Vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure obtains a vehicle capable of suppressing a reduction in comfort when an occupant sits on a vehicle seat. A vehicle (10) according to the present disclosure is provided with: a vehicle seat (20) having a hole (36) communicating with the interior in a surface (24A) thereof, and on which an occupant sits; a seat vent (32) that sucks air into the interior of the vehicle seat (20); an air-conditioning unit for discharging warm air or cold air into the vehicle interior to adjust the temperature in the vehicle interior; a receiving unit that receives an operation instruction for heating by the air-conditioning unit before the passenger takes the vehicle; and a drive control unit that discharges warm air into the vehicle interior by means of the air conditioning unit and sucks warm air through the seat ventilation (32) when receiving an operation instruction of the heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle equipped with a vehicle seat having seat ventilation. Background Art

[0002] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-020529, a vehicle seat is disclosed which controls a seat heater and a seat ventilation mechanism based on room temperature information, sunlight amount information, temperature information of the seat heater, and humidity information of the cushion when it is recognized from a captured image by a camera that an occupant is sitting on the seat cushion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the vehicle seat described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-020529, when an occupant sits down, heat is transferred from the seat back side to the seat cushion side or into the seat interior, which reduces the temperature of the vehicle seat and thus reduces the comfort of the occupant.

[0004] The present disclosure is an invention completed in view of the actual situation, and its object is to provide a vehicle capable of suppressing a decrease in the comfort of an occupant when sitting on a vehicle seat.

[0005] A vehicle according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a vehicle seat having holes communicating with the interior on its surface and on which an occupant sits; a seat ventilation that sucks air into the vehicle seat; an air conditioning unit that discharges warm air or cold air into the passenger compartment to adjust the temperature of the passenger compartment; a receiving unit that receives an operation instruction for heating based on the air conditioning unit before the occupant gets in the vehicle; and a drive control unit that, when receiving the operation instruction for heating, discharges warm air into the passenger compartment through the air conditioning unit and sucks the warm air through the seat ventilation.

[0006] In the vehicle according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, when the receiving unit receives an operation instruction for heating based on the air conditioning unit before the occupant gets in the vehicle, the drive control unit discharges warm air into the passenger compartment through the air conditioning unit and sucks the warm air through the seat ventilation. Therefore, by sucking the warm air generated by the heating through the seat ventilation before the occupant gets in the vehicle, the interior of the vehicle seat can be heated, and thus a decrease in the temperature of the vehicle seat when the occupant sits down can be suppressed. As a result, a decrease in the comfort of the occupant when sitting on the vehicle seat can be suppressed.

[0007] The vehicle of the second mode of the present disclosure is a vehicle having a seat heater in the structure of the first mode. The seat heater warms the surface on the side where the occupant of the vehicle seat sits. When the drive control unit detects that the occupant has boarded the vehicle, the drive control unit switches the operation from the seat ventilation to the operation of the seat heater.

[0008] In the vehicle of the second mode of the present disclosure, since the seat heater operates when the occupant boards the vehicle, the vehicle seat is warmed by the seat heater. Therefore, the comfort of the occupant when sitting on the vehicle seat can be further improved.

[0009] The vehicle of the third mode of the present disclosure is a vehicle having an electric air deflector in the structure of the first or second mode. The electric air deflector can change the direction of the warm air and the cold air electrically. When the drive control unit receives an operation instruction for the heating, the drive control unit controls the electric air deflector so that the air direction faces the vehicle seat.

[0010] In the vehicle of the third mode of the present disclosure, when the receiving unit receives an operation instruction for the heating from the air-conditioning unit before the occupant boards the vehicle, the drive control unit controls the electric air deflector so that the direction of the warm air faces the vehicle seat. Therefore, the interior of the vehicle seat can be heated more effectively.

[0011] The vehicle of the fourth mode of the present disclosure is a vehicle having a structure of any one of the first to third modes. When the drive control unit receives an operation instruction for the heating, the drive control unit sets at least one of the air volume and the temperature of the air-conditioning unit to the maximum.

[0012] In the vehicle of the fourth mode of the present disclosure, when the receiving unit receives an operation instruction for the heating from the air-conditioning unit before the occupant boards the vehicle, the drive control unit sets at least one of the air volume and the temperature of the air-conditioning unit to the maximum. Therefore, the interior of the vehicle seat can be heated more effectively.

[0013] The vehicle of the fifth mode of the present disclosure is a vehicle having a structure of the fourth mode. When the drive control unit detects that the occupant has boarded the vehicle, the drive control unit restores the air volume and the temperature of the air-conditioning unit to the normal state.

[0014] In the vehicle of the fifth mode of the present disclosure, since the drive control unit restores the air volume and the temperature of the air-conditioning unit to the normal state when it detects that the occupant has boarded the vehicle, during the occupant's boarding, no setting operation by the occupant is required, and excessive air volume and excessive temperature can be prevented, thus ensuring the comfort of the occupant.

[0015] Advantages of the Invention

[0016] The vehicle according to the present disclosure has the following excellent effects, that is, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the comfort when an occupant sits on the vehicle seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. is a side view schematically showing a vehicle seat mounted on a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 FIG. is a partial side sectional view schematically showing a vehicle seat mounted on a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 FIG. is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 FIG. is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a vehicle ECU according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic diagram schematically showing the reception of a heating request.

[0022] Figure 6 FIG. is a schematic diagram schematically showing the detection of an occupant.

[0023] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic diagram schematically showing the unlocking of a door lock by an occupant.

[0024] Figure 8 FIG. is a flowchart showing a series of control processes in the vehicle ECU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in this specification and the drawings, structural elements having substantially the same functional configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. Further, arrow marks UP, FR, LH, and RH appropriately shown in the respective drawings indicate the upper direction, the front direction, the left side direction in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction), and the right side direction of the vehicle seat 20 mounted on the vehicle, respectively.

[0026] In the present embodiment, as an example, the vehicle 10 is any vehicle such as a gasoline vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), or a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In addition, a vehicle seat 20 is mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0027] (Structure of the vehicle seat 20)

[0028] The vehicle seat 20 of the present embodiment is a seat provided in the vehicle 10. As an example, as Figure 1 shown, it includes: a seat cushion 22 for an occupant to sit on (supporting the occupant's buttocks and thighs); a seat back 24 that supports the occupant's back, that is, forms the backrest of the seat; and a headrest 26 that supports the occupant's head.

[0029] The seat cushion 22 includes a seat buffer (not shown), a seat pan (not shown), and a seat skin (not shown). The seat buffer forms the seat surface portion of the vehicle seat 20 and is formed of an elastic synthetic resin material such as polyurethane foam (foamed polyurethane). The occupant sits on the upper side (seat surface) of the seat of the seat cushion 22. The seat pan is a frame that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion 22. The seat skin is formed of flexible seat components such as cloth, leather, and synthetic leather.

[0030] The seat back 24 forms the backrest portion of the vehicle seat 20 and supports the back of the occupant sitting on the seat cushion 22 with the front side (seat surface) of the seat back 24. The seat back 24 includes a seat back frame (not shown), a seat back cushion (not shown), and a seat skin 30. In addition, in the present embodiment, the seat back 24 includes a seat ventilation 32 and a seat heater 34.

[0031] The seat back frame forms the skeleton of the seat back 24. The seat back cushion is formed of an elastic synthetic resin material such as polyurethane foam (foamed polyurethane).

[0032] The seat skin 30 has holes 36 communicating with the inside on the surface. Specifically, the seat skin is composed of breathable raw materials such as fabric (cloth), natural leather with a plurality of small holes, and synthetic leather. Here, although Figure 1In [description], the hole 36 is shown in an exaggerated manner in terms of size and shape, but in reality, the hole 36 is composed of smaller holes. Specifically, the hole 36 is, for example, a hole formed by the mesh of a mesh-like raw material such as fabric, or the above-mentioned small holes of natural leather and synthetic leather.

[0033] The seat ventilation 32 is a device that, as an example, is provided inside the seat backrest 24, is composed of, for example, a fan or a blower, etc., and sucks air from the hole 36 of the seat skin 30 into the inside of the seat backrest 24. The seat ventilation 32 is configured to be able to switch the air volume to be sent in stages.

[0034] The seat heater 34 is an electric heater such as a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater, and as Figure 2 shown, it is a heating device that uses the heat generated by an electric current to warm the surface 24A on the front side, which is the side where the occupant of the seat backrest 24 sits. As an example, the seat heater 34 is provided on the surface 24A side inside the seat backrest 24 and is configured to be able to adjust the heating output in stages. In addition, in the present embodiment, the seat heater 34 and the seat ventilation 32 are provided in non-overlapping positions when viewed from the front, that is, in non-overlapping manners.

[0035] (Structure of the vehicle 10)

[0036] Next, the structure of the vehicle 10 will be described. As Figure 3 shown, the vehicle 10 of the present embodiment includes a vehicle ECU 50, a seat ventilation 32, a seat heater 34, an air conditioning unit 40, and an electric air register 42.

[0037] The vehicle ECU 50 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 50B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 50C, a storage 50D, a communication interface (communication I / F) 50E, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 50F. Each structure can use well-known technologies and is connected together in a manner that enables mutual communication via a bus 50G.

[0038] Connected to the input / output I / F 50F are the above-mentioned seat ventilation 32 and seat heater 34, and the air conditioning unit 40 and the electric air register 42, etc.

[0039] The air-conditioning unit 40 is a device that regulates the temperature inside the vehicle compartment by discharging temperature-regulated air such as warm air or cold air into the vehicle compartment. In the present embodiment, the air-conditioning unit 40 is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the discharged air step by step and is also configured to be able to adjust the air volume of the discharged air step by step. In addition, since well-known technologies such as an air-conditioning unit can be used for the air-conditioning unit 40, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0040] As an example, as Figure 1 shown, the air-conditioning unit 40 is disposed inside (on the vehicle front side) of an instrument panel 12 (hereinafter referred to as "instrument panel 12") provided at the front part of the vehicle compartment of the vehicle 10. A vehicle seat 20 serving as a front seat (front seat) is provided on the vehicle rear side with respect to the instrument panel 12. In addition, an air outlet (not shown) for discharging the air whose temperature has been regulated by the air-conditioning unit 40 into the vehicle compartment is provided on the outer side (vehicle rear side) of the instrument panel 12.

[0041] The electric air deflector 42 is a device that can change the direction of warm air and cold air electrically. Specifically, as an example, the electric air deflector 42 is provided at the air outlet of the instrument panel 12 and includes a wind direction plate (not shown) capable of changing the wind direction and a motor that rotates the wind direction plate. In the present embodiment, as an example, the wind direction plate is composed of a plurality of vanes arranged side by side in the vehicle vertical direction (longitudinal direction). By rotating the plurality of vanes about the vehicle width direction (lateral direction) using the above motor, the wind direction in the vehicle vertical direction is changed.

[0042] The vehicle ECU 50 uses the above hardware resources to implement various functions. As Figure 4 shown, the vehicle ECU 50 is configured to include a receiving unit 52 and a drive control unit 54 as functional structures. In addition, each functional structure is implemented by the CPU 50A reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 50B or the memory 50D.

[0043] The receiving unit 52 receives an operation instruction for heating based on the air-conditioning unit 40 before the occupant gets in the vehicle. Specifically, as an example, as Figure 5 shown, the receiving unit 52 receives a heating request sent by a portable terminal such as a smartphone via the communication I / F 50E.

[0044] In addition, as an example, the receiving unit 52 of the present embodiment also functions as a detection unit that detects the getting-in of the occupant into the vehicle 10. Specifically, as Figure 6As shown, the receiving unit 52 receives, via the communication I / F 50E, the proximity signal of the occupant 62 who holds the smart key corresponding to the vehicle 10, that is, the proximity signal of the smart key. In addition, the receiving unit 52 detects the boarding of the occupant 62 by receiving the transmission signal transmitted from the smart key.

[0045] The receiving unit 52 of the present embodiment receives, via the communication I / F 50E, the above-mentioned heating request based on wireless communication and the transmission signal transmitted from the smart key at regular intervals.

[0046] In addition, the function of the detection unit for detecting the boarding of the occupant into the vehicle 10 is not limited to the above case. For example, it may be configured as follows. The receiving unit 52 is configured to be able to receive, from the communication I / F 50E or the input / output I / F 50F, a signal indicating the locking and unlocking of the vehicle door of the vehicle 10, and as Figure 7 shown, when the occupant 62 unlocks the vehicle door of the vehicle 10, the boarding of the occupant 62 is detected. In addition, for example, it may be configured as follows. When the air-conditioning unit 40 has a timer unit for setting the operating time of the heating when a heating operation instruction is received by the receiving unit 52, when the set time has elapsed since the heating started operating, the receiving unit 52 receives a signal from the timer unit to detect the boarding of the occupant 62. In this case, it is set to be able to complete the heating of the passenger compartment within the set time. In addition, the vehicle 10 may be provided with multiple of each of the above structures.

[0047] When the receiving unit 52 receives a heating operation instruction, the drive control unit 54 causes the warm air to be discharged into the passenger compartment through the air-conditioning unit 40, and sucks the discharged warm air through the seat ventilation 32. Specifically, the drive control unit 54 drives and controls the air-conditioning unit 40 in such a way that the temperature of the air discharged by the air-conditioning unit 40 is set to warm air (a temperature higher than the temperature inside the passenger compartment), and the air at the set temperature is discharged from the air outlet. In the present embodiment, as an example, when the receiving unit 52 receives a heating operation instruction, the drive control unit 54 sets the temperature of the air discharged by the air-conditioning unit 40 to the maximum. In addition, as an example, when the receiving unit 52 receives a heating operation instruction, the drive control unit 54 sets the air volume of the air discharged from the air outlet to the maximum.

[0048] In addition, when the receiving unit 52 receives an operation instruction for heating, the drive control unit 54 controls the electric air conditioner 42 so that the direction of the air discharged from the air outlet faces the seat back 24. Further, as an example, when the air conditioning unit 40 can set a plurality of operation modes such as a face-blowing mode in which the air discharged from the air outlet faces the face or chest of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat 20, and a foot-blowing mode in which the air discharged from the air outlet faces the feet of the occupant, the drive control unit 54 sets the air conditioning unit 40 to the face-blowing mode.

[0049] In addition, when the receiving unit 52 detects that the occupant has boarded the vehicle 10, the drive control unit 54 performs control to switch the operation from the seat ventilation 32 to the seat heater 34.

[0050] Next, a series of processes executed in the vehicle ECU 50 will be described using Figure 8 the flowchart shown. In addition, the processes executed in the vehicle ECU 50 are executed by the CPU 50A reading a program from the ROM 50B or the storage 50D and expanding and executing it in the RAM 50C.

[0051] As Figure 8 shown, first, in step S11, the receiving unit 52 determines whether an operation instruction for heating based on the air conditioning unit 40 has been received before the occupant boards the vehicle. When an operation instruction for heating has not been received (step S11), the receiving unit 52 repeatedly executes the process of step S11 until an operation instruction for heating is received. In step S11, when the receiving unit 52 has received an operation instruction for heating (step S11; YES), in step S12, the receiving unit 52 determines whether it has detected that the occupant has boarded the vehicle 10.

[0052] In step S12, when the occupant has not boarded the vehicle (step S12; NO), in step S13, the drive control unit 54 heats the inside of the seat back 24 with warm air through the air conditioning unit 40 and the seat ventilation 32. Specifically, the drive control unit 54 sets the temperature and the air volume of the air discharged from the air outlet through the air conditioning unit 40 to the maximum, and discharges the warm air at the set temperature from the air outlet into the vehicle interior at the maximum air volume. In addition, the drive control unit 54 controls the electric air conditioner 42 so that the direction of the air discharged from the air outlet faces the seat back 24. Then, the drive control unit 54 operates the seat ventilation 32 to suck the warm air discharged into the vehicle interior into the seat back 24.

[0053] Next, in step S14, the receiving unit 52 determines whether the boarding of the occupant into the vehicle 10 has been detected. In step S14, when the occupant has not boarded (step S14; No), the vehicle ECU 50 transfers the process to step S13. Then, the drive control unit 54 heats the inside of the seat back 24 with warm air through the air conditioner unit 40 and the seat ventilation 32.

[0054] On the other hand, when the occupant boards in step S12 (step S12; Yes), and when the occupant boards in step S14 (step S14; Yes), the vehicle ECU 50 transfers the process to step S15.

[0055] In step S15, the drive control unit 54 sets the air conditioning implemented by the air conditioner unit 40 to the normal state. Specifically, the drive control unit 54 restores the temperature and the air volume of the air discharged from the air outlet of the air conditioner unit 40, which have been set to the maximum, to the original set values. In addition, the drive control unit 54 controls the electric air deflector 42 so that the direction of the air discharged from the air outlet is restored to the original direction from the direction towards the seat back 24.

[0056] Next, in step S16, the drive control unit 54 stops the operation of the seat ventilation 32 and starts the operation of the seat heater 34. That is, the drive control unit 54 switches from the operation of the seat ventilation 32 to the operation of the seat heater 34, and the vehicle ECU 50 ends a series of processes.

[0057] (Function and effect)

[0058] Next, the function and effect of the present embodiment will be described.

[0059] In the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment, when the receiving unit 52 receives an operation instruction for warm air from the air conditioner unit 40 before the occupant boards, the drive control unit 54 discharges warm air into the passenger compartment through the air conditioner unit 40 and sucks in the warm air through the seat ventilation 32. Therefore, since the warm air generated by the warm air is sucked in by the seat ventilation 32 before the occupant boards, the inside of the seat back 24 can be heated, and thus the temperature drop of the vehicle seat 20 when the occupant sits down can be suppressed. As a result, the reduction in the comfort of the occupant when sitting on the vehicle seat 20 can be suppressed.

[0060] In addition, in the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment, since the seat heater 34 operates when the occupant boards the vehicle, the seat back 24 can be heated by the seat heater 34, thereby further improving the comfort of the occupant when sitting on the vehicle seat 20.

[0061] In addition, in the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment, when the receiving unit 52 receives an operation instruction for heating by the air-conditioning unit 40 before the occupant gets in the vehicle, the drive control unit 54 controls the electric air conditioner so that the direction of the warm air is directed toward the vehicle seat, and thus the inside of the seat back 24 can be heated more effectively.

[0062] In addition, in the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment, when the receiving unit 52 receives an operation instruction for heating by the air-conditioning unit 40 before the occupant gets in the vehicle, the drive control unit 54 sets at least one of the air volume and the temperature of the air-conditioning unit 40 to the maximum, and thus the inside of the seat back 24 can be heated more effectively.

[0063] In addition, in the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment, when the receiving unit 52 detects that the occupant has got in the vehicle, the drive control unit 54 restores the air volume and the temperature of the warm air to the normal state. Therefore, when the occupant gets in the vehicle, it is possible to eliminate the need for a setting operation by the occupant and to prevent excessive air volume and excessive temperature, thereby ensuring the comfort of the occupant.

[0064] [Remarks]

[0065] In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, when the receiving unit 52 receives an operation instruction for heating, the drive control unit 54 sets the temperature of the air discharged from the air-conditioning unit 40 and the air volume of the air discharged from the air outlet to the maximum, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Either the temperature of the air discharged from the air-conditioning unit 40 or the air volume of the air discharged from the air outlet may be set to the maximum.

[0066] In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle 10 is provided with an electric air conditioner 42, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the vehicle 10 may not be provided with the electric air conditioner 42.

[0067] In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle 10 is provided with a seat heater 34, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the vehicle 10 may not be provided with the seat heater 34.

[0068] In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle 10 is provided with the seat heater 34 in the seat back 24, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the seat heater 34 may be further provided in the seat cushion 22.

[0069] In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, the seat ventilation 32 is arranged inside the seat back 24, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As long as air can be sucked into the inside of the seat back 24, it may be provided at any position.

[0070] In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle 10 provides seat ventilation 32 in the seat backrest 24, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The seat ventilation 32 can be provided in the seat cushion 22, or can be provided in both the seat cushion 22 and the seat backrest 24.

[0071] In addition, the structure of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the structure can be appropriately changed as long as the problem can be solved.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising: A vehicle seat having holes on its surface that communicate with the interior and for an occupant to sit on; Seat ventilation that sucks air into the interior of the vehicle seat; An air conditioning unit that discharges warm air or cold air into the passenger compartment to adjust the temperature in the passenger compartment; A receiving unit that receives an operation instruction for heating based on the air conditioning unit before the occupant gets in the vehicle; A drive control unit that, when receiving the operation instruction for heating, causes warm air to be discharged into the passenger compartment through the air conditioning unit and sucks in the warm air through the seat ventilation.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: A seat heater is provided that heats the surface of the vehicle seat on the side where the occupant sits; The drive control unit switches from the operation of the seat ventilation to the operation of the seat heater when detecting that the occupant has gotten in the vehicle.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: An electric air deflector is provided that can change the direction of the warm air and the cold air electrically; The drive control unit controls the electric air deflector so that the direction of the air is directed towards the vehicle seat when receiving the operation instruction for heating.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The drive control unit sets at least one of the air volume and the temperature of the air conditioning unit to the maximum when receiving the operation instruction for heating.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The drive control unit restores the air volume and the temperature of the air conditioning unit to the normal condition when detecting that the occupant has gotten in the vehicle.

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