Seat heater and seat air conditioner

Abstract

A seat heater is disposed between a seat cushion (15) and a cover (16). The seat cushion is a component that supports the load from a person sitting on the seat, and has multiple ventilation holes (22) formed on its surface (17) facing the person sitting on it, allowing airflow generated by a blower to pass through. The cover covers the surface of the seat cushion and is breathable. The seat heater comprises: a thin plate-shaped substrate (51) having gaps through which air can pass; and heating wires (52) fixed to the substrate, with multiple slits (53) formed in the substrate that are different from the gaps.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-84798 filed on May 19, 2021 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-11074 filed on January 27, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a seat heater and a seat air conditioning device. Background Technology

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a seat heater for a seat air conditioning unit. The seat air conditioning unit includes: a seat having a seat cushion and a cover; and a blower. Multiple ventilation holes are formed in the seat cushion for airflow generated by the operation of the blower. The cover is breathable. The seat air conditioning unit improves the comfort of the occupant sitting in the seat by drawing in or blowing air from the multiple ventilation holes through the operation of the blower.

[0005] The seat heater comprises: a sheet-like substrate, such as non-woven fabric, having gaps that allow air to pass through; and heating wires fixed to the substrate. The seat heater is positioned between the seat cushion and the seat cover. If the seat heater has high airflow resistance, it obstructs the airflow through the multiple ventilation holes of the seat cushion. Therefore, in the seat heater of Patent Document 1, in order to reduce the airflow resistance of the seat heater, in addition to the gaps in the substrate, multiple ventilation holes are formed in the substrate. These multiple ventilation holes are formed by stamping.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-297532

[0009] In the aforementioned prior art seat heaters, the heating wire is fixed relative to a substrate with multiple vent holes. To reduce the air resistance of the seat heater, the diameter of the vent holes needs to be 10 mm or more. In this case, it is impossible to fix the heating wire at the location of the multiple vent holes. Therefore, the heating wire must be positioned away from the multiple vent holes, resulting in limited flexibility in its placement. Because the heating wire is positioned away from the multiple vent holes, the area that the seated person wants to heat cannot be heated.

[0010] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of a typical seat heater includes a cutting process in which a substrate wound into a roll is cut into the shape of the seat heater using a cutting machine. Therefore, in the aforementioned prior art manufacturing method of a seat heater, in addition to the substrate cutting process, a stamping process is also required to form multiple ventilation holes in the substrate through stamping. To reduce manufacturing costs, the method with fewer processes is preferred. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a seat heater and a seat air conditioning device, which can: reduce the ventilation resistance of the seat heater, increase the freedom of the arrangement of the heating wire, and simplify the manufacturing process of the seat heater by eliminating the need for stamping processing to set multiple ventilation holes in the substrate.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention,

[0013] A seat heater is disposed between a seat cushion and an outer cover. The seat cushion is a component that supports the load from a person sitting on the seat, and has multiple ventilation holes formed on its surface facing the person sitting on it for airflow generated by a blower. The outer cover covers the surface of the seat cushion and is breathable. The seat heater includes:

[0014] A thin, sheet-like substrate having air gaps that allow air to pass through; and

[0015] Heating wire, which is fixed to the substrate.

[0016] Multiple slits, different from voids, are formed in the substrate.

[0017] In addition, according to another viewpoint,

[0018] Seat air conditioning unit, equipped with:

[0019] The blower generates air;

[0020] The seat cushion is a component that constitutes the seat and supports the load from the person sitting on the seat, and has multiple ventilation holes formed on the surface of the side facing the person sitting on for airflow generated by a blower.

[0021] The outer skin, which constitutes the seat, covers the surface of the seat cushion and is breathable; and

[0022] A thin, plate-shaped seat heater, positioned between the seat cushion and the seat cover.

[0023] The seat heater comprises: a thin plate-shaped substrate having gaps through which air can pass; and heating wires fixed to the substrate.

[0024] Multiple slits, different from voids, are formed in the substrate.

[0025] Therefore, multiple slits are formed in the substrate of the seat heater. Thus, as a person sits on the seat or their sitting posture changes, sitting pressure is applied to a portion of the substrate, causing the substrate to deform in an expanding manner. As a result, at least one of the multiple slits opens. Consequently, the ventilation resistance of the seat heater is reduced.

[0026] Furthermore, this means that multiple slits close when no force is applied to the substrate. Therefore, when manufacturing a seat heater, even if the heating wire is positioned above multiple slits, it can be fixed to the substrate. Even if a slit is divided into multiple slits, the heating wire can still be opened if the heating wire is positioned above a single slit. Therefore, it is also possible to avoid multiple slits and not position the heating wire on the substrate. Thus, according to this seat heater, the arrangement of the heating wire offers high flexibility, allowing it to be positioned to heat the areas the user wishes to heat.

[0027] Furthermore, multiple slits can be formed by cutting the substrate. Therefore, multiple slits can be formed during the cutting process of shaping the substrate, which is wound into a roll, into the shape of the seat heater. Thus, the stamping process required in the manufacturing of conventional seat heaters can be eliminated. Compared to conventional seat heater manufacturing methods, the manufacturing process of the seat heater can be simplified.

[0028] Furthermore, the parenthesized reference symbols marked on each structural element indicate an example of the correspondence between that structural element and the specific structural elements described in the embodiments described later. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the vehicle seat air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a front view of a portion of the seat heater and seat cushion of the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 This is an observation of the seat heater in the first embodiment from the occupant's side. Figure 2 The diagram is of section IV, and is a three-dimensional view of the slit and its surrounding area in the open state.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a portion of the seat heater and a portion of the seat cushion according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a portion of the seat heater and a portion of the seat cushion according to the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the slit and its surrounding area in the open state of the seat heater in the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat air conditioning unit according to the fourth embodiment, and it is related to... Figure 2 The corresponding diagram.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a front view of a portion of the seat heater and seat cushion according to the fourth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a top view of the seat cushion of a vehicle seat air conditioning unit used for testing the measurement of inhalation wind speed.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle seat air conditioning unit used for measuring inhalation wind speed, and is equivalent to... Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the XI-XI line.

[0040] Figure 12 The graphs represent the measurement results of the inhalation wind speed for Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-3, respectively.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a front view of the seat heater and seat cushion according to the fifth embodiment.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a front view of a portion of the seat heater according to the sixth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in each of the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts will be labeled with the same symbols and described accordingly.

[0044] (First Implementation)

[0045] A vehicle seat air conditioning unit using the seat heater of the present invention will be described. For example... Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 includes a seat 3 for passengers to sit on, a blower 4 that generates airflow, and a seat heater 5. Figure 1 , 2The vertical direction D1, the horizontal direction (i.e., lateral direction) D2, and the front-back direction D3 shown represent the various directions of seat 3 when it is installed inside the vehicle. The vertical direction D1 of seat 3 aligns with the vertical direction of the vehicle. The horizontal direction D2 of seat 3 aligns with the horizontal direction of the vehicle. The front-back direction D3 of seat 3 aligns with the front-back direction of the vehicle.

[0046] Seat 3 is a vehicle seat used in a vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 for occupant 2 to sit on. In this embodiment, occupant 2 is the person sitting on seat 3. Seat 3 is provided in the vehicle interior. Seat 3 includes a seat back 10 and a seat cushion 11. The seat back 10 supports the back of occupant 2 sitting on seat 3. When the seat back 10 is parallel to the vertical direction D1, the vertical direction D1 of the seat back 10 is the longitudinal direction of the seat back 10. The seat cushion 11 supports the buttocks of occupant 2 sitting on seat 3.

[0047] Seat heaters 5 are provided on both the seat back 10 and the seat cushion 11. The seat back 10 and the seat cushion 11 have different shapes but the same basic structure. Similarly, the seat heaters 5 provided on the seat back 10 and the seat heaters 5 provided on the seat cushion 11 have different shapes but the same basic structure. Therefore, the structure of the seat back 10 and the structure of the seat heaters 5 provided on the seat back 10 will be described below.

[0048] The seat backrest 10 has a central portion 12 and a pair of side supports 13, 14. The central portion 12 is the part of the seat backrest 10 located at the center of the transverse direction D2 of the seat backrest 10. The central portion 12 is opposite to the back of the occupant 2 sitting on the seat 3 in the thickness direction of the seat backrest 10, and supports the back of the occupant 2 from the rear. The central portion 12 is also referred to as the backrest or seat surface. The side supports 13, 14 are the parts of the seat backrest 10 located on both sides of the transverse direction D2 of the seat backrest 10 relative to the central portion 12. The side supports 13, 14 support the back of the occupant 2 sitting on the seat 3 from the side.

[0049] The seat backrest 10 has a seat cushion 15 and a cover 16. The seat cushion 15 is a component that supports the load of the seated occupant 2, i.e., a cushioning element. The seat cushion 15 is made of a molded body of soft polyurethane foam resin. The seat cushion 15 has the functions of maintaining the posture of the occupant 2, distributing body pressure, and suppressing vibration. In this embodiment, the seat cushion 15 is made of one type of polyurethane foam resin, but it may also be made of two or more types of polyurethane foam resin with different softness. Alternatively, the seat cushion 15 may also be made of a molded body of a foam resin other than polyurethane foam resin.

[0050] like Figure 2As shown, the seat cushion 15 has: a surface 17 serving as the occupant-side surface of the seat cushion 15; a back surface 18 serving as the side opposite to the occupant-side surface of the seat cushion 15; and a side surface 19 serving as the side surface of the seat cushion. A cover 16 covers the surface 17 and side surface 19 of the seat cushion 15. The cover 16 is made of fabric or leather. The cover 16 has a plurality of fine pores (not shown) referred to as perforations, and is breathable. The diameter of one pore is, for example, about 1 mm.

[0051] The seat cushion 15 has a central cushion portion 151 and a pair of side cushion portions 152 and 153. The central cushion portion 151 forms the central portion 12 of the seat back 10. The central cushion portion 151 is the portion of the seat cushion 15 located on the central side of the transverse direction D2 of the seat back 10. The side cushion portions 152 and 153 form the side supports 13 and 14 of the seat back 10. The side cushion portions 152 and 153 are the portions of the seat cushion 15 located on both sides of the transverse direction D2 of the seat back 10 relative to the central cushion portion 151.

[0052] Multiple hanging slots 20 are formed on the surface 17 of the seat cushion 15. The multiple hanging slots 20 are slots for suspending and supporting the cover 16. Multiple suspension parts formed on the cover 16 are inserted into and fixed to each hanging slot 20.

[0053] A plurality of ventilation holes 22 are formed on the surface 17 of the central padding portion 151 of the seat cushion 15. The ventilation holes 22 extend through the seat cushion 15 from the surface 17 to the back surface 18. Airflow generated by the operation of the blower 4 flows through the ventilation holes 22. Each ventilation hole 22 on the surface 17 of the seat cushion 15 is approximately circular. The diameter of each ventilation hole 22 is, for example, 20–30 mm.

[0054] The seat heater 5 warms the person sitting in the seat 3 by generating heat. The seat heater 5 is disposed between the seat cushion 15 and the cover 16. The seat heater 5 is arranged opposite the central cushion portion 151 in the thickness direction of the seat heater 5. In other words, the seat heater 5 covers the surface 17 of the central cushion portion 151 and covers a plurality of ventilation holes 22.

[0055] like Figure 3As shown, the seat heater 5 has a substrate 51 and a heating wire 52. The substrate 51 is sheet-like (i.e., thin plate-like) and has gaps that allow air to pass through. Non-woven fabric, soft polyurethane foam, etc., can be used as the substrate 51. When using non-woven fabric as the substrate 51, gaps exist between the fibers. The heating wire 52 is a linear heating element that heats up by passing electricity through it. Copper alloy, etc., can be used as the heating wire 52. By adjusting the wiring specifications of the heating wire 52, a uniform temperature distribution and a temperature difference can be established. The heating wire 52 is fixed to the substrate 51 by heat fusion. Alternatively, the heating wire 52 can be fixed to the substrate 51 by using adhesive. Furthermore, the heating wire 52 can also be fixed to the substrate 51 by sewing.

[0056] The seat heater 5 is fixed to the seat cushion 15 using double-sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, the seat heater 5 is fixed to the cover 16 using marking pins. Furthermore, if a plate-shaped cushioning material, called a blank, is fixed to the inside of the cover 16, the seat heater 5 is fixed to the blank using marking pins. Thus, the seat heater 5 can also be fixed to the cover 16 via the blank.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, in order to reduce the ventilation resistance of the seat heater 5, a plurality of slits 53, different from the voids present in the substrate 51, are formed in the substrate 51. Each slit 53 is a cut. In other words, each slit 53 is a gap arranged in a linear fashion. Each slit 53 is a gap whose size cannot be visually confirmed when no tensile stress is applied to the substrate 51. The plurality of slits 53 extend linearly along the longitudinal direction.

[0058] The plurality of slits 53 includes a slit 53a disposed in the substrate 51 at a position opposite to a portion of the heating wire 52 in the thickness direction of the substrate 51. The slit 53a is arranged in a linear manner, intersecting the heating wire 52 projected relative to the substrate 51 in the thickness direction of the substrate 51. The plurality of slits 53 also includes a slit 53b disposed in the substrate 51 at a position not opposite to the heating wire 52 in the thickness direction of the substrate 51. The slit 53b is disposed at a position in the substrate 51 where no heating wire 52 is disposed.

[0059] The plurality of slits 53 includes a slit 53c disposed in the substrate 51 at a position opposite to any one of the plurality of ventilation holes 22 in the thickness direction of the substrate 51. The slit 53c is disposed at the position where the ventilation hole 22 in the substrate 51 is projected when the ventilation hole 22 is projected relative to the substrate 51 in the thickness direction of the substrate 51. The slit 53c disposed at the position opposite to the ventilation hole 22 is arranged in a manner that spans the ventilation hole 22.

[0060] The manufacturing method of the seat heater 5 includes a step of forming a substrate. In this step, if the substrate is a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric is formed, for example, by needle punching. The formed nonwoven fabric is then wound into a roll.

[0061] The manufacturing method of the seat heater 5 includes a cutting process in which a substrate 51 wound into a roll shape is cut into the shape of the seat heater 5 using an NC cutting machine. In this cutting process, the substrate 51 is slit using an NC cutting machine to form a plurality of slits 53. In this way, since the formation of the plurality of slits 53 is not performed by punching, punching debris is not generated. Therefore, the manufacturing method of the seat heater 5 of this embodiment is an environmentally friendly manufacturing method. At this time, the plurality of slits 53 are formed such that they are respectively located opposite to the plurality of ventilation holes 22 of the seat cushion 15 in the substrate 51.

[0062] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the seat heater 5 includes a fixing step of fixing the heating wire 52 to a substrate 51 that has been cut into the shape of the seat heater 5 and has multiple slits 53 formed by welding. Thus, the seat heater 5 is manufactured.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, a rear groove 25 is formed on the back surface 18 of the seat cushion 15. The rear groove 25 forms a ventilation path between multiple ventilation holes 22 and the blower 4. On the back surface 18 side of the seat cushion 15, a rear cover 26 is provided at a position corresponding to the rear groove 25. The rear cover 26 is made of resin such as rigid felt, polypropylene, or POM. The rear cover 26 is attached to the back surface 18 of the seat cushion 15 in a manner that closes the open surface of the rear groove 25. The blower 4 is provided behind the rear cover 26. Although not shown, the rear cover 26 has an opening at a position corresponding to the air intake of the blower 4. A rear frame 28 is provided behind the blower 4. The outer edge of the rear frame 28 is connected to the seat cushion 15. A seat back space 29 is formed between the rear cover 26 and the rear frame 28.

[0064] A blower 4 is disposed in the seat back space 29. The blower 4 is a fan that generates airflow by rotating an impeller driven by an electric motor (not shown). A centrifugal fan is used as the impeller. Alternatively, an axial fan, a diagonal fan, or a turbine fan may also be used as the impeller. The blower 4 is configured to blow air drawn in from the perforations in the skin 16 through multiple ventilation holes 22 and the rear groove 25 into the seat back space 29.

[0065] In the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 configured as described above, during cooling operation for occupants, the blower 4 operates while the power supply to the seat heater 5 is stopped.

[0066] When the occupant 2 is seated in the normal posture where the occupant 2 faces forward and most of the occupant 2's back is in contact with the seat back 10, the multiple ventilation holes 22 of the central padding portion 151 are closed through the backrest. Therefore, there is no airflow between the occupant 2's back and the seat back 10. Or, very little airflow occurs between the occupant 2's back and the seat back 10.

[0067] Figure 2 Arrow A1 in the diagram indicates the direction occupant 2's body is facing. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the seating posture of occupant 2 changes from a normal posture to a tilted posture facing diagonally forward. In the tilted posture, one left-right end of occupant 2's back is in contact with the seat back 10, while the other left-right end of occupant 2's back moves away from the seat back 10. As a result, air in the vehicle interior is drawn in through the skin 16 and seat heater 5, and through the ventilation holes 22 that are not closed by occupant 2's back, causing airflow between occupant 2's back and seat back 10. At this time, the amount of airflow between occupant 2's back and seat back 10 is greater than in the normal posture.

[0068] Next, the effects of the seat heater 5 in this embodiment will be explained. A plurality of slits 53 are formed in the substrate 51 of the seat heater 5. Therefore, as the occupant 2 changes from a normal sitting posture to a reclining posture, a sitting pressure is applied to a portion of the substrate 51, causing the substrate 51 to deform in an expanding manner. Thus, as... Figure 4 As shown, at least one of the plurality of slits 53 is open. The opening of at least one slit 53 creates at least one opening space in the substrate 51. As a result, the ventilation resistance of the seat heater 5 is reduced.

[0069] In particular, in this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of slits 53 includes a slit 53c disposed opposite a ventilation hole 22 in the seat cushion 15. Therefore, it is easy to generate airflow that is drawn into the ventilation hole 22. Thus, by distributing the slits 53 in the seat cushion 15 at a position opposite to the airflow path, the ventilation resistance of the seat heater 5 can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, the opening of the multiple slits 53 is not limited to the change of the sitting posture from a normal posture to an inclined posture. When the occupant 2 sits down, the multiple slits 53 open when a sitting pressure is applied to at least a portion of the substrate 51 and the substrate 51 deforms in an expanding manner.

[0071] As described above, in existing seat heaters, the heating wire is fixed relative to a substrate with multiple vent holes. To reduce the air resistance of the seat heater, the diameter of the vent holes needs to be 10mm or larger. In this case, the heating wire cannot be fixed at the locations of the multiple vent holes. Therefore, the heating wire must be positioned away from the multiple vent holes, resulting in limited flexibility in its placement. Because the heating wire is positioned away from the multiple vent holes, the area desired by the seated person cannot be heated.

[0072] Furthermore, the aforementioned manufacturing method of the prior art seat heater includes a step of forming a substrate, a step of forming multiple vent holes in the substrate, and a cutting step of cutting the substrate. In the step of forming the substrate, a nonwoven fabric is formed as the substrate, for example, by needle punching. In the step of forming multiple vent holes, multiple vent holes are formed by stamping the nonwoven fabric using a stamping machine. Then, the nonwoven fabric is wound into a roll. In the cutting step, the nonwoven fabric wound into a roll is cut into the shape of the seat heater by an NC cutting machine. Thus, in the prior art manufacturing method of the seat heater, in addition to the substrate cutting step, a stamping step is also required to form multiple vent holes in the substrate. To reduce manufacturing costs, the method with fewer steps is preferred.

[0073] In this respect, according to the seat heater 5 of this embodiment, the plurality of slits 53 are closed when no force is applied to the substrate 51. Therefore, when manufacturing the seat heater 5, even if the heating wire 52 is arranged above the plurality of slits 53, the heating wire 52 can be fixed to the substrate 51. Even if the heating wire 52 is arranged above a single slit 53, these slits 53 can be opened. Therefore, it is also possible to avoid the plurality of slits 53 and not arrange the heating wire 52 on the substrate 51. Therefore, according to the seat heater of this embodiment, the arrangement of the heating wire 52 has a high degree of freedom, and the heating wire 52 can be arranged to heat the parts that the seated person wants to heat.

[0074] Thus, the arrangement of the heating wire 52 of the seat heater 5 in this embodiment has a high degree of freedom. As a result, according to the seat heater 5 of this embodiment, the heating wire 52 includes a portion disposed around the plurality of slits 53 and a portion disposed above the plurality of slits 53. In other words, the plurality of slits 53 includes: a slit 53a disposed in the substrate 51 at a position opposite to a portion of the heating wire 52; and a slit 53b disposed in the substrate 51 at a position not opposite to the heating wire 52.

[0075] Furthermore, in the seat heater 5 according to this embodiment, multiple slits 53 can be formed by cutting slits in the substrate 51. Therefore, multiple slits 53 can be formed during the cutting process of cutting the substrate wound into a roll shape to form the shape of the seat heater 5. That is, the same cutting machine can be used to cut the substrate wound into a roll shape to form the shape of the seat heater 5 and form multiple slits 53. Therefore, the stamping process required in the manufacturing of conventional seat heaters described above can be eliminated. Compared with the conventional seat heater manufacturing method, the manufacturing process of the seat heater 5 can be simplified.

[0076] As explained above, the seat heater 5 according to this embodiment can achieve: reduced air resistance of the seat heater 5; increased freedom of arrangement of heating wire 52; and simplified manufacturing process of the seat heater 5 by eliminating the need for stamping of multiple air holes on the substrate 51 during manufacturing.

[0077] (Second Implementation)

[0078] In this embodiment, the orientation of the plurality of slits 53 formed in the seat heater 5 is different from that in the first embodiment. The other structures of the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0079] In the first embodiment, a plurality of slits 53 extend linearly along the longitudinal direction (i.e., the vertical direction in the figure) of the seat back 10. Therefore, in the direction intersecting each slit 53, each slit 53 opens when the substrate 51 is stretched. However, each slit 53 does not open when the substrate 51 is stretched longitudinally.

[0080] In contrast, such as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the plurality of slits 53 extend linearly in directions inclined relative to the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively. Therefore, even if the substrate 51 is stretched in either the longitudinal or transverse direction, each slit 53 can open.

[0081] (Third Implementation)

[0082] In this embodiment, the shape of the plurality of slits 53 formed in the seat heater 5 differs from that in the first embodiment. The other structures of the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the plurality of slits 53 extend in an S-shaped curve. Here, unlike this embodiment, where each slit 53 extends in a straight line, when the substrate 51 is stretched in a direction parallel to each slit 53, each slit 53 does not open. In contrast, according to this embodiment, regardless of the direction in which the substrate 51 is stretched, as... Figure 7As shown, each slit 53 can be opened.

[0084] Furthermore, compared to the case where each slit 53 extends in a straight line, each slit 53 in this embodiment is easier to open. Therefore, even if the tensile stress applied to the substrate 51 is small, the ventilation resistance of the seat heater 5 can be reduced by opening each slit 53.

[0085] (Fourth Implementation)

[0086] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, in the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of grooves 23 are linearly arranged on the surface 17 of the central pad portion 151 of the seat pad 15, connecting two or more of the plurality of ventilation holes 22 to each other. The depth of the grooves 23 is smaller than the thickness of the central pad portion 151, for example, about 5 to 10 mm.

[0087] For example, the multiple watch slots 23 may include: a first straight portion 23a extending linearly in a manner connecting two vents 22; a second straight portion 23b extending linearly from another vent 22; and a third straight portion 23c extending linearly in a manner intersecting both the first straight portion 23a and the second straight portion 23b. Alternatively, there may be only one watch slot 23.

[0088] The seat heater 5 includes a plurality of slits 53, each of which is disposed in the substrate 51 at a position opposite to the groove 23 in the thickness direction of the substrate 51. The slits 53d are arranged in a linear manner to intersect with the groove 23 projected relative to the substrate 51 in the thickness direction of the substrate 51. Other structures of the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment are the same as those of the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 of the first embodiment.

[0089] like Figure 8 As shown, when the occupant 2's seating posture changes from a normal posture to a reclining posture, as described in the first embodiment, airflow occurs between the occupant 2's back and the seat back 10. In this embodiment, the airflow toward the ventilation opening 22 flows through the groove 23. Therefore, compared to the case where the groove 23 is not formed on the surface 17 of the central padding portion 151, more airflow occurs between the occupant 2's back and the seat back 10.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the seat heater 5 of this embodiment, the plurality of slits 53 include a slit 53d disposed at a position opposite to the groove 23 of the seat cushion 15. Therefore, by applying a sitting pressure to at least a portion of the substrate 51 to open the slit 53d, it is easy to generate airflow that is drawn into the ventilation hole 22 through the groove 23. In this way, by distributing the slits 53 in the seat cushion 15 at a position opposite to the airflow passage, the ventilation resistance of the seat heater 5 can be reduced.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the seat heater 5 of this embodiment, when the occupant 2 sits on the seat 3, the slit 53d opens more easily than when the groove 23 is not formed on the surface 17 of the seat cushion 15. The inventors confirmed this through experiments. When the groove 23 is formed on the surface 17 of the seat cushion 15, the surface 17 of the seat cushion 15 expands easily under the pressure of the occupant 2 sitting down. Along with the expansion of the surface 17 of the seat cushion 15, the substrate 51 of the seat heater 5 also expands. Therefore, it is considered that the slit 53d opens more easily.

[0092] In addition to the slit 53d disposed in the substrate 51 opposite to the groove 23, the plurality of slits 53 may also include, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the slit 53c disposed in the substrate 51 opposite to the ventilation hole 22.

[0093] Here, the experimental results conducted by the inventors are described. Figure 10 , 11 In the vehicle seat air conditioning unit shown, the intake air velocity was measured when using the seat heater 5 of Example 1. The intake air velocity is the speed of the air drawn into the skin 16.

[0094] Figure 10 , 11 The vehicle seat air conditioning unit shown corresponds to the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 of the second embodiment. A seat heater 5 is provided between the seat cushion 15 and the seat cover 16. A plurality of ventilation holes 22 and a plurality of grooves 23 are formed in the seat cushion 15. The plurality of grooves 23 include grooves that extend in a straight line in the transverse direction to connect transversely arranged grooves to each other; and grooves that extend in a straight line in the longitudinal direction to connect longitudinally arranged grooves to each other. Further, the plurality of grooves 23 include grooves that extend in a straight line to intersect with the grooves that extend in a straight line to connect the grooves to each other. The groove depth is 5 mm. By the operation of the blower 4, air flows sequentially through the seat cover 16, the seat heater 5, and through the plurality of grooves 23 and the plurality of ventilation holes 22.

[0095] The seat heater 5 of Embodiment 1, like the seat heaters 5 of the first and second embodiments, includes a substrate 51 and a heating wire 52. The substrate 51 is made of non-woven fabric. A plurality of slits 53 are formed in the substrate 51. Similar to the seat heater 5 of the first embodiment, the plurality of slits 53 includes: a slit 53a disposed in the substrate 51 at a position opposite to a portion of the heating wire 52; and a slit 53b disposed in the substrate 51 at a position not opposite to the heating wire 52. In addition, the plurality of slits 53 includes a slit 53c disposed in the substrate 51 at a position opposite to a vent 22. In addition, similar to the seat heater 5 of the second embodiment, the plurality of slits 53 includes a slit 53d disposed at a position opposite to a groove 23.

[0096] In measuring the intake air velocity, the inventors used an anemometer to measure the air velocity at five locations on the surface of the skin 16 and calculated the average value of the measured air velocity. Inhalation air velocity cannot be measured when an occupant 2 or similar person is present on the surface of the seat 3. Therefore, the intake air velocity is measured when no occupant 2 or similar person is present on the surface of the seat 3. Furthermore, assuming that due to the occupant 2 sitting down or changing their sitting posture, at least a portion of the substrate 51 is subjected to sitting pressure, causing multiple slits 53 to open, the intake air velocity is measured while maintaining the open state of each slit 53. In reality, the opening width of each slit 53 when the occupant 2 sits on the seat 3 is 2 to 3 mm. Therefore, the inventors measure the intake air velocity while the substrate 51 is stretched, with the maximum opening width of each slit 53 being 2 to 3 mm.

[0097] Figure 12 The results show the measured intake air velocity when using the seat heater 5 of Example 1. Furthermore, Figure 12 Indicates in Figure 10 , 11 The results of the intake air velocity measurements in the vehicle seat air conditioning unit shown are as follows: when the seat heaters of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are used, and when the seat heaters are not used, is compared as Comparative Example 3.

[0098] In the seat heater 5 of Comparative Example 1, similar to the seat heater 5 of Example 1, the substrate 51 is made of non-woven fabric. Unlike the seat heater 5 of Example 1, the substrate 51 has multiple ventilation holes formed by punching, unlike the voids present in non-woven fabric. Each ventilation hole is circular with a diameter of 3.5 mm.

[0099] In the seat heater 5 of Comparative Example 2, similar to the seat heater 5 of Example 1, the substrate 51 is made of non-woven fabric. Unlike the seat heaters 5 of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, no slits or ventilation holes are formed in the substrate 51.

[0100] like Figure 12 As shown, the intake air velocity of Examples 1, 1, and 2, which use a seat heater, is lower than that of Comparative Example 3, which does not use a seat heater. The intake air velocity of Examples 1 and 1, which use a seat heater, is higher than that of Comparative Example 2. The intake air velocity of Example 1 is approximately the same as that of Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, although not shown, the inventors measured the air volume of the air drawn into the skin 16, and the result showed that the intake air volume of Example 1 was also approximately the same as that of Comparative Example 1. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the seat heater 5, which has multiple slits 53 formed in the substrate 51, can achieve an effect of reducing ventilation resistance that is approximately the same as that of conventional seat heaters with multiple vent holes formed in the substrate.

[0101] (Fifth Implementation)

[0102] like Figure 13 As shown, similar to the fourth embodiment, a plurality of grooves 23 are linearly arranged on the surface 17 of the central padding portion 151 of the seat cushion 15. In this embodiment, the plurality of grooves 23 extend in a manner connecting a plurality of ventilation holes 22 and a plurality of hanging slots 20. Therefore, when air in the vehicle compartment on the seated occupant 2 side is drawn into the plurality of ventilation holes 22 by the operation of the blower 4, a flow of air is formed from the hanging slots 20 through the grooves 23 toward the ventilation holes 22.

[0103] The seat heater 5 is configured to cover the central pad portion 151 and multiple hanging grooves 20 in the seat cushion 15. The seat heater 5 has multiple slits 53, including: a slit 53d disposed in the substrate 51 opposite to the surface groove 23; and a slit 53e disposed in the substrate 51 in the thickness direction opposite to any one of the multiple hanging grooves 20. The slits 53e extend linearly in a manner intersecting the hanging grooves 20. Other structures of the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment are the same as those of the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 of the first embodiment.

[0104] As a result, the slit 53e opposite to the hanging groove 20 opens, thereby facilitating the flow of air drawn into the ventilation hole 22 through the hanging groove 20 and the surface groove 23. In this way, by arranging the slit 53 in the seat cushion 15 at a position opposite to the air supply flow path, the ventilation resistance of the seat heater 5 can be reduced.

[0105] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0106] like Figure 14As shown, in this embodiment, the plurality of slits 53 include two straight slits 53f and 53g orthogonally aligned in the substrate 51 within a region of the substrate 51 opposite any one of the plurality of ventilation holes 22 in the thickness direction of the substrate 51. The two slits 53f and 53g are positioned such that, when a ventilation hole 22 is projected relative to the substrate 51 in the thickness direction of the substrate 51, the ventilation hole 22 is projected. The two slits 53f and 53g are configured to span the ventilation hole 22.

[0107] The other structures of the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the two slits 53f and 53g are orthogonal in the area opposite to a ventilation hole 22. Therefore, compared to the case where only one slit 53 is arranged in the area opposite to a ventilation hole 22 or where two non-intersecting slits 53 are arranged, the constraint force is reduced, and the two slits 53f and 53g are easier to open. As a result, not only when the occupant 2 sits down and applies sitting pressure to the base material 51, but also when no sitting pressure is applied, the two slits 53f and 53g can be opened through the ventilation hole 22. Therefore, even when no sitting pressure is applied, the ventilation resistance of the seat heater 5 can be reduced.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intersection of the two slits 53f and 53g is located at the center of the area opposite to a ventilation hole 22. However, the intersection of the two slits 53f and 53g may also be off-center. Additionally, in this embodiment, the angle at which the two slits 53f and 53g intersect is 90 degrees. However, the angle at which the two slits 53f and 53g intersect may also be an angle other than 90 degrees. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two slits 53f and 53g extend in a straight line. However, the two slits 53f and 53g may not extend in a straight line, but may extend in a curved line. Furthermore, in this embodiment, two slits 53 intersect in the area opposite to a ventilation hole 22, but three or more may also be present. In these cases, the same effect as in this embodiment can be obtained.

[0109] (Other implementation methods)

[0110] (1) In the third embodiment, all of the plurality of slits 53 extend in an S-shaped curve, but it is also possible for only a portion of the plurality of slits 53 to extend in an S-shaped curve. In short, it is sufficient as long as at least one of the plurality of slits 53 extends in an S-shaped curve. In this case, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

[0111] (2) In the above embodiments, the plurality of ventilation holes 22 draw in air from the space on the passenger side by means of the operation of the blower 4. However, the plurality of ventilation holes 22 may also blow air out to the space on the passenger side by means of the operation of the blower 4.

[0112] (3) In the above embodiments, the seat heater 5 is applied to the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 1. However, the seat heater 5 may also be applied to seat air conditioning units other than those for vehicles.

[0113] (4) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be appropriately modified, including various variations and modifications within the same range. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined except in cases where they are clearly incompatible. For example, the third embodiment can be combined with the first embodiment and the fourth to sixth embodiments. At least one of the slits 53a to 53g described in the first, fourth, to sixth embodiments can also extend in an S-shaped curve.

[0114] (5) In the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or where they are clearly considered necessary in principle. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, etc., of the constituent elements of the embodiment, they are not limited to that specific number, except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or where they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Additionally, in the above embodiments, when referring to the material, shape, positional relationship, etc., of the constituent elements, they are not limited to that material, shape, positional relationship, etc., except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or where they are limited to a specific shape or positional relationship in principle.

Claims

1. A seat heater provided between a seat cushion and a skin, the seat cushion being a member that supports a load from a seated person seated on a seat, and a plurality of ventilation holes through which air generated by a blower flows are formed on a surface as a face of the seated person side, the skin covering the surface of the seat cushion and having air permeability, characterized in that, have: A thin, sheet-like substrate having air gaps that allow air to pass through; and A heating wire, which is fixed to the substrate. The substrate has a plurality of slits that are different from the voids. The slit closes when no tensile stress is applied to the substrate and opens when a load from the seated object is applied to at least a portion of the substrate. The plurality of slits includes slits disposed in the substrate at positions opposite to a portion of the heating wire in the thickness direction of the substrate. A portion of the heating wire intersects with the slit positioned opposite to it and is fixed to the substrate.

2. The seat heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of slits includes slits disposed in the substrate at positions not opposite to the heating wire in the thickness direction of the substrate.

3. The seat heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of slits includes slits disposed in the substrate at positions opposite to any one of the plurality of ventilation holes in the thickness direction of the substrate.

4. The seat heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the surface of the seat cushion, one or more grooves connecting two or more of the plurality of ventilation holes are arranged in a linear pattern. The plurality of slits includes slits disposed in the substrate at positions opposite to any one of the more than one grooves in the thickness direction of the substrate.

5. The seat heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of slits comprises two slits that intersect in the region of the substrate in the thickness direction opposite to any one of the plurality of ventilation holes.

6. The seat heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of slits extends in an S-shaped curve.

7. A seat air conditioning device characterized by comprising: have: The blower generates air; The seat cushion is a component that constitutes the seat and supports the load from the person sitting on the seat, and has a plurality of ventilation holes formed on the surface of the side facing the person sitting on the seat for airflow generated by a blower. The outer skin, which constitutes the seat, covers the surface of the seat cushion and is breathable; and A thin, plate-shaped seat heater is disposed between the seat cushion and the seat cover. The seat heater has: A thin, sheet-like substrate having gaps through which air can pass; as well as A heating wire, which is fixed to the substrate. The substrate has a plurality of slits that are different from the voids. The slit closes when no tensile stress is applied to the substrate and opens when a load from the seated object is applied to at least a portion of the substrate. The plurality of slits includes slits disposed in the substrate at positions opposite to a portion of the heating wire in the thickness direction of the substrate. A portion of the heating wire intersects with the slit positioned opposite to it and is fixed to the substrate.

8. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 7, characterized in that, On the surface of the seat cushion, one or more grooves connecting two or more of the plurality of ventilation holes are arranged in a linear pattern. The plurality of slits includes slits disposed in the substrate at positions opposite to any one of the more than one grooves in the thickness direction of the substrate.

9. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plurality of slits comprises two slits that intersect in the region of the substrate in the thickness direction opposite to any one of the plurality of ventilation holes.

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