Temperature control device and chair with temperature control function

Abstract

To enable temperature control of a chair without using an external power source.SOLUTION: A temperature control device of an embodiment includes a power generator, a storage battery, and a thermoelectric element. The power generator is provided in a chair having a movable part, and converts motion energy generated by a motion of the movable part into electric power. The storage battery stores the electric power generated by the power generator. The thermoelectric element cools or heats the chair by the electric power stored in the storage battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a temperature control device and a chair with a temperature control function. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are chairs that can cool or warm the backrest or seat to provide a more comfortable sitting experience. Such chairs with temperature control functions are equipped with, for example, a thermal sensation device, a fan, and a duct for blowing out cold air or hot air. However, an external power source is required to operate such a thermal sensation device or fan. Therefore, conventional chairs with temperature control functions have a problem of being not very convenient because they need to be used while connected to an outlet or the battery needs to be charged in advance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 116597 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device and a chair with a temperature control function that can control the temperature of a chair without using an external power source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The temperature control device of the embodiment has a generator, a storage battery, and a thermoelectric element. The generator is provided in a chair having a movable part and converts kinetic energy generated by the movement of the movable part into electric power. The storage battery stores the electric power generated by the generator. The thermoelectric element cools or heats the chair using the electric power stored in the storage battery. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing the overall configuration of a temperature-controlled chair 1 according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a reclining function of a temperature-controlled chair 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a reclining function of a temperature-controlled chair 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal sensation device 22 of the temperature-controlling chair 1 according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment when the backrest 12 is cooled. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal sensation device 22 of the temperature-controlling chair 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment when the backrest 12 is heated. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a temperature control device 20 of a chair 1 with a temperature control function according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure for generating electricity by a power generating motor 211 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing the cooling and heating operations of the temperature control device 20 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of power generation and storage of the temperature control device 20 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an external view showing the configuration of a temperature-controlled chair according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, a temperature control device and a chair with a temperature control function according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] The overall configuration of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is an external view showing the overall configuration of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the temperature-controlled chair 1 includes a seat portion 11, a backrest portion 12, a movable portion 13, and legs 14.

[0009] The seat portion 11 and the backrest portion 12 are connected via a movable portion 13. The movable portion 13 is provided with a rotation shaft (not shown) arranged, for example, parallel to the floor. When the rotation shaft of the movable portion 13 rotates, the inclination angle of the backrest portion 12 relative to the seat surface of the seat portion 11 changes. The movable portion 13 is a rotation mechanism that rotates the backrest portion 12 relative to the seat surface of the seat portion 11. In this way, the temperature-controlled chair 1 is provided with the movable portion 13, thereby realizing a reclining function.

[0010] Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the reclining function of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the temperature-controlled chair 1 when the backrest 12 is in the most upright position (hereinafter referred to as the "basic position"). Meanwhile, Figure 3 is a side view of the temperature-controlled chair 1 when the backrest 12 is reclined backward. For example, when a person sitting in the temperature-controlled chair 1 rests their back against the backrest 12 and puts their weight backward, the rotation axis of the movable part 13 rotates, and the backrest 12 reclins backward.

[0011] Also, for example, the movable part 13 is configured to raise the backrest part 12 and automatically return to the basic position when the seated person of the temperature-controlled chair 1 stops putting his / her weight backward. For example, the seated person can switch between enabling and disabling the reclining function by operating a lever (not shown) attached to the bottom surface of the seat part 11. For example, the seated person can enable the reclining function by pulling the lever when the temperature-controlled chair 1 is in the basic position. Also, for example, the seated person can disable the reclining function by pushing the lever when the temperature-controlled chair 1 is in the basic position. Specifically, when the lever is pushed, the rotation axis of the movable part 13 becomes non-rotatable even if the seated person puts his / her back against the backrest part 12 and puts his / her weight backward. As a result, the inclination angle of the backrest part 12 with respect to the seat surface of the seat part 11 is fixed, and the temperature-controlled chair 1 becomes in a state of maintaining the basic position.

[0012] The temperature-controlled chair 1 may have a tilt function that allows the inclination angle of the seat portion 11 to be changed.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the leg portion 14 includes a support column 141, a chair base 142, and a plurality of casters 143.

[0014] The support pillar 141 is fixedly attached to the center of the chair base 142 in a direction perpendicular to the floor. The seat portion 11 is attached to the upper end of the support pillar 141, and the support pillar 141 supports the seat portion 11 and the backrest portion 12 from below. For example, the seat portion 11 is attached to the support pillar 141 so as to be rotatable. This allows the seated person to freely change the position of their body while seated. The support pillar 141 may be equipped with a cylinder. This allows the seated person to freely change the height from the floor to the seat portion 11.

[0015] The chair base 142 is a base member having a shape in which a plurality of spokes extend radially from a central portion to which the support 141 is attached. For example, five spokes extend radially from the central portion of the chair base 142. Casters 143 are attached to the tip of each spoke. This allows the user to easily move the temperature-controlled chair 1 whether or not the user is seated.

[0016] The caster 143 is a member of the leg 14 that comes into contact with the floor, and is equipped with small wheels. The caster 143 allows the user to freely change the position and orientation of the temperature-controlled chair 1. For example, the caster 143 has a wheel section and a swivel section. The wheel section has wheels, for example, perpendicular to the floor. The swivel section is attached to the tip of each spoke of the chair base 142. For example, a bearing is built into the swivel section, and the wheel section is attached so that the wheel section can freely rotate on a surface parallel to the floor. Note that the leg 14 does not necessarily have to have the caster 143.

[0017] 1, the temperature-controlled chair 1 further includes a temperature control unit 21, a hot / cold sensation device 22, a fan 23, a temperature sensor 24, a seating sensor 25, and a changeover switch 26. These functional units function as a temperature control device 20 by operating in conjunction with one another.

[0018] The temperature control unit 21 mainly has a power generation function of converting kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the movable unit 13 into electricity, a power storage function of storing the generated electricity, and a temperature control function of controlling the cooling and heating of the thermal sensation device 22 using the stored electricity. The temperature control unit 21 is installed, for example, on the bottom surface of the seating surface 11. The temperature control unit 21 may be built into the seating surface 11, or may be installed at any position of the temperature-controlled chair 1. The configuration of the temperature control unit 21 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The hot / cold sensation device 22 performs the operation of cooling and heating the backrest 12 under the control of the temperature control unit 21. The hot / cold sensation device 22 is provided, for example, on the back side of the backrest 12. The hot / cold sensation device 22 may be provided inside the backrest 12. The hot / cold sensation device 22 is desirably installed in a location that does not come into direct contact with a seated person so as to prevent the seated person from suffering burns or low-temperature burns.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the hot / cold sensation device 22 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the state of the hot / cold sensation device 22 when cooling the backrest 12. As shown in Fig. 4, the hot / cold sensation device 22 includes a semiconductor element 210 and two ceramic substrates arranged to sandwich the semiconductor element 210.

[0021] The semiconductor element 210 of the embodiment is a thermoelectric element such as a Peltier element. For example, a direct current flows through the Peltier element, which generates a temperature difference between both sides of the Peltier element. Heat is absorbed on the low temperature side and generated on the high temperature side, and heat is pushed up from the low temperature side to the high temperature side of the Peltier element. In other words, the Peltier element acts as a heat pump. The direction of the pumped heat can be changed simply by changing the polarity of the applied current, and the amount of pumped heat can be changed by changing the magnitude of the applied current. This is called the Peltier effect, and cooling, heating, and temperature control can be easily performed by using the Peltier element.

[0022] Note that, if it is possible to switch between cooling and heating by switching the polarity of a current, for example, the thermal sensation device 22 may be a thermoelectric element other than the semiconductor element 210, such as a Peltier element.

[0023] When a current flows in a predetermined direction in the semiconductor element 210, which is a Peltier element, heat absorption occurs on the backrest 12 side (i.e., the seated person side) of the thermal sensation device 22. On the other hand, heat dissipation occurs on the rear surface side of the backrest 12.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment when the backrest 12 is cooled. As shown in Fig. 5, under the control of the temperature control unit 21, the backrest 12 is cooled by absorbing heat on the surface of the hot / cold sensation device 22 on the backrest 12 side (i.e., the seated person side). This makes the seated person feel cool on the back.

[0025] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the hot / cold sensation device 22 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment, similar to Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows the state of the hot / cold sensation device 22 when the backrest 12 is heated. In the semiconductor element 210, which is a Peltier element, a current is passed in the opposite direction to that during cooling shown in Fig. 4, so that heat is dissipated on the backrest 12 side (i.e., the seated person side) of the hot / cold sensation device 22. On the other hand, heat is absorbed on the rear surface side of the backrest 12.

[0026] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment when the backrest 12 is heated. As shown in Fig. 7, the backrest 12 is heated by dissipating heat from the surface of the hot / cold sensation device 22 on the backrest 12 side (i.e., the seated person side) under the control of the temperature control unit 21. This makes the seated person feel that the back of the seated person is warm.

[0027] 7, a fan 23 is provided on the back side of the backrest 12. For example, the fan 23 is an air-cooling fan that forcibly cools the back side (the side opposite to the backrest 12) of the hot / cold sensation device 22 by blowing air. The fan 23 is installed with its direction fixed so that the wind generated by the rotational operation of the fan 23 hits the back side of the hot / cold sensation device 22.

[0028] When the backrest 12 is heated, the temperature control unit 21 rotates the fan 23. As a result, the wind generated by the fan 23 further cools the back side (heat absorbing side) of the hot / cold sensation device 22. In this way, the fan 23 promotes heat absorption on the back side of the hot / cold sensation device 22, thereby promoting heat dissipation on the front side (backrest 12 side). Note that when the backrest 12 is cooled, the temperature control unit 21 does not rotate the fan 23.

[0029] The temperature sensor 24 is a sensor that measures the temperature of the front side (the backrest 12 side) of the hot / cold sensation device 22. The temperature control unit 21 switches the power supply to the hot / cold sensation device 22 between ON and OFF based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 24.

[0030] The seating sensor 25 is a sensor that detects whether or not the user is seated on the seat surface portion 11. For example, the seating sensor 25 is a pressure sensor that detects seating by receiving pressure due to a load. Note that instead of the seating sensor 25, a seating switch that is switched on (ON) when the seat surface portion 11 sinks due to a load may be used. The temperature control unit 21 switches the power supply to the hot / cold sensation device 22 to the on (ON) state while the seating sensor 25 detects seating, and switches the power supply to the hot / cold sensation device 22 to the off (OFF) state while seating is not detected.

[0031] The changeover switch 26 is a switch used by the user to switch between a cooling mode and a heating mode of the backrest 12. The temperature control unit 21 determines the direction of the current to be passed through the hot / cold sensation device 22 according to the mode set by the changeover switch 26.

[0032] The configuration of the temperature control unit 21 will be described in more detail below. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the temperature control device 20 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the temperature control device 20 further includes a temperature control unit 21, a hot / cold sensation device 22, a fan 23, a temperature sensor 24, a seating sensor 25, and a changeover switch 26.

[0033] The temperature control unit 21 controls the cooling and heating of the hot / cold sensation device 22 provided in the backrest 12. The temperature control unit 21 also has a power generation function and a power storage function. The temperature control unit 21 can generate power by utilizing the rotation of the rotating shaft of the movable unit 13 and store the power. More specifically, the temperature control unit 21 converts the energy of the rotational movement of the rotating shaft (not shown) of the movable unit 13 into electricity and stores the electricity. In this way, the temperature control unit 21 uses the electricity that it generates and stores, so it can cool and heat the hot / cold sensation device 22 without using an external power source. The temperature control unit 21 is attached to the bottom surface of the seat unit 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. The temperature control unit 21 can be attached to any location as long as it can be configured to generate power by utilizing the kinetic energy caused by the rotation of the rotating shaft of the movable unit 13.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 8, the temperature control unit 21 includes a power generating motor 211, a cleaning circuit 212, a voltage regulator circuit 213, a battery 214, and a control circuit 215.

[0035] The power generating motor 211 is an AC generator that converts kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft of the movable part 13 into electric power. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a structure for generating electric power by the power generating motor 211 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, a belt 220 is stretched between the outer periphery of the movable part 13 and the rotating shaft r of the power generating motor 211. When the movable part 13 rotates, the belt 220 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the movable part 13. When the belt 220 rotates, the rotating shaft r of the power generating motor 211 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the movable part 13. When the rotating shaft r rotates, a current flows through a coil (not shown) built in the power generating motor 211. This generates electric power.

[0036] As described above, the movable part 13 has a mechanism for rotating in response to the load applied to the backrest part 12 by the person sitting in the temperature-controlled chair 1. Therefore, the temperature-controlled chair 1 in the embodiment has a mechanism for generating electricity every time the person uses the reclining function to change the inclination angle of the backrest part 12.

[0037] The clean current circuit 212 is a circuit that converts the AC current generated by the power generation motor 211 into a DC current. The DC current converted by the clean current circuit 212 is used to store electricity in the battery 214. The battery 214 is a rechargeable storage battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0038] The control circuit 215 is a circuit that controls the operation of each functional unit of the temperature control device 20. For example, the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating a detection result from the seating sensor 25. When the acquired signal indicates that the user is seated, the control circuit 215 controls the hot / cold sensation device 22 to cool or heat. In addition, the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating a setting mode from the changeover switch 26. When the acquired signal indicates that the mode is set to cooling, the control circuit 215 controls the hot / cold sensation device 22 to cool. When the acquired signal indicates that the mode is set to heating, the control circuit 215 controls the hot / cold sensation device 22 to heat.

[0039] The control circuit 215 also detects the charge state of the battery 214. When the detected charge state of the battery 214 is a fully charged state, the control circuit 215 stops the power generation operation of the power generation motor 211 to avoid overcharging, etc. On the other hand, when the remaining charge of the battery 214 is not a fully charged state, the control circuit 215 causes the power generation motor 211 to execute the power generation operation. When the remaining charge of the battery 214 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control circuit 215 controls the hot / cold sensation device 22 to be cooled and heated. On the other hand, when the remaining charge of the battery 214 is less than the predetermined threshold, the control circuit 215 controls the hot / cold sensation device 22 not to be cooled and heated (or to be stopped).

[0040] The control circuit 215 may have a configuration for accepting a temperature setting by a user. In this case, the temperature control device 20 includes an input interface (not shown) for accepting an input of a temperature setting by a user, such as an input button. In this case, the control circuit 215 compares the temperature of the thermal sensation device 22 measured by the temperature sensor 24 with the set temperature designated by the user.

[0041] For example, when the mode is set to cool the backrest 12 and the temperature of the hot / cold sensation device 22 exceeds the temperature set by the user, the control circuit 215 controls to cool the hot / cold sensation device 22. On the other hand, when the mode is set to cool the backrest 12 and the temperature of the hot / cold sensation device 22 is equal to or lower than the temperature set by the user, the control circuit 215 controls not to cool the hot / cold sensation device 22.

[0042] Also, for example, when the mode is set to heat the backrest 12 and the temperature of the hot / cold sensation device 22 is lower than the temperature set by the user, the control circuit 215 controls the hot / cold sensation device 22 to be heated. On the other hand, when the mode is set to heat the backrest 12 and the temperature of the hot / cold sensation device 22 is equal to or higher than the temperature set by the user, the control circuit 215 controls the hot / cold sensation device 22 not to be heated.

[0043] The control circuit 215 may automatically control the cooling and heating of the hot / cold sensation device 22 based on the temperature set by the user, regardless of the mode (cooling mode or heating mode) set by the changeover switch 26. Specifically, for example, the control circuit 215 may control the hot / cold sensation device 22 to cool when the temperature of the hot / cold sensation device 22 exceeds the temperature set by the user. Also, for example, the control circuit 215 may control the hot / cold sensation device 22 to heat when the temperature of the hot / cold sensation device 22 is lower than the temperature set by the user. Also, the control circuit 215 may control the hot / cold sensation device 22 not to cool or heat when the temperature of the hot / cold sensation device 22 matches the temperature set by the user.

[0044] Furthermore, when controlling to heat the hot / cold sensation device 22, the control circuit 215 controls to rotate the fan 23. On the other hand, when controlling not to heat the hot / cold sensation device 22 (including controlling to cool the hot / cold sensation device 22), the control circuit 215 controls not to rotate the fan 23.

[0045] An example of the cooling and heating operation of the temperature control device 20 of the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the cooling and heating operation of the temperature control device 20 of the chair 1 with temperature control function of the embodiment. The operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in Fig. 10 starts, for example, when the power supply (not shown) of the temperature control device 20 is switched from OFF to ON.

[0046] The control circuit 215 of the temperature control unit 21 periodically acquires a signal indicating the detection result as to whether or not the user is seated on the seat 11 from the seat sensor 25. The control circuit 215 waits while acquiring a signal indicating that the user is not seated on the seat 11. When the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating that the user is seated on the seat 11 (ACT001 YES), the control circuit 215 controls the power generation motor 211 and the like to turn on the power generation function and the power storage function (ACT002). Note that when a seat switch is used instead of the seat sensor 25, the control circuit 215 switches on the power generation function and the power storage function when it acquires a signal output from the seat switch. In this case, the signal is output from the seat switch when the seat switch is pressed down by the seat 11 sinking due to the load and the seat switch is turned on.

[0047] Next, the control circuit 215 detects the remaining charge of the battery 214. If the remaining charge of the battery 214 is less than a predetermined threshold (ACT003·NO), the control circuit 215 waits until the remaining charge becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. If the remaining charge of the battery 214 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (ACT003·YES), the control circuit 215 acquires information indicating a set temperature designated by a user (ACT004). The information indicating the set temperature is information input by an input interface (not shown) that accepts input of a temperature setting by a user, such as an input button.

[0048] Next, the control circuit 215 detects whether the current mode set by the changeover switch 26 is the cooling mode or the heating mode.

[0049] If the current mode is the cooling mode (ACT005 YES), the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating the measurement result of the temperature (hereinafter also referred to as "device temperature") of the front side (backrest 12 side) of the hot / cold sensation device 22 from the temperature sensor 24 (ACT006). Next, the control circuit 215 controls the current to flow from the battery 214 to the hot / cold sensation device 22 in a direction that cools the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22. This starts cooling the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 (ACT007).

[0050] Next, the control circuit 215 compares the set temperature designated by the user with the device temperature acquired from the temperature sensor 24 (ACT008).

[0051] If the device temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature (ACT008·NO), the control circuit 215 performs control to temporarily suspend cooling of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 (ACT009). Then, the control circuit 215 waits until the device temperature exceeds the set temperature. When the device temperature exceeds the set temperature, the control circuit 215 resumes cooling of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22. After that, the process returns to ACT008.

[0052] If the device temperature exceeds the set temperature (ACT008·YES), the control circuit 215 acquires from the seating sensor 25 a signal indicating the detection result as to whether or not the user is seated on the seat 11. If the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating that the user is not seated on the seat 11 (ACT010·NO), it performs control to stop the current flowing from the battery 214 to the hot / cold sensation device 22. This stops cooling the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 (ACT013). This completes the operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0053] When the control circuit 215 receives a signal indicating that the user is seated on the seat portion 11 (ACT010·YES), it detects the remaining charge of the battery 214. When the remaining charge of the battery 214 is less than a predetermined threshold (ACT011·NO), the control circuit 215 performs control to temporarily suspend cooling of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 (ACT009). Then, the control circuit 215 waits until the remaining charge becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. When the remaining charge of the battery 214 becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the control circuit 215 resumes cooling of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22. After this, the process returns to ACT008.

[0054] When the remaining charge of the battery 214 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (ACT011 YES), the control circuit 215 detects whether or not a command has been input to stop cooling the front side of the thermal sensation device 22. The command is input by an input interface (not shown) that accepts input from the user, such as an input button.

[0055] If an instruction to stop cooling the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 has not been input (ACT112·NO), the control circuit 215 continues the control of the cooling. Thereafter, the process returns to ACT008. On the other hand, if an instruction to stop cooling the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 has been input (ACT112·YES), the control circuit 215 performs control to stop the current flowing from the battery 214 to the hot / cold sensation device 22. This stops the cooling of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 (ACT013). This ends the operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0056] If the current mode is the heating mode (ACT005·NO), the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating the measurement result of the temperature (device temperature) of the front side (backrest 12 side) of the hot / cold sensation device 22 from the temperature sensor 24 (ACT014). Next, the control circuit 215 controls the current to flow from the battery 214 to the hot / cold sensation device 22 in a direction that heats the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22. This starts heating the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22. The control circuit 215 also controls the rotation of the fan 23 to be turned on (ON), promoting cooling of the rear side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 (ACT015).

[0057] Next, the control circuit 215 compares the set temperature designated by the user with the device temperature acquired from the temperature sensor 24 (ACT016).

[0058] If the device temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature (ACT016·NO), the control circuit 215 performs control to temporarily suspend heating of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 (ACT017). Then, the control circuit 215 waits until the device temperature falls below the set temperature. When the device temperature falls below the set temperature, the control circuit 215 resumes heating of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22. After that, the process returns to ACT016.

[0059] When the device temperature is lower than the set temperature (ACT016 YES), the control circuit 215 acquires from the seating sensor 25 a signal indicating the detection result as to whether or not the user is seated on the seat 11. When the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating that the user is not seated on the seat 11 (ACT018 NO), the control circuit 215 performs control to stop the current flowing from the battery 214 to the hot / cold sensation device 22. This stops the heating of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22. The control circuit 215 also performs control to turn off the rotation operation of the fan 23 (ACT021). This completes the operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0060] When the control circuit 215 receives a signal indicating that the user is seated on the seat portion 11 (ACT018 YES), it detects the remaining charge of the battery 214. When the remaining charge of the battery 214 is less than a predetermined threshold (ACT019 NO), the control circuit 215 performs control to temporarily suspend heating of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 (ACT017). Then, the control circuit 215 waits until the remaining charge becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. When the remaining charge of the battery 214 becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the control circuit 215 resumes heating of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22. After this, the process returns to ACT016.

[0061] When the remaining charge of the battery 214 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (ACT019 YES), the control circuit 215 detects whether or not a command has been input to stop heating the front side of the thermal sensation device 22. The command is input by an input interface (not shown) that accepts input from the user, such as an input button.

[0062] If an instruction to stop heating the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 has not been input (ACT020·NO), the control circuit 215 continues the cooling control. Thereafter, the process returns to ACT016. On the other hand, if an instruction to stop heating the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22 has been input (ACT020·YES), the control circuit 215 performs control to stop the current flowing from the battery 214 to the hot / cold sensation device 22. This stops the cooling of the front side of the hot / cold sensation device 22. In addition, the control circuit 215 performs control to turn off (OFF) the rotation operation of the fan 23 (ACT021). This is the end of the operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0063] An example of the operation of the temperature control device 20 of the embodiment relating to power generation and power storage will be described below. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the temperature control device 20 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment. The operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in Fig. 11 is started when the control circuit 215 controls the power generation motor 211 and the like to turn on the power generation function and the power storage function by the process of ACT002 in the flowchart of Fig. 10.

[0064] The control circuit 215 detects the charge state of the battery 214. If the detected charge state of the battery 214 is a fully charged state (ACT101 YES), the control circuit 215 temporarily suspends the power generation operation by the power generation motor 211 (ACT102). Then, the control circuit 215 waits until the charge state is no longer a fully charged state. If the charge state of the battery 214 is no longer a fully charged state, the control circuit 215 resumes the power generation operation by the power generation motor 211. After this, the process returns to ACT101.

[0065] When the detected charge state of the battery 214 is not a fully charged state (ACT101: NO), the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating the detection result as to whether or not the user is seated on the seat 11 from the seat sensor 25. When the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating that the user is seated on the seat 11 (ACT103: YES), it keeps the power generation function and the power storage function in the ON state. After that, the process returns to ACT101.

[0066] When the control circuit 215 receives a signal indicating that the user is not seated on the seat 11 (ACT103: NO), it controls the power generation motor 211 and the like to turn off the power generation function and the power storage function (ACT104). This ends the operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0067] As described above, the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment includes the movable part 13, the power generating motor 211 that generates electricity in response to the movement of the movable part 13, and the battery 214 that stores the electricity generated by the power generating motor 211. The temperature-controlled chair 1 also includes the thermal sensation device 22 that cools or heats the backrest part 12 or the seat part 11 using the electricity stored in the battery 214, and the fan 23 that cools the back of the thermal sensation device 22 using the electricity stored in the battery 214. In this way, the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment has a power generating function and an electricity storing function, and therefore can control the temperature of the chair with self-sufficient energy without using an external power source.

[0068] Furthermore, the movable part 13 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment is a rotating mechanism that rotates in response to the natural movements of the seated person, such as reclining. Therefore, the seated person does not need to consciously perform any special movements to generate electricity. This allows the temperature control device 20 of the embodiment to generate electricity without imposing any burden on the seated person.

[0069] Moreover, the hot / cold sensation device 22 of the temperature control device 20 of the embodiment includes a Peltier element that switches between cooling and heating by reversing the polarity of the current flowing therethrough. Therefore, the temperature control device 20 of the embodiment can easily switch between cooling and heating the chair to control the temperature. Furthermore, the Peltier element can perform both cooling and heating with a single sheet. Therefore, it is possible to make the size and thickness of the hot / cold sensation device 22 smaller, and it is also possible to reduce the number of the hot / cold sensation devices 22. This makes it possible to reduce the installation space for the hot / cold sensation device 22 and the cost of the device.

[0070] Modifications of the embodiment will be described below. The temperature-controlled chair 1 of the above embodiment is configured to have a reclining function that includes a movable part 13 having a rotating shaft and changes the inclination angle of the backrest part 12 relative to the seat surface of the seat part 11. This causes the rotating shaft of the movable part 13 to rotate in response to changes in the load on the backrest part 12 by the seated person. The temperature control device 20 of the above embodiment is configured to have a power generation function that converts the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft of the movable part 13 into electricity. However, the power generation method is not limited to this method.

[0071] For example, the method of generating electricity may be a method of converting kinetic energy generated by the movement of other movable parts that move in response to the movement of a seated person into electric power. Fig. 12 is an external view showing the configuration of a temperature-controlled chair according to a modified embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the leg 14 of the temperature-controlled chair according to the modified embodiment includes a support 141, a chair base 142, and a plurality of casters 143.

[0072] The temperature-controlled chair of the modified embodiment has a configuration in which a power-generating motor (not shown) is attached to the rotation shaft of each caster 143. The rotation shaft of the power-generating motor rotates in conjunction with the rotation shaft of the caster 143. In other words, the temperature control device of the modified embodiment has a power-generating function that converts kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the rotation shaft of the caster 143, which is a movable part, into electricity. In this case, the movable part is a rotation mechanism that rotates the wheels of the caster 143 relative to the chair base 142.

[0073] As a result, when the seated person moves the temperature-controlled chair, the rotating shaft of the caster 143 rotates, and the power generating motor generates power. In this way, the temperature-controlled chair of the modified embodiment has a power generating function that converts the kinetic energy generated by the movement of the movable part that is moved in accordance with the movement of the seated person into electricity, similar to the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the above-described embodiment.

[0074] The movable part may be a support 141 having a rotating shaft that rotates the seat part 11. In this case, the rotating shaft of the power generating motor rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft of the support 141. That is, the temperature control device in this case has a power generating function that converts kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft of the support 141, which is the movable part, into electric power. In this case, the movable part is a rotation mechanism that rotates the seat part 11 relative to the support 141. As a result, the direction of the seat part 11 changes as the seated person turns his or her body, and the rotating shaft of the support 141 rotates, generating electricity by the power generating motor.

[0075] The movable part may be moved by a force other than that exerted by the motion of the seated person. For example, the movable part may reciprocate vertically in response to the vertical vibration of the temperature-controlled chair. In this case, for example, the temperature control device includes a mechanism for converting the reciprocating vertical motion into rotational motion. The power generating motor then converts the kinetic energy generated by this rotational motion into electric power.

[0076] A temperature control device having such a configuration is suitable for cooling and heating an object that moves on an uneven surface such as outdoors. For example, a temperature control device having such a configuration may be attached to a car seat, a baby stroller seat, etc. In this way, the temperature control device can generate power by utilizing vibrations that occur when the car, baby stroller, etc., moves, and can cool and heat the seat.

[0077] For example, the movable part may reciprocate in the forward and backward directions in response to the forward and backward rocking of the temperature-controlled chair. In this case, for example, the temperature control device includes a mechanism for converting the forward and backward reciprocating motion into rotational motion. The power generating motor converts the kinetic energy generated by this rotational motion into electricity. For example, a temperature control device having such a configuration may be attached to a rocking chair, a cradle, a baby rocker, or the like. In this way, the temperature control device can generate electricity by utilizing the vibrations generated when the rocking chair, the cradle, the baby rocker, or the like rocks, and can cool and heat the seat.

[0078] The moving parts used for power generation are not limited to any one of the above, and multiple types of moving parts may be used at the same time. This makes it possible to generate electricity from the movements of each of the multiple types of moving parts, making it possible to store more electricity in a shorter period of time.

[0079] The temperature-controlled chair may be configured to use both the power generated by its own power generating motor and the power obtained from an external power source, for example, via an AC adapter. By obtaining power in multiple ways in this way, it becomes possible to store more power.

[0080] In addition, if the semiconductor element of the thermal sensation device has a large surface area, for example, and the surface of the semiconductor element does not reach a certain temperature, a temperature sensor does not need to be used, since there is not a high risk of burning the seated occupant.

[0081] According to the above-described embodiment, the temperature control device includes a generator, a storage battery, and a thermoelectric element. For example, the temperature control device is the temperature control device 20 in the embodiment, the generator is the power generating motor 211 in the embodiment, the storage battery is the battery 214 in the embodiment, and the thermoelectric element is the semiconductor element 210 in the embodiment. The generator is provided in a chair having a movable part, and converts kinetic energy generated by the movement of the movable part into electric power. For example, the movable part is the movable part 13 in the embodiment, and the chair is the chair 1 in the embodiment. The storage battery stores the electric power generated by the generator. The thermoelectric element cools or heats the chair using the electric power stored in the storage battery.

[0082] In the above-described temperature control device, the movable portion may be moved by a force acting in conjunction with the movement of a seated occupant.

[0083] In the above temperature control device, the movable part may be a rotating mechanism for rotating the backrest, the casters, or the seat. For example, the backrest is the backrest part 12 in the embodiment, the casters are the casters 143 in the embodiment, and the seat is the seat part 11 in the embodiment.

[0084] In the above temperature control device, the thermoelectric element may be a Peltier element. In this case, the temperature control device further includes a control circuit. The control circuit switches between cooling and heating by changing the polarity of the current flowing through the Peltier element. For example, the control circuit is the control circuit 215 in the embodiment.

[0085] According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the temperature-controlled chair includes a movable part, a generator, a storage battery, and a thermoelectric element. For example, the temperature-controlled chair is the chair 1 in the embodiment, the movable part is the movable part 13 in the embodiment, the generator is the power-generating motor 211 in the embodiment, the storage battery is the battery 214 in the embodiment, and the thermoelectric element is the semiconductor element 210 in the embodiment. The generator generates electricity in response to the movement of the movable part. The storage battery stores the power generated by the generator. The thermoelectric element cools or heats at least one of the backrest or the seat surface by the power stored in the storage battery. For example, the backrest is the backrest portion 12 in the embodiment, the casters are the casters 143 in the embodiment, and the seat surface is the seat surface portion 11 in the embodiment.

[0086] A part of the functions of the temperature-controlled chair 1 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments (for example, the control circuit 215) may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing the functions may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize the functions. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or client in that case. The above-mentioned program may be a program for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be a program that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0087] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1...chair, 11...seat portion, 12...backrest portion, 13...movable portion, 14...leg portion, 20...temperature control device, 21...temperature control portion, 22...hot / cold device, 23...fan, 24...temperature sensor, 25...seating sensor, 26...switching switch, 141...support, 142...chair base, 143...caster, 210...semiconductor element, 211...power generating motor, 212...clear current circuit, 213...voltage regulator circuit, 214...battery, 215...control circuit, 220...belt

Claims

1. A generator provided in a chair having a movable part and configured to convert kinetic energy generated by the movement of the movable part into electric power; A storage battery that stores the electric power generated by the generator; a thermoelectric element that cools or heats the chair using the power stored in the storage battery; A temperature control device comprising:

2. The movable portion is moved by a force acting in accordance with the movement of the seated occupant. The temperature control device according to claim 1 .

3. The movable part is a rotation mechanism for rotating the backrest, casters, or seat. The temperature control device according to claim 1 .

4. the thermoelectric element is a Peltier element, A control circuit that switches between the cooling and heating by changing the polarity of the current flowing through the Peltier element. The temperature control device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. A movable part; A generator that generates electricity in response to the movement of the movable part; A storage battery that stores the electric power generated by the generator; A thermoelectric element that cools or heats at least one of the backrest or the seat surface by the power stored in the storage battery; A temperature-controlled chair.

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