Blower and seat for a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a blower fan and a seat for a vehicle. One aspect of the present disclosure provides a blower fan including an impeller, an electric motor, a circuit board, and a housing. The housing (i) houses the impeller, the electric motor, and the circuit board, and (ii) is configured to be disposed inside a seat for a vehicle. The housing has a first end portion and a second end portion on opposite sides of the housing with respect to the rotation axis. The first end portion includes a flow passage for the air flow. The second end portion includes (i) a closed area and (ii) a drain for draining liquid. When the drain is projected onto a virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation axis, the drain is at least partially offset from the circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a blower for seat air conditioning and a seat for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 6719841 discloses a blower configured to prevent water from entering the lower space of the impeller by blowing out water blown away from the impeller and guiding it into the flow path. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The aforementioned blower not only fails to prevent all moisture from entering the lower space of the impeller, but also fails to discharge the moisture that has already entered the lower space.

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a blower capable of discharging liquid that enters the lower space of the impeller.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure provides a blower comprising an impeller, an electric motor, a circuit board, and a housing.

[0006] The impeller is configured to generate airflow by rotating about a rotation axis. The electric motor is configured to drive the impeller to rotate. The circuit board is electrically connected to the electric motor. The housing (i) houses the impeller, the electric motor, and the circuit board, and (ii) is configured to be disposed inside a seat of a vehicle. The housing has a first end and a second end on opposite sides along the rotation axis. The first end includes an airflow port. The second end includes (i) a closed portion and (ii) a drain port for discharging liquid. When the drain port is projected onto a virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation axis, the drain port is at least partially offset from the circuit board.

[0007] The aforementioned blower ensures that liquid entering the housing is discharged through the drain outlet.

[0008] If the drain outlet is configured such that when it is projected onto the virtual plane, the drain outlet overlaps entirely with the circuit board, and the inner wall of the housing is adjacent to the circuit board, the liquid will adhere to the circuit board and the inner wall due to surface tension, making it difficult to drain from the drain outlet.

[0009] When the distance between the inner wall and the circuit board is large enough, although the effect of the surface tension of the liquid can be reduced, it will lead to the enlargement of the housing and even the blower.

[0010] In the aforementioned blower, when the drain outlet is projected onto the virtual plane, the drain outlet is at least partially offset from the circuit board. This not only suppresses the enlargement of the blower but also reduces the influence of surface tension. Consequently, it ensures that liquid entering the housing is discharged through the drain outlet.

[0011] The second end of the housing may have an inner wall. The inner wall may have an inclined portion, the height of which decreases as it approaches the drain outlet. This ensures that liquid entering the housing is discharged through the drain outlet.

[0012] Alternatively, the inner wall may have a first reinforcing rib and a second reinforcing rib, both of which are (i) wall-shaped and (ii) protrude toward the flow outlet. (i) The first reinforcing rib may be located closer to the drain outlet than the second reinforcing rib, and (ii) the height of the first reinforcing rib from the inner wall may be lower than the height of the second reinforcing rib from the inner wall.

[0013] This ensures both the rigidity of the housing and allows the liquid that enters the housing to be discharged through the drain outlet.

[0014] The circuit board may include a control circuit configured to control the electric motor so that the impeller and / or the electric motor rotate at a resonant frequency. The resonant frequency may correspond to the rotational speed at which the housing resonates. In this case, the resonance of the housing can be used to ensure that liquid entering the housing is discharged through the drain outlet.

[0015] The control circuit can be configured to control the electric motor in a manner that coordinates with the vibration of the vehicle's internal combustion engine to cause the impeller and / or the electric motor to rotate at the resonant frequency. In this case, since the resonance of the housing is masked by the vibration of the internal combustion engine, it is possible to suppress strong discomfort experienced by the user.

[0016] Another aspect of this disclosure may provide a vehicle seat that includes the aforementioned blower.

[0017] The vehicle seat may include: (i) a seat back configured to support the back of the occupant; and (ii) a seat cushion configured to support the buttocks and thighs of the occupant. The blower may be disposed within the seat cushion. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a diagram showing a vehicle seat according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration structure of the blower according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the blower of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the blower according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the drain outlet and the circuit board in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the drain outlet and the circuit board in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the drive system of the blower according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the resonant control.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the blower of the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the blower of the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the structure of the housing according to the third embodiment.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the structure of the housing according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] The following embodiments illustrate one example of an implementation within the scope of this disclosure. That is, this disclosure is not limited to the specific structures or configurations shown in the following embodiments.

[0032] The following embodiments are non-limiting examples of applying the blower of this disclosure to seats installed in vehicles or other means of transportation (hereinafter referred to as vehicle seats). Arrows and diagonal lines, etc., used to indicate direction in the various figures are symbols used to facilitate understanding of the interrelationships between the figures and the shapes of the parts or components.

[0033] Therefore, the orientation of the blower is not limited to the directions indicated in the accompanying drawings. The directions shown in the drawings are those with the vehicle according to the following embodiments installed in the vehicle with the seat in place. Drawings marked with diagonal lines do not necessarily represent sectional views.

[0034] For any component or part that is indicated by at least a symbol, at least one such component is provided, unless otherwise stated beforehand as "only one". That is, unless otherwise stated beforehand as "only one", there may be two or more such components. The blower disclosed herein includes at least one of the constituent elements indicated by at least a symbol and at least one of the structural parts shown in the illustrations.

[0035] 1. First Implementation Method

[0036] 1-1. Overview of Vehicle Seats

[0037] Figure 1 The vehicle seat 1 of this embodiment is shown.

[0038] The vehicle seat 1 includes at least a seat back 2 and a seat cushion 3. The seat back 2 is configured to support the back of the occupant. The seat cushion 3 is configured to support the buttocks and thighs of the occupant. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat 1 has a blower 10 installed inside the seat cushion 3. The blower 10 is configured to generate airflow for seat air conditioning (or seat ventilation).

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat cushion 3 includes: (i) a breathable double-layered surface 3A, and (ii) a cushioning pad 3B located inside the double-layered surface 3A. An airflow passage 3C is provided in the cushioning pad 3B.

[0040] In this embodiment, the blower 10 is positioned below the cushion 3B to draw in air from the occupant's thighs, i.e., from the double-layered skin 3A, via the airflow passage 3C, and blow the drawn-in air toward the interior of the seat cushion 3.

[0041] 1-2. Structure of the blower

[0042] 1-2-1. Overview of the blower

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the blower 10 includes at least the following components: impeller 11, electric motor 12, circuit board 13, and housing 14.

[0044] Impeller 11 generates airflow by rotating around axis Lo. For example, impeller 11 can be a centrifugal impeller structure. Electric motor 12 is configured to generate torque to drive impeller 11 to rotate. Circuit board 13 is electrically connected to electric motor 12. Circuit board 13 has a drive circuit (not shown) for driving electric motor 12 and a control circuit 15 (see reference) for controlling drive circuit (and thus controlling electric motor 12). Figure 7 The housing 14 is used to house the impeller 11, the electric motor 12, and the circuit board 13.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, an airflow inlet 14A is provided on the housing 14. Specifically, air drawn into the blower 10 from the double-layer skin 3A is drawn into the impeller 11 through the airflow inlet 14A (hereinafter also referred to as the intake inlet 14A).

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 14 has a first end and a second end on opposite sides along the rotation axis Lo. The first end includes an intake port 14A. In this embodiment, the rotation axis Lo is substantially aligned with the vertical direction. Therefore, the first end corresponds to the upper end of the housing 14, and the second end corresponds to the lower end of the housing 14. That is, the intake port 14A is located at the upper end of the housing 14.

[0047] 1-2-2. Detailed Structure of the Shell

[0048] Continue to refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, the housing 14 includes components such as a first housing 14B and a second housing 14C. The electric motor 12 and the circuit board 13 are fixed inside the first housing 14B.

[0049] The second housing 14C includes an intake port 14A. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first housing 14B is located below the second housing 14C. The impeller 11 is disposed within the space enclosed by the first housing 14B and the second housing 14C.

[0050] The lower end of the housing 14 includes: (i) a closed portion and (ii) at least two drain outlets 14D. Figure 3 Only one drain outlet 14D is shown. Each drain outlet 14D is configured to discharge liquids such as water that have entered the interior of the housing 14.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, when each drain outlet 14D is projected onto a virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation axis Lo (i.e., with...), Figure 4 When the plane is orthogonal to the paper, at least a portion of it is offset from the circuit board 13.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, a portion of each drain outlet 14D is offset from the corresponding end edge 13A of the circuit board 13. In other words, when an observer visually observes the circuit board 13 from the first end along the rotation axis Lo, the observer can observe and confirm a portion of the inner edge of each drain outlet 14D.

[0053] When an observer looks at each drain outlet 14D from the lower end side of the first housing 14B, as... Figure 6 As shown, the observer can see a portion of the corresponding end edge 13A of the circuit board 13 from each drain 14D.

[0054] 1-3. Control of electric motors

[0055] 1-3-1. Overview of Electric Motor Control

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown, the electric motor 12 is driven by the control circuit 15 via a drive circuit (not shown). In this embodiment, the control circuit 15 employs a microcontroller with components such as a CPU, RAM, and ROM, but is not limited to a microcontroller.

[0057] The control circuit 15 is configured to perform conventional control and resonant control.

[0058] When the Seat Ventilation System (SVS) switch SW1 is manually activated by the user, normal control is performed. In normal control, the control circuit 15 drives the impeller 11 and the electric motor 12 to rotate at a preset speed (hereinafter referred to as the normal speed).

[0059] In resonant control, when a preset timing occurs, the control circuit 15 drives the impeller 11 and the electric motor 12 to rotate at a preset resonant speed. This resonant speed corresponds to the resonant speed of the housing 14. More specifically, the resonant speed corresponds, for example, to the natural vibration frequency of the blower 10. The preset timing can be any timing, including when the internal combustion engine starts or stops. In this embodiment, the control circuit 15 performs resonant control when the internal combustion engine starts. The control circuit 15 includes an input port 15A configured to receive a signal indicating that the internal combustion engine has started.

[0060] The normal operating speed is sufficiently high compared to the resonant speed. In other words, under normal control conditions, the housing 14 should not resonate in principle.

[0061] 1-3-2. Detailed Explanation of Motor Control

[0062] The control of the electric motor in this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as motor control) is automatically performed during the operation of the control circuit 15. When motor control is started, the control circuit 15 determines whether an internal combustion engine starting operation is in progress (S1).

[0063] Examples of start-up operations include manual operations performed by the driver, as well as automatic operations performed by the engine electronic control unit (EECU), as shown in hybrid vehicles.

[0064] When it is determined that a startup operation is being performed (S1: Yes), the control circuit 15 executes resonance control (S3). Subsequently, after starting to execute resonance control, the control circuit 15 determines whether a preset time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed (S5).

[0065] If a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of resonance control (S5: Yes), control circuit 15 stops resonance control (S7). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of resonance control (S5: No), resonance control continues.

[0066] Subsequently, the control circuit 15 determines whether the SVS switch SW1 is in the on state (S9). If the SVS switch SW1 is not on (S9: No), the control circuit 15 re-executes S1.

[0067] When the SVS switch SW1 is in the ON state (S9: Yes), the control circuit 15 performs normal control (S11). Subsequently, the control circuit 15 stops normal control in response to the SVS switch SW1 being turned off.

[0068] 1-4. Features of the blower in this embodiment

[0069] In the blower 10 of this embodiment, when each drain outlet 14D is projected onto a virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation axis Lo, at least a portion of each drain outlet 14D deviates from the circuit board 13 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0070] Therefore, in the blower 10, it can be ensured that the liquid entering the housing 14 is discharged through at least one drain port 14D.

[0071] Assuming that when each drain outlet 14D is projected onto the virtual plane, each drain outlet 14D is completely aligned with the circuit board 13, and the inner wall of the housing 14 is adjacent to the circuit board 13, the surface tension generated by the liquid will cause the liquid to adhere to the circuit board 13 and the inner wall, making it difficult to drain from any drain outlet 14D.

[0072] To address this, a sufficiently large gap between the inner wall and the circuit board 13 can reduce the impact of surface tension. However, if the gap is too large, it will result in an enlarged housing 14, i.e., a larger blower 10.

[0073] However, in the blower 10 of this embodiment, when each drain outlet 14D is projected onto the virtual plane, at least a portion of each drain outlet 14D is offset from the circuit board 13, so the same effect as a large blower with sufficient spacing can be achieved without increasing the spacing.

[0074] Therefore, in the blower 10, it is possible to both prevent the blower 10 from becoming too large and ensure that the liquid entering the housing 14 is discharged through at least one drain port 14D.

[0075] In this embodiment, the control circuit 15 performs resonance control when a preset time arrives. When resonance control is performed, the housing 14 vibrates, making it easier for liquid adhering to the inner wall to flow to at least one drain port 14D. Therefore, in the blower 10, it can be ensured that liquid entering the housing 14 is discharged through at least one drain port 14D.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since resonance control is executed according to the start of the internal combustion engine, the resonance of the housing 14 is masked by the vibration of the internal combustion engine, thereby suppressing strong discomfort experienced by the user.

[0077] 2. Second Implementation Method

[0078] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner wall of the second end (lower end in this embodiment) of the housing 14 has inclined portions 14E corresponding to each drain outlet 14D. Each inclined portion 14E is configured such that its height from the inner wall gradually decreases as it approaches the corresponding drain outlet 14D. Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, three drain outlets 14D and three inclined portions 14E are provided.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, it can be ensured that liquid entering the housing 14 is discharged through at least one drain port 14D.

[0080] All structural elements identical to those in the above embodiments are marked with the same symbols. Therefore, repeated descriptions are omitted in this embodiment.

[0081] 3. Third Implementation Method

[0082] like Figure 11As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 14F are provided on the first housing 14B, which constitute protrusions for reinforcement. These reinforcing ribs 14F are annular protrusions centered on the rotation axis Lo, and are shaped as walls protruding toward the suction port 14A.

[0083] Therefore, in this embodiment, when liquid flowing into the housing 14 flows toward at least one drain outlet 14D, these reinforcing ribs 14F may act as a "weir" to impede the flow.

[0084] like Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the height of the reinforcing rib 14F near the corresponding drain outlet 14D is lower than that of other reinforcing ribs 14F far from the corresponding drain outlet 14D.

[0085] In other words, in this embodiment, the height of the reinforcing rib 14F decreases as it approaches each drain outlet 14D. The height of the reinforcing rib 14F refers to the dimension from the inner wall surface of the housing 14 to the upper end of the reinforcing rib 14F.

[0086] Therefore, in this embodiment, both the rigidity of the housing 14 and the liquid entering the housing 14 can be ensured to be discharged through at least one drain port 14D.

[0087] All structural elements identical to those in the above embodiments are marked with the same symbols. Therefore, repeated descriptions are omitted in this embodiment.

[0088] 4. Other implementation methods

[0089] In the first to third embodiments described above, this disclosure applies to vehicles that have an internal combustion engine as a drive source. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, this disclosure can also be applied to vehicles that only have an electric motor as a drive source (i.e., electric vehicles (EVs)).

[0090] In the second embodiment described above, three inclined portions 14E are provided on the housing 14. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, one or more inclined portions 14E may be omitted.

[0091] In the third embodiment described above, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 14F are provided on the housing 14. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of reinforcing ribs 14F may be omitted.

[0092] In the first to third embodiments described above, the blower 10 is configured to perform resonant control. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the blower 10 may also be configured not to perform resonant control.

[0093] In the first to third embodiments described above, resonance control is configured to be performed when the internal combustion engine starts or stops. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, resonance control may also be performed outside of the aforementioned timing (e.g., periodically).

[0094] In the first to third embodiments described above, the blower 10 is disposed inside the seat cushion 3. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the blower 10 may also be disposed inside the seat back 2.

[0095] In the first to third embodiments described above, when each drain outlet 14D is projected onto a virtual plane, at least a portion of each drain outlet 14D is offset from the circuit board 13. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the entire area of ​​each drain outlet 14D may also coincide with the circuit board 13.

[0096] In the first to third embodiments described above, at least a portion of each drain outlet 14D is offset from the corresponding end edge 13A of the circuit board 13. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, through holes can be provided in the circuit board 13 at locations opposite to each drain outlet 14D. With this configuration, when the circuit board 13 is viewed from the upper end of the housing 14, at least a portion of each drain outlet 14D can be observed and confirmed through the through holes.

[0097] In the first to third embodiments described above, the vehicle seat of this disclosure is applied to a vehicle. However, the application of the invention disclosed in this specification is not limited thereto. That is, this disclosure can also be applied to seats used in vehicles such as railway vehicles, ships, and aircraft, as well as fixed seats used in theaters or homes.

[0098] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, as long as it conforms to the spirit of the invention. Therefore, it can be a structure composed of at least two of the above embodiments, or it can be a structure that eliminates any one of the constituent elements illustrated in the above embodiments, or it can be a structure that eliminates any one of the constituent elements indicated by the symbols in the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A blower, characterized in that, have: An impeller configured to generate airflow by rotating about a rotation axis; An electric motor, configured to drive the impeller to rotate; Circuit board, the circuit board being electrically connected to the electric motor; and A housing that (i) houses the impeller, the electric motor, and the circuit board, and (ii) is configured to be disposed inside a seat for a vehicle, the housing having a first end and a second end on opposite sides along the axis of rotation, the first end including an airflow port, and the second end including (i) a closed portion and (ii) a drain for discharging liquid, wherein the drain is at least partially offset from the circuit board when projected onto a virtual plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation.

2. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the housing has an inner wall. The inner wall has an inclined portion, and the height of the inclined portion from the inner wall decreases as it moves toward the drain outlet.

3. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the housing has an inner wall. The inner wall has a first reinforcing rib and a second reinforcing rib, both of which are (i) wall-shaped and (ii) protrude toward the flow opening. (i) the first reinforcing rib is located closer to the drain outlet than the second reinforcing rib, and (ii) the height of the first reinforcing rib from the inner wall is lower than the height of the second reinforcing rib from the inner wall.

4. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The circuit board includes a control circuit configured to control the electric motor so that the impeller and / or the electric motor rotate at a resonant frequency. The resonant frequency corresponds to the rotational speed at which the housing resonates.

5. The blower according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to control the electric motor in a manner that coordinates with the vibration of the vehicle's internal combustion engine to cause the impeller and / or the electric motor to rotate at the resonant frequency.

6. The blower according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to control the electric motor in response to the starting of the internal combustion engine, such that the impeller and / or the electric motor rotate at the resonant frequency.

7. A seat for a vehicle, characterized in that, The blower comprising any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, characterized in that, have: A seat back that is configured to support the back of the person being seated; as well as A seat cushion configured to support the buttocks and thighs of the occupant. The blower is located inside the seat cushion.

Images