed within a range of the size of the back cover 43. Therefore, without using other components, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation passage 44 between the backrest cushion 41 and the back cover 43 due to the load of the seated person. In particular, multiple support portions 45 of the backrest cushion 41 are provided to surround the communication opening 431 opposite to the blower 12. Therefore, when the seated person sits on the seat 1, deformation of the portion of the backrest cushion 41 and the back cover 43 located between the seated person and the blower 12 can be suppressed. In this way, by ensuring the gap between the bottom surface of the ventilation slot 411 and the back cover 43, even when the seat 1 is subjected to a load caused by the weight of the seated person, the ventilation volume corresponding to the air supply capacity of the blower 12 can be ensured. Therefore, without adding other components, the reduction in air conditioning performance of the seat 1 caused by the load of the seated person's weight can be suppressed with a simple structure.

[0077] Furthermore, the following effects can be obtained according to this embodiment.

[0078] (1) Three or more support portions 45 are provided relative to the backrest cushion 41. When the overlapping portion 41a is divided into multiple regions centered on the center O of the connecting opening 431 and equally divided by the number of support portions 45, each support portion 45 is provided in one of the multiple regions. In this way, since the support portions 45 are arranged approximately equally around the connecting opening 431, the wind speed distribution near the connecting opening 431 can be made uniform. If the wind speed distribution near the connecting opening 431 is uniform, the ventilation resistance is suppressed to a lower level, and therefore the noise of the blower 12 can be suppressed.

[0079] like Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, four support portions 45 are provided relative to the backrest cushion 41, and each is provided in multiple regions A1 to A4 obtained by dividing the overlapping portion 41a into four regions centered on the center O of the connecting opening 431. In this way, the ventilation passage 44 extends radially around the center O of the connecting opening 431 at approximately equal angles θ. Therefore, deviations in the circumferential airflow from the ventilation passage 44 to the connecting opening 431 can be suppressed, and the airflow velocity distribution near the connecting opening 431 can be made more uniform.

[0080] (2) The blower 12 is a centrifugal blower of the whole circumference type, which blows air drawn in from the inlet 120 formed on the axial side of the rotating shaft CL out radially outward from the rotating shaft CL. Moreover, a communication port 431 is formed in the back cover 43 at the part opposite to the inlet 120.

[0081] In a centrifugal blower of the circumferential blowing type, if air is drawn in from a portion of the circumference of the inlet 120, the air velocity distribution near the inlet 120 becomes uneven, the noise generated when the airflow collides with the blades of the impeller 121 increases, and the efficiency of the blower 12 decreases. For this type of centrifugal blower, if a structure is applied in which the support portion 45 is arranged approximately evenly around the connection port 431, the situation where air is drawn in from a portion of the circumference of the inlet 120 can be suppressed, thus homogenizing the air velocity distribution near the inlet 120. As a result, noise can be suppressed, and the efficiency of the blower 12 can be improved. Therefore, the structure in which the support portion 45 is arranged approximately evenly around the connection port 431 is suitable for a seat air conditioning unit 10 including a centrifugal blower of the circumferential blowing type.

[0082] (3) The support portion 45 decreases as it approaches the connection opening 431, in a manner that increases the spacing between adjacent support portions 45 as it approaches the connection opening 431. Consequently, the ventilation path 44 formed between adjacent support portions 45 increases as it approaches the connection opening 431. Therefore, the ventilation area near the connection opening 431 is ensured, and the increase in ventilation resistance caused by the placement of support portions 45 near the connection opening 431 is suppressed. That is, the impact on air conditioning performance caused by the placement of support portions 45 near the connection opening 431 can be suppressed.

[0083] (4) The portion of the support 45 near the connection port 431 has a rounded shape without corners. As a result, it is difficult for airflow to be disturbed when it flows along the portion of the support 45 near the connection port 431. Therefore, the airflow in the connection port 431 can be stabilized, thereby achieving uniform wind speed distribution near the connection port 431.

[0084] (5) The seat air conditioning unit 10 includes a sealing member 16 disposed between the blower 12 and the back cover 43 in a manner that surrounds the communication opening 431. A support portion 45 is provided in the overlapping portion 41a at a location that overlaps with the sealing member 16 in the thickness direction of the backrest cushion 41. Thus, as... Figure 13 As shown, since the support portion 45 can withstand the reaction force F2 of the sealing member 16 relative to the load F1 of the person sitting, the deformation of the back cover 43 caused by the reaction force F2 of the sealing member 16 can be suppressed. Therefore, the sealing between the blower 12 and the back cover 43 can be ensured, and the reduction of the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation passage 44 between the backrest cushion 41 and the back cover 43 due to the load of the person sitting can be suppressed.

[0085] (Second Implementation)

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 15 , Figure 16 The second embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0087] like Figure 15 As shown, the backrest cushion 41 of this embodiment has a different number of support portions 46 relative to the overlapping portion 41a compared to the first embodiment. Multiple support portions 46 are provided to surround the communication opening 431. Specifically, six support portions 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, 46e, and 46f are provided at the overlapping portion 41a of the backrest cushion 41.

[0088] The support portions 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, 46e, and 46f are respectively provided in the six regions B1 to B6 when the overlapping part 41a is divided into six equal parts around the center O of the connecting port 431. The support portions 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, 46e, and 46f are arranged with approximately equal angles θ (approximately 60° in this example) around the center O of the connecting port 431. As a result, the ventilation passage 44 extends radially around the center O of the connecting port 431 near the connecting port 431 with approximately equal angles.

[0089] The other parts are the same as in the first embodiment. The seat air conditioning device 10 of this embodiment can achieve the same effect as the first embodiment by having a structure that is common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0090] (1) In this embodiment, six support portions 45 are provided relative to the backrest cushion 41, and are respectively provided in multiple regions B1 to B6 obtained by dividing the overlapping portion 41a and the like into six regions centered on the center O of the connecting port 431. In this way, the ventilation passage 44 extends radially around the center O of the connecting port 431 at approximately equal angles θ. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the air volume in the circumferential direction from the ventilation passage 44 to the connecting port 431, and to make the air velocity distribution near the connecting port 431 more uniform.

[0091] Here, Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the measurement results of the wind speed distribution at the connecting port 431 and the inlet 120. Figure 16 In the process, points are densely distributed in areas with higher wind speeds within the connecting port 431 and the intake port 120, and sparsely distributed in areas with lower wind speeds. That is, in Figure 16 The diagram shows that areas with densely packed dots have higher wind speeds, while areas with sparsely packed dots have lower wind speeds. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the wind speed is relatively high in the entire circumferential region of the connection port 431, indicating that the wind speed distribution near the connection port 431 becomes uniform.

[0092] (A variation of the second embodiment)

[0093] The backrest cushion 41 of the second embodiment can be appropriately deformed, for example, in the following manner.

[0094] (First variation)

[0095] like Figure 17 As shown, three support portions 47 can also be provided in a manner that surrounds the communication port 431. That is, the backrest cushion 41 can also have three support portions 47a, 47b, and 47c provided relative to the overlapping portion 41a. In this case, it is desirable that the support portions 47a, 47b, and 47c be provided in the three regions C1 to C3 respectively when the overlapping portion 41a is divided into three regions C1 to C3 with the center O of the communication port 431 as the center. In addition, the support portions 47a, 47b, and 47c are arranged with approximately equal gaps θ (approximately 120° in this example) around the center O of the communication port 431.

[0096] (Second variation)

[0097] like Figure 18 As shown, five support portions 48 can also be provided in a manner that surrounds the connecting opening 431. That is, the backrest cushion 41 can also be provided with five support portions 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, and 48e relative to the overlapping portion 41a. In this case, it is desirable that the support portions 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, and 48e are respectively provided in the five regions D1 to D5 when the overlapping portion 41a is divided into five regions D1 to D5 with the center O of the connecting opening 431 as the center. In addition, the support portions 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, and 48e are arranged with approximately equal gaps θ (approximately 72° in this example) around the center O of the connecting opening 431.

[0098] (Other variations)

[0099] From the viewpoint of achieving uniform wind speed distribution near the connection port 431, it is desirable that the backrest cushion 41 be provided with three or more support portions 45, 46, 47, and 48 relative to the overlapping portion 41a. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring ventilation path 44 near the connection port 431, it is desirable that the backrest cushion 41 be provided with six or fewer support portions 45, 46, 47, and 48 relative to the overlapping portion 41a.

[0100] (Other implementation methods)

[0101] The above describes representative embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made, for example, in the following manner.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which seven ventilation holes 410 are formed on the backrest cushion 41. However, this is not the only example; a different number of ventilation holes 410 may also be formed on the backrest cushion 41. In addition, the ventilation slots 411, support portions 45, etc., may also be formed in shapes different from those described above.

[0103] For example, such as Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, multiple support portions 49 can be provided around the communication opening 431 of the backrest cushion 41, and the ventilation holes 410 can also be formed biased towards one of the vertical or horizontal directions of the backrest cushion 41. As shown in this example, it is desirable that the support portions 49 are arranged radially around the communication opening 431 with the communication opening 431 as the center. In addition to the support portions 49a and 49b that are connected to the outer side of the overlapping portion 41a, the support portions 49 may also include support portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f that are not connected to the outer side of the overlapping portion 41a and are distributed in the ventilation passage 44. The same applies when the seat air conditioning unit 10 is applied to the seat cushion 2.

[0104] Here, Figure 21 and Figure 22 It shows Figure 19 and Figure 20 The backrest cushion BP of the comparative example shown in the embodiment. Figure 21 As shown, the difference between the comparative example backrest cushion BP and this embodiment is that the support portion 49 is not provided. In the comparative example backrest cushion BP, as... Figure 22 As shown, if a load F is applied to the surface of the overlapping portion 41a, part or all of the overlapping portion 41a of the seat back SB will deform in a manner close to the back cover 43. As a result, the gap between the back cover 43 and the bottom surface of the ventilation slot 411 becomes smaller.

[0105] In contrast, Figure 19 and Figure 20 The backrest cushion BP shown has a support portion 49 that contacts the back cover 43 at the overlapping portion 41a. Therefore, even if a load F is applied to the surface side of the overlapping portion 41a, deformation of the overlapping portion 41a of the seat back SB can be suppressed. That is, the reduction of the ventilation area of ​​the ventilation passage 44 between the backrest cushion 41 and the back cover 43 due to loads from the occupant sitting can be suppressed.

[0106] In the above embodiment, an example of providing three to six support portions 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49 for the overlapping portion 41a of the backrest cushion 41 has been described. However, it is also possible to provide other numbers of support portions 45 on the backrest cushion 41.

[0107] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the support portion 45 is respectively provided in a plurality of regions A1 to A4 formed by dividing the center O of the communication port 431 with the number of support portions 45 equally. However, the support portion 45 may also be configured in a different way than the above-described construction.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the support portion 45 is exemplified as having a shape that decreases in size as it approaches the communication opening 431; however, the support portion 45 is not limited to this. For example, the support portion 45 may remain the same size even when approaching the communication opening 431, or it may increase in size as it approaches the communication opening 431. Furthermore, the portion of the support portion 45 approaching the communication opening 431 is not limited to having a rounded shape without corners; it may also have a angular shape.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the support portion 45 is shown to be provided in the overlapping portion 41a at the portion that overlaps with the sealing member 16 in the thickness direction of the backrest pad 41; however, the arrangement of the support portion 45 is not limited to this. The support portion 45 may also be provided in the overlapping portion 41a at a portion that does not overlap with the sealing member 16 in the thickness direction of the backrest pad 41.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the blower 12 is exemplified as a centrifugal blower of the full-circumference type; however, the outer casing 122 of the blower 12 may also be constructed of, for example, a vortex casing. Furthermore, the impeller 121 of the blower 12 may not be a turbine fan, but rather a Sirocco fan, radial fan, or the like. Additionally, the blower 12 may not be a centrifugal blower, but may be constructed of, for example, an axial flow blower or a crossflow fan.

[0111] The seat air conditioning device 10 of the above embodiment has a mounting plate 14 and a sealing member 16, but the mounting plate 14 and the sealing member 16 are not necessary, and either or both can be omitted.

[0112] The seat air conditioning device 10 of the above embodiment draws in air from the surface side of the seat back 4, but is not limited to this. For example, it can also blow air out to the surface side of the seat back 4.

[0113] The seat air conditioning unit 10 in the above embodiment may also be built into the seat cushion 2 instead of the seat back 4. Alternatively, the seat air conditioning unit 10 may be built into both the seat back 4 and the seat cushion 2. Furthermore, the seat air conditioning unit 10 may also have some components such as the blower 12 disposed outside the seat 1.

[0114] In the above embodiments, an example of applying the seat air conditioning unit 10 of this disclosure to a seat 1 installed in a vehicle has been described; however, the application of the seat air conditioning unit 10 is not limited to this. For example, the seat air conditioning unit 10 can also be widely applied to fixed seats used in theaters or homes.

[0115] Of course, in the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily necessary, except where they are specifically expressed as necessary or are obviously considered necessary in principle.

[0116] In the above embodiments, when it comes to the number, value, quantity, range, etc. of the constituent elements of the embodiments, the quantity is not limited to that specific quantity, except where it is specifically stated to be necessary or where it is explicitly limited to a specific quantity in principle.

[0117] In the above embodiments, when it comes to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of constituent elements, the shape, positional relationship, etc. are not limited to the shape, positional relationship, etc., except as otherwise specifically stated or as limited to a specific shape, positional relationship in principle.

Claims

1. A seat air conditioning device applied to a seat, the seat air conditioning device comprising: a seat cushion having a ventilation hole opened at a surface side opposite to a seated person, and a ventilation groove formed at a back side so as to communicate with the ventilation hole; a back cover arranged opposite to the back side of the seat cushion at one face thereof, and blocking an open side of the ventilation groove; and a blower arranged opposite to the back cover at the other face thereof, and generating an airflow in a ventilation path defined by the ventilation groove and the back cover, a communication port for the airflow generated by the blower to pass through is formed at an opposite portion of the back cover opposite to the blower, a support portion in contact with the back cover is provided at a coincident portion of the seat cushion coincident with the opposite portion in a thickness direction of the seat cushion, the support portion is provided in a plurality of portions in a manner surrounding the communication port, the blower is in contact with the back cover via a sealing member arranged in a manner surrounding the communication port, and the plurality of support portions are respectively opposite to the sealing member via the back cover in an axial direction of a central axis of the communication port.

2. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is provided in three or more with respect to the seat cushion, and is respectively provided in a plurality of regions when the coincident portion is divided into the plurality of regions by centering on a center of the communication port and by equally dividing the number of the support portions.

3. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 2, wherein the blower is a centrifugal blower of a whole circumference blowing type that blows air sucked from a suction port formed at one side of an axial direction of a rotation shaft to an outer side of a radial direction of the rotation shaft from a whole circumference centering on the rotation shaft, and the communication port is formed at a portion of the back cover opposite to the suction port.

4. The seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support portion is smaller as closer to the communication port, so that a space between adjacent support portions is larger as closer to the communication port.

5. The seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a portion of the support portion closer to the communication port is in a shape of a circular band without an angle.

6. The seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a sealing member arranged in a manner surrounding the communication port between the blower and the back cover, and the support portion is provided at a portion of the coincident portion coincident with the sealing member in the thickness direction. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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