Ventilation passage selectively switching device and vehicle seat air conditioning device

Abstract

To provide a ventilation passage selectively switching device and the like suppressed in enlargement in its size.SOLUTION: A ventilation passage selectively switching device 2 includes: an air suction ventilation passage 53a to which air sucked by a blower 31 is introduced; an air discharge ventilation passage 54a for discharging the air; a first ventilation passage 51a connected to the air suction ventilation passage 53a and the air discharge ventilation passage 54a; a second ventilation passage 52a connected to the air suction ventilation passage 53a and the air discharge ventilation passage 54a; and a ventilation passage switching part. The ventilation passage switching part has: a first mode for introducing the air sucked through the first ventilation passage 51a to the air suction ventilation passage 53a and introducing the air introduced by the air discharge ventilation passage 54a to the second ventilation passage 52a; and a second mode for introducing the air sucked through the second ventilation passage 52a to the air suction ventilation passage 53a and introducing the air introduced to the air discharge ventilation passage 54a to the first ventilation passage 51a. When the mode is selected between the first mode and the second mode, the mode is switched to the selected mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air passage selection switching device for blowing air to a person seated in a seat and a vehicle seat air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, seat air conditioners that blow conditioned air from the seat toward the occupant have become known. For example, the seat air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a centrifugal fan and a second case that forms an intake-side air flow path connected to the fan intake port and also forms an outlet-side air flow path connected to the fan outlet.

[0003] The second case has a seat intake opening for introducing air sucked in from the seat surface into the intake air flow path, an air conditioning air intake opening for introducing air conditioning air from an interior air conditioning unit that conditions the vehicle interior into the intake air flow path, a seat outlet opening for blowing air flowing in the outlet air flow path out from the seat surface, and an exhaust opening for discharging air flowing in the outlet air flow path from the second case.

[0004] The second case is provided with an intake side switching door that selectively opens and closes the seat intake opening and the air conditioning air intake opening, and an outlet side switching door that selectively opens and closes the seat outlet opening and the exhaust opening.

[0005] In the seat air conditioning system, the blow-out side switching door closes the seat blow-out opening and opens the exhaust opening, and the suction side switching door opens the seat suction opening and closes the air conditioning air intake opening in a first mode position, and the blow-out side switching door opens the seat blow-out opening and closes the exhaust opening, and the suction side switching door closes the seat suction opening and opens the air conditioning air intake opening in a second mode position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6052099 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the seat air conditioning system of Patent Document 1, when the outlet-side switching door and the inlet-side switching door are in the first mode position, the seat outlet opening and the conditioned air intake opening are closed, so the flow path from the outlet-side switching door to the seat outlet opening and the flow path from the inlet-side switching door to the conditioned air intake opening are not used, and the flow path from the inlet-side switching door to the seat intake opening are also not used. Furthermore, when the door is in the second mode position, the exhaust opening and the seat intake opening are closed, so the flow path from the outlet-side switching door to the exhaust opening and the flow path from the inlet-side switching door to the seat intake opening are not used, and the flow path from the inlet-side switching door to the seat intake opening are not used. Therefore, in the seat air conditioning system of Patent Document 1, some flow paths are unused depending on the mode. Furthermore, although the seat outlet opening, seat intake opening, conditioned air intake opening, and exhaust opening are located below the second case, the ducts connecting to each opening are arranged together. Applying this seat air conditioning system to a vehicle seat would result in the seat becoming larger, making it difficult to apply to a vehicle seat.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air passage selection switch device and a vehicle seat air conditioner that can prevent the device from becoming large. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An air-passage channel selection switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a vehicle seat air-conditioning device used in a seat disposed in a vehicle, and includes an intake air passage through which air drawn in by a blower is guided, an exhaust air passage through which the air drawn in by the blower and guided in the intake air passage is exhausted, a first air passage connected to the intake air passage and the exhaust air passage, a second air passage different from the first air passage and connected to the intake air passage and the exhaust air passage, and an air passage switching unit. The ventilation path switching unit has a first mode in which the air sucked from the first ventilation path by the blower is guided to the intake ventilation path, and the air guided to the discharge ventilation path by the blower is guided to the second ventilation path, and a second mode in which the air sucked from the second ventilation path by the blower is guided to the intake ventilation path, and the air guided to the discharge ventilation path by the blower is guided to the first ventilation path, and when a mode is selected between the first mode and the second mode, the unit switches to the selected mode.

[0010] In addition, a vehicle seat air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a ventilation path selection switching device, a blower, a control unit that controls the operation of the blower and also the operation of the ventilation path switching unit, and a seat equipped with the ventilation path selection switching device and the blower. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The ventilation path selection switching device and the like of the present disclosure can prevent the device from becoming large. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a front view showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an air-passage channel selection switch device, a first seat air-passage channel, and a second seat air-passage channel of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the air-flow path selecting and switching device taken along line AA in FIG. 1B when the air-flow path switching unit is in the first mode. [Figure 4B] 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the air-flow path selecting / switching device taken along line BB in FIG. 1B when the air-flow path switching unit is in the first mode. [Figure 5A] 5A is a cross-sectional view showing the air-flow path selecting / switching device taken along line CC in FIG. 1B when the air-flow path switching unit is in the first mode. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional view showing the air-flow path selecting / switching device taken along line DD in FIG. 1B when the air-flow path switching unit is in the first mode. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the air-passage path selection switching device taken along line AA in FIG. 1B when the air-passage path switching unit is in the second mode. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the air-passage path selection switching device taken along line BB in FIG. 1B when the air-passage path switching unit is in the second mode. [Figure 7A] 7A is a cross-sectional view showing the air-flow path selecting and switching device taken along line CC in FIG. 1B when the air-flow path switching unit is in the second mode. [Figure 7B] 7B is a cross-sectional view showing the air-passage path selecting / switching device taken along line DD in FIG. 1B when the air-passage path switching unit is in the second mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow paths when the air-flow path switching unit is in the first mode and the second mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a first gear and a second gear of the vehicle seat air conditioning device. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device that can take in and discharge air from the seat portion as well. [Figure 10B]Figure 10B is a schematic diagram showing a ventilation path selection switching device of a vehicle seat air conditioning system that can also intake and discharge air from the seat, a first seat ventilation path formed in the seat back, and a second seat ventilation path formed in the seat and seat back. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the air passage switching unit of the vehicle seat air conditioner, which is capable of taking in and discharging air from the seat portion as well, is in the first mode and the second mode. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device that can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat back or from the side of the seat. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a block diagram showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device that can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat back or from the side of the seat. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the ventilation path switching unit of a vehicle seat air conditioning device, which can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat back or from the side of the seat, is in the first mode and the second mode. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device that can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat and taking in air from the side of the seat. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the ventilation path switching unit of a vehicle seat air conditioning device, which can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat or from the side of the seat, is in the first mode and the second mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the air passage switching unit of the vehicle seat air conditioner, which can take in air from the side of the seat and discharge air from the surface of the seatback, is in the first mode and the second mode. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the air passage switching unit of the vehicle seat air conditioning device, which can take in air from the side of the seat and discharge air from the surface of the seat, is in the first mode and the second mode. [Figure 18]Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the ventilation path switching unit of a vehicle seat air conditioning device, which can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat or from the side of the seat and can discharge air from the surface of the seat back, is in the first mode and the second mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0014] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0015] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as plate-like, X-axis direction, and approximately rectangular are used. For example, plate-like, X-axis direction, and approximately rectangular not only mean a perfect plate, X-axis direction, and rectangle, but also mean a substantial plate, X-axis direction, and rectangle, i.e., including an error of a few percent. Furthermore, plate-like, X-axis direction, and approximately rectangular mean a plate-like, X-axis direction, and approximately rectangular direction within the scope in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "shape," "direction," and "approximately."

[0016] In the following description, the front-to-back direction of the seat is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the up-to-down direction of the seat is referred to as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the left-to-right direction of the seat, i.e., the direction perpendicular to each of the X-axis and Z-axis directions, is referred to as the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in the X-axis direction, the front side of the seat is referred to as the positive side, and the rear side of the seat is referred to as the negative side. Furthermore, in the Y-axis direction, the right side of FIG. 1B is referred to as the positive side, and the opposite side (left side) is referred to as the negative side. Furthermore, the left side of FIG. 1B is the right side of a person seated in the seat with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle, and is the negative side of the Y-axis. Furthermore, the right side of FIG. 1B is the left side of a person seated in the seat with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle, and is the positive side of the Y-axis. Furthermore, in the Z-axis direction, the upper side of the seat is referred to as the positive side, and the lower side of the seat is referred to as the negative side. This may also be applied to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures.

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> First, the configurations of an air-flow path selecting / switching device 2 and a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 9. FIG.

[0019] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the exterior of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a front view showing the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an air-air-passage channel selection switching device 2, a first seat air-passage channel 121, and a second seat air-passage channel 122 of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 3, hatching is omitted to simplify the drawing to avoid complexity. Similarly, hatching may be omitted and simplified in the subsequent drawings. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the air-air-passage channel selection switching device 2 taken along line AA in FIG. 1B when the air-air-passage channel switching unit is in the first mode. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the air-air-passage channel selection switching device 2 taken along line BB in FIG. 1B when the air-air-passage channel switching unit is in the first mode. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing the air-air-passage channel selection switching device 2 taken along line CC in FIG. 1B when the air-air-passage channel switching unit is in the first mode. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 taken along line DD in FIG. 1B when the ventilation path switching unit is in the first mode. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 taken along line AA in FIG. 1B when the ventilation path switching unit is in the second mode. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 taken along line BB in FIG. 1B when the ventilation path switching unit is in the second mode. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 taken along line CC in FIG. 1B when the ventilation path switching unit is in the second mode. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 taken along line DD in FIG. 1B when the ventilation path switching unit is in the second mode. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow paths when the ventilation path switching unit is in the first mode and the second mode. (a) of FIG. 8 shows the flow paths when the ventilation path switching unit is in the first mode. (b) of FIG. 8 shows the flow paths when the ventilation path switching unit is in the second mode. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the first gear 61c and the second gear 62c of the vehicle seat air conditioner 1. In Fig. 9, the discharge duct 54 is not shown so that the first gear 61c and the second gear 62c can be seen.

[0020] Since the seat back 13 of the seat 10 is variable in position, this embodiment assumes that the seat back 13 is in an upright position relative to the seat portion 11 along the Z-axis direction.

[0021] 1A, a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 installed in, for example, a vehicle or the like, cools or warms a person seated in a seat 10 by blowing air onto the upper body of the person from behind the person. Specifically, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 draws in air from within the vehicle cabin and blows the drawn-in air onto the head, neck, acromion, back, and other parts of the upper body of the person seated in the seat 10, thereby cooling or warming the person's body.

[0022] The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 includes a seat 10, a ventilation path selection switching device 2, a blower 31, a control unit 32, and a power supply unit 33. The blower 31 may be a component of the ventilation path selection switching device 2.

[0023] The seat 10 includes a seat portion 11 for a person to sit on, a seat back 13, and a headrest 15.

[0024] The seat portion 11 is a seat cushion that supports the buttocks, thighs, etc. of a person when sitting on the seat 10. The seat portion 11 has a first seat pad that corresponds to a cushioning material, and a first seat cover that covers the first seat pad.

[0025] The first seat pad is made of a cushioning material such as urethane foam. The first seat pad is a thick, approximately rectangular plate, and is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the XY plane. The first seat cover is a cover that covers the first seat pad. The first seat cover is, for example, a leather cover, a fabric cover, or the like.

[0026] The seat back 13 is a backrest portion against which a person sitting in the seat 10 leans, supporting the person's acromion, back, and lumbar region. The seat back 13 is long along the Z-axis direction and is positioned so as to rise up relative to the seat portion 11. The seat back 13 can rotate around the Y-axis according to the person's posture, thereby adjusting the backrest angle. The seat back 13 has a second seat pad equivalent to a cushioning material and a second seat cover that covers the second seat pad.

[0027] The second seat pad is made of a cushioning material such as urethane foam. The second seat pad is a thick, substantially rectangular plate. The second seat cover is a cover that covers the second seat pad. The second seat cover is, for example, a leather cover, a fabric cover, or the like.

[0028] The seat back 13 is formed with a plurality of ventilation passages for guiding air when the ventilation passage selection switching device 2 draws in air from within the vehicle cabin and expels the drawn-in air from the seat 10. The plurality of ventilation passages include a first seat ventilation passage 121 and a second seat ventilation passage 122.

[0029] The first seat ventilation passage 121 has a plurality of first ventilation openings 21 formed on the surface of the seat back 13, i.e., on the surface on the side where a person sits on the seat 10. The first seat ventilation passage 121 is a flow path that runs from the plurality of first ventilation openings 21 to the ventilation passage selection switching device 2.

[0030] The first ventilation opening 21 is formed in the upper part of the seat back 13 of the seat 10. Specifically, the first ventilation opening 21 is disposed above (in the positive direction of the Z axis) a central axis that bisects the longitudinal direction of the seat back 13 when viewed from the side (viewed along the Y axis). The first ventilation opening 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting in the seat 10. The upper body of a person may be, for example, the neck, head, or acromion of a person.

[0031] The second seat ventilation passage 122 has a plurality of second ventilation openings 22 formed on the surface of the seat back 13, i.e., on the surface on the side where a person sits on the seat 10. The second seat ventilation passage 122 is a flow path that runs from the plurality of second ventilation openings 22 to the ventilation passage selection switching device 2.

[0032] The second ventilation opening 22 is disposed vertically below the first ventilation opening 21. In this embodiment, the second ventilation opening 22 is disposed vertically below the first ventilation opening 21 and in the center of the seat back 13. The second ventilation opening 22 corresponds to the back of a person sitting in the seat 10.

[0033] The ventilation path selection switching device 2, a blower 31, a control unit 32, and a power supply unit 33 are arranged on the back surface (the surface on the negative X-axis direction) of the seat back 13. The ventilation path selection switching device 2 includes the blower 31, and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 and the blower 31 are housed in the seat back 13.

[0034] The ventilation channel selection switching device 2 is provided in a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 used in a seat 10 placed in a vehicle. The ventilation channel selection switching device 2 includes a housing 5, an ventilation channel switching unit, and a drive mechanism.

[0035] The housing 5 has an intake duct 53, an exhaust duct 54, a first duct 51, and a second duct 52.

[0036] The intake duct 53 is capable of guiding the air sucked by the blower 31, and forms an intake ventilation passage 53a inside. The intake duct 53 is disposed on the surface of the seat back 13 on the negative side of the X axis. The intake duct 53 is connected to the blower 31, extends from the blower 31 along the positive direction of the Z axis, and is connected to the first duct 51 and the second duct 52.

[0037] The discharge duct 54 is capable of discharging the air drawn in by the blower 31 and guided through the intake ventilation passage 53a, and has a discharge ventilation passage 54a formed therein. The discharge duct 54 is arranged on the surface of the seat back 13 on the negative side of the X axis, aligned with the intake duct 53. The discharge duct 54 is connected to the blower 31, extends from the blower 31 in the positive direction of the Z axis, and is connected to the first duct 51 and the second duct 52.

[0038] The discharge duct 54 is connected to the intake duct 53 via the first duct 51 , connected to the intake duct 53 via the second duct 52 , and connected to the intake duct 53 via the blower 31 .

[0039] The first duct 51 is connected to the intake duct 53 and the discharge duct 54 and forms a first ventilation passage 51a therein. The first duct 51 extends further along the positive Z-axis direction from the end of the intake duct 53 on the positive Z-axis side and the end of the discharge duct 54 on the positive Z-axis side, and forms a first opening 41 at its tip. That is, the first duct 51 has the first opening 41 and is connected from the end of the intake duct 53 on the positive Z-axis side and the end of the discharge duct 54 on the positive Z-axis side to the first opening 41. Thus, the first ventilation passage 51a is connected to the intake ventilation passage 53a and the discharge ventilation passage 54a. The first opening 41 is connected to the first sheet ventilation passage 121 of the sheet 10 and is connected to the multiple first ventilation ports 21. The first opening 41 is disposed at a position corresponding to the multiple first ventilation ports 21 of the sheet 10.

[0040] The second duct 52 is a duct independent of the first duct 51. It is connected to the intake duct 53 and the exhaust duct 54, forming a second ventilation passage 52a therein. The second duct 52 extends from a middle portion of the intake duct 53 in the Z-axis direction along the positive X-axis, and from a middle portion of the exhaust duct 54 in the Z-axis direction along the positive X-axis direction. The second duct 52 has a second opening 42 at its tip. That is, the second duct 52 has the second opening 42, and is connected from the middle portion of the intake duct 53 in the Z-axis direction and the middle portion of the exhaust duct 54 in the Z-axis direction to the second opening 42. Therefore, the second ventilation passage 52a is a ventilation passage different from the first ventilation passage 51a, and is connected to the intake ventilation passage 53a and the exhaust ventilation passage 54a. The second opening 42 is connected to the second sheet ventilation passage 122 of the sheet 10 and to a plurality of second ventilation openings 22. The second opening 42 is disposed vertically below the first opening 41. In the present embodiment, the second opening 42 is disposed vertically below the first opening 41 and in the center of the ventilation channel selection switching device 2. The second opening 42 is disposed at a position corresponding to the plurality of second ventilation holes 22 of the seat 10.

[0041] The air passage switching portion has a first movable plate 61 and a second movable plate 62.

[0042] The first movable plate 61 is arranged to block and open the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation passage 54a and the first ventilation passage 51a. The first movable plate 61 may be arranged in the discharge duct 54, in the first duct 51, or between the discharge duct 54 and the first duct 51. In the present embodiment, the first movable plate 61 is rotatably supported by the discharge duct 54. Therefore, a space is formed in the discharge duct 54 in which the first movable plate 61 can rotate. The discharge duct 54 is formed with a restricting portion that abuts and stops the first movable plate 61 and restricts rotation beyond a predetermined amount.

[0043] The first movable plate 61 has a first rotation shaft portion 61a and a first rotation plate 61b connected to the first rotation shaft portion 61a.

[0044] The first rotating shaft 61a extends along the Y-axis direction and is rotatably supported by the housing 5. In the present embodiment, the first rotating shaft 61a is rotatably supported by the discharge duct 54.

[0045] The first rotating plate 61b is positioned so as to assume a position that blocks and opens the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation passage 54a and the first ventilation passage 51a depending on the rotation of the first rotating shaft portion 61a, or so as to assume a position that blocks and opens the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation passage 54a and the second ventilation passage 52a depending on the rotation of the first rotating shaft portion 61a.

[0046] The second movable plate 62 is arranged to block and open the flow path connecting the intake ventilation passage 53a and the second ventilation passage 52a. The second movable plate 62 may be arranged in the intake duct 53, in the second duct 52, or between the intake duct 53 and the second duct 52. In the present embodiment, the second movable plate 62 is rotatably supported by the intake duct 53. Therefore, a space is formed in the intake duct 53 in which the second movable plate 62 can rotate. The intake duct 53 is formed with a restricting portion that abuts against and stops the second movable plate 62 and restricts rotation beyond a predetermined amount.

[0047] The second movable plate 62 has a second rotation shaft portion 62a and a second rotation plate 62b connected to the second rotation shaft portion 62a.

[0048] The second rotation shaft 62a extends along the Y-axis direction and is rotatably supported by the housing 5. In the present embodiment, the second rotation shaft 62a is rotatably supported by the intake duct 53.

[0049] The second rotating plate 62b is positioned so as to assume a position that blocks and opens the flow path connecting the intake ventilation passage 53a and the second ventilation passage 52a depending on the rotation of the second rotating shaft portion 62a, or so as to assume a position that blocks and opens the flow path connecting the intake ventilation passage 53a and the first ventilation passage 51a depending on the rotation of the second rotating shaft portion 62a.

[0050] The drive mechanism has a first gear 61c that rotates the first movable plate 61, a second gear 62c that meshes with the first gear 61c and rotates the second movable plate 62, and a drive unit 34 that rotates the first gear 61c and the second gear 62c in conjunction with each other.

[0051] Specifically, the second rotating shaft 62a of the second movable plate 62 passes through the intake duct 53 along the Y-axis direction. The drive unit 34 is connected to one end of the second rotating shaft 62a on the positive side of the Y-axis, and the drive unit 34 is disposed outside the intake duct 53. The other end of the second rotating shaft 62a on the negative side of the Y-axis is connected to the second gear 62c, and the second gear 62c is disposed outside the intake duct 53.

[0052] The first rotating shaft 61a of the first movable plate 61 passes through the discharge duct 54 along the Y-axis direction. One end of the first rotating shaft 61a on the negative Y-axis side is journaled to the discharge duct 54. A first gear 61c is connected to one end of the first rotating shaft 61a on the positive Y-axis side, and the first gear 61c is disposed outside the discharge duct 54.

[0053] A gap S extending in the Z-axis direction is formed between the discharge duct 54 and the intake duct 53, and the first gear 61c and the second gear 62c are arranged in the gap S between the discharge duct 54 and the intake duct 53.

[0054] The first gear 61c and the second gear 62c are arranged so as to be sandwiched between the discharge duct 54, the intake duct 53, and the second duct 52, and a gap S is formed between the discharge duct 54 and the intake duct 53. For this reason, since the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is arranged on the surface of the seat back 13 on the negative side of the X axis, it is considered preferable to prevent any object such as dust from entering the gap S from behind the seat 10. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the intake duct 53 is formed with a bulge 53d on the outer circumferential side of the first gear 61c or the second gear 62c, which bulges from the intake duct 53 toward the discharge duct 54 and fills the gap S. In addition, instead of forming a bulge portion 53d in the intake duct 53, a bulge portion may be formed in the discharge duct 54 on the outer circumferential side of the first gear 61c or the second gear 62c, approaching the discharge duct 54 from the discharge duct 54 toward the intake duct 53 and filling the gap S.

[0055] Because the first gear 61c and the second gear 62c are meshed with each other, when the drive unit 34 rotates the second rotation shaft 62a of the second movable plate 62, the second gear 62c rotates, and the rotational force of the second gear 62c rotates the first gear 61c, thereby rotating the first rotation shaft 61a. In other words, when the drive unit 34 rotates the second movable plate 62, the first movable plate 61 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second movable plate 62.

[0056] The drive unit 34 is, for example, an electric motor. The drive unit 34 is controlled by the control unit 32 to rotate the second rotation shaft 62a of the second movable plate 62. Specifically, the drive unit 34 is controlled by the control unit 32 to rotate the second movable plate 62 to block the flow path connecting the second ventilation passage 52a and the intake ventilation passage 53a and open the flow path connecting the first ventilation passage 51a and the intake ventilation passage 53a, as shown in FIG. 4A, and to rotate the first movable plate 61 in conjunction with the second movable plate 62 to block the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation passage 54a and the first ventilation passage 51a and open the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation passage 54a and the second ventilation passage 52a, as shown in FIG. 4B. In addition, under the control of the control unit 32, the drive unit 34 can rotate the second movable plate 62 to block the flow path connecting the first ventilation passage 51a and the intake ventilation passage 53a as shown in Figure 6A and open the flow path connecting the second ventilation passage 52a and the intake ventilation passage 53a, and can rotate the first movable plate 61 in conjunction with the second movable plate 62 to block the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation passage 54a and the second ventilation passage 52a as shown in Figure 6B and open the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation passage 54a and the first ventilation passage 51a.

[0057] The blower 31 is connected to an intake duct 53 and an exhaust duct 54. The blower 31 draws air through the first opening 41 or the second opening 42 connected to the intake duct 53, guides the air drawn into the intake duct 53 to the exhaust duct 54, and discharges the air from the second opening 42 or the first opening 41 connected to the exhaust duct 54. Specifically, by being controlled by the control unit 32, the blower 31 can draw air through the first opening 41 and guide it to the intake duct 53 via the first duct 51, guide the air guided to the intake duct 53 to the exhaust duct 54, and discharge the air from the second opening 42 via the second duct 52 connected to the exhaust duct 54, as shown in FIG. 8(a). Furthermore, by being controlled by the control unit 32, the blower 31 can suck in air from the second opening 42 and direct it to the intake duct 53 via the second duct 52, as shown in (b) of Figure 8, direct the air directed to the intake duct 53 to the discharge duct 54, and discharge the air from the first opening 41 via the first duct 51 connected to the discharge duct 54.

[0058] The control unit 32 can control the driving of the blower 31 and also the driving of the air passage switching unit.

[0059] The control unit 32 can control the amount of air drawn into the intake duct 53 and the amount of air discharged from the discharge duct 54 by controlling the blower 31. For example, the control unit 32 may control the amount of air drawn into the intake duct 53 and the amount of air discharged from the discharge duct 54 by controlling the blower 31 based on the temperature of the vehicle interior where the seat 10 is located, the temperature of people present in the vehicle interior, or a control instruction from an air conditioning device mounted in the vehicle. In this case, the control unit 32 may obtain the temperature of the vehicle interior and the temperature of people present in the vehicle interior from a sensor mounted in the vehicle interior and control the blower 31 accordingly. The control unit 32 may also estimate the temperature of the vehicle interior and the temperature of people present in the vehicle interior by obtaining the operating period from the start of operation of the air conditioning device mounted in the vehicle, and control the blower 31 accordingly.

[0060] The control unit 32 can control the drive unit 34 and the ventilation path switching unit (execute the first mode) to rotate the second movable plate 62 to block the flow path connecting the second ventilation path 52a and the intake ventilation path 53a as shown in Figure 4A and open the flow path connecting the first ventilation path 51a and the intake ventilation path 53a, and to rotate the first movable plate 61 in conjunction with the second movable plate 62 to block the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation path 54a and the first ventilation path 51a as shown in Figure 4B and open the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation path 54a and the second ventilation path 52a. In addition, the control unit 32 can control the drive unit 34 and the ventilation path switching unit (execute the second mode) to rotate the second movable plate 62 to block the flow path connecting the first ventilation path 51a and the intake ventilation path 53a as shown in Figure 6A and open the flow path connecting the second ventilation path 52a and the intake ventilation path 53a, and to rotate the first movable plate 61 in conjunction with the second movable plate 62 to block the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation path 54a and the second ventilation path 52a as shown in Figure 6B and open the flow path connecting the discharge ventilation path 54a and the first ventilation path 51a.

[0061] In this way, by controlling the blower 31 and the drive unit 34, the control unit 32 can control whether the first opening 41 is an intake port or an exhaust port, and can control whether the second opening 42 is an exhaust port or an intake port.

[0062] The power supply unit 33 is a power supply circuit that supplies power to the control unit 32, the blower 31, and the drive unit 34 of the air passage switching unit. The power supply unit 33 can obtain power from a battery (not shown). The power supply unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 32 to adjust the current supplied to the blower 31 and the drive unit 34. The power supply unit 33 is a power supply unit 33 mounted on the vehicle, and may or may not be included in the components of the vehicle seat air conditioning device 1.

[0063] Next, the functions of the ventilation channel selection switch device 2 and the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0064] The airflow path switching unit has a first mode and a second mode. When a mode is selected between the first mode and the second mode, the airflow path switching unit can switch to the selected mode. Specifically, the control unit 32 controls the drive unit 34, causing the drive unit 34 to rotate the first movable plate 61 and the second movable plate 62, thereby allowing the airflow path switching unit to switch modes.

[0065] More specifically, control unit 32 controls drive unit 34, thereby allowing the air-passage path switching unit to execute the selected first mode. In the first mode, air drawn into first air passage 51a by blower 31 can be guided to intake air passage 53a, and air guided to discharge air passage 54a by blower 31 can be guided to second air passage 52a. Specifically, in the first mode, second movable plate 62 blocks the flow path from second air passage 52a to intake air passage 53a while opening the flow path from first air passage 51a to intake air passage 53a, and first movable plate 61 blocks the flow path from discharge air passage 54a to first air passage 51a while opening the flow path from discharge air passage 54a to second air passage 52a (see FIGS. 4A and 4B ).

[0066] When a predetermined condition is satisfied by executing the first mode, the control unit 32 can switch from the first mode to the second mode and execute the second mode.

[0067] The case where a predetermined condition is satisfied refers to the elapse of a predetermined time. For example, in the initial stage of cooling when the vehicle is driven and the first mode is initiated, air is discharged from the second air vent 22 so that the person seated in the seat 10 does not feel hot around the neck, which is sensitive to temperature, as shown in FIG. 11(a). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin drops, and the control unit 32 switches from the first air vent 22 to the second mode. As a result, the person can feel the flow of air being drawn into the second air vent 22 at their back, as shown in FIG. 11(b), and can also feel the wind being discharged from the first air vent 21 and blown against their upper body. This allows the person seated in the seat 10 to be cooled. The predetermined time is a preset time, which is the time during which the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is predicted to drop. The predetermined time is, for example, several minutes, such as five minutes. The predetermined time may be arbitrarily changed. Details of FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) will be described later.

[0068] Furthermore, the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied is when the temperature inside the vehicle cabin (the representative temperature inside the vehicle cabin or the temperature of the air drawn in through the seat 10) drops. For example, in the initial stage of cooling when the vehicle is driven and the first mode is initiated, air is discharged from the second air vent 22 so that the person seated in the seat 10 does not feel hot around the neck, which is sensitive to temperature, as shown in FIG. 11(a). If the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is detected by a temperature sensor, a drop in the temperature inside the vehicle cabin can be detected. When a drop in temperature is detected, the control unit 32 switches from the first mode to the second mode. A drop in temperature indicates that the temperature has fallen below a predetermined temperature, such as a drop to 35°C. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the person can feel the flow of air drawn into the second air vent 22 at their back and can also feel the wind blowing from the air drawn out through the first air vent 21 on their upper body. This allows the person seated in the seat 10 to be cooled.

[0069] The temperature of the air sucked through the seat 10 may be detected by a temperature sensor provided in the seat 10, or may be estimated from a temperature sensor of an air conditioning device mounted on the vehicle.

[0070] Thus, in the first mode, air flows into first seat ventilation passage 121 from first ventilation port 21 of seat 10 by fan 31, and is drawn from first opening 41 through first ventilation passage 51a into intake ventilation passage 53a. The air is guided through intake ventilation passage 53a to fan 31, and is guided by fan 31 to discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through second ventilation passage 52a and second opening 42, and is discharged through second seat ventilation passage 122 from second ventilation port 22. Since first ventilation port 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air drawn into first ventilation port 21 at their upper body, and since second ventilation port 22 corresponds to the back of a person sitting on seat 10, the person can feel the wind blowing against their back as air is discharged from second ventilation port 22.

[0071] More specifically, control unit 32 controls drive unit 34, thereby allowing the air-passage path switching unit to execute the selected second mode. In the second mode, air drawn into second air passage 52a by blower 31 can be guided to intake air passage 53a, and air guided to discharge air passage 54a by blower 31 can be guided to first air passage 51a. Specifically, in the second mode, second movable plate 62 blocks the flow path from first air passage 51a to intake air passage 53a while opening the flow path from second air passage 52a to intake air passage 53a, and first movable plate 61 blocks the flow path from discharge air passage 54a to second air passage 52a while opening the flow path from discharge air passage 54a to first air passage 51a.

[0072] As a result, in the second mode, air flows into second seat ventilation passage 122 from second ventilation port 22 of seat 10 by fan 31, and is drawn from second opening 42 through second ventilation passage 52a into intake ventilation passage 53a. The air is guided through intake ventilation passage 53a to reach fan 31, and is guided by fan 31 to discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through first ventilation passage 51a and first opening 41, and is discharged through first seat ventilation passage 121 from first ventilation port 21. Since second ventilation port 22 corresponds to the back of a person sitting on seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air drawn into second ventilation port 22 at their back, and since first ventilation port 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on seat 10, the person can feel the wind blowing from air discharged from first ventilation port 21 against their upper body.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10A to 11, a plurality of second ventilation holes 22 may also be formed in the base portion 11 of the seat 10. In this case, air can be drawn in and discharged through the plurality of second ventilation holes 22 formed in the base portion 11. Note that, when the components of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 in Figures 10A to 11 are the same components as the components of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 described in Figures 1A to 9 above, the same reference numerals as those described in Figures 1A to 9 above are used, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0074] FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing the exterior of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1a capable of taking in and discharging air from the seat portion 11 as well. FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing the ventilation path selection switching device 2 of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1a capable of taking in and discharging air from the seat portion 11 as well, a first seat ventilation path 121 formed in the seat back 13, and a second seat ventilation path 122 formed in the seat portion 11 and the seat back 13. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the ventilation path switching unit of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1a capable of taking in and discharging air from the seat portion 11 is in the first mode and the second mode. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the air flow when the ventilation path switching unit is operating in the first mode. FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the air flow when the ventilation path switching unit is operating in the second mode.

[0075] The second seat-ventilation passage 122 of the seat 10 is connected to the second opening 42 of the ventilation-path selection switching device 2 arranged in the seat back 13, and has a plurality of second ventilation holes 22 formed in the surface of the seat back 13 and a plurality of second ventilation holes 22 formed in the surface of the seat portion 11 facing the person sitting in the seat 10. The second seat-ventilation passage 122 extends from the second opening 42 of the ventilation-path selection switching device 2 to the plurality of second ventilation holes 22 formed in the surface of the seat back 13, and also extends from the second opening 42 of the ventilation-path selection switching device 2 through the seat back 13 to the seat portion 11 and to the plurality of second ventilation holes 22 formed in the surface of the seat portion 11. The plurality of second ventilation holes 22 formed in the surface of the seat portion 11 correspond to the buttocks and thighs of the person sitting in the seat 10.

[0076] Here, the functions of the ventilation channel selection switch device 2 and the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1a of this embodiment will be described.

[0077] The control unit 32 controls the drive unit 34, thereby allowing the ventilation path switching unit to execute the selected first mode. In the first mode, the air flows from the first ventilation port 21 of the seat 10 into the first sheet ventilation path 121 by the fan 31, and is then drawn from the first opening 41 through the first ventilation path 51a into the intake ventilation path 53a. The air is guided through the intake ventilation path 53a to the fan 31, and is then guided by the fan 31 to the discharge ventilation path 54a. The air passes through the second ventilation path 52a and the second opening 42, and is then discharged from the second ventilation port 22 through the second sheet ventilation path 122. Since the first ventilation port 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air being sucked into the first ventilation port 21 at the person's upper body, and since the second ventilation port 22 corresponds to the back, buttocks and thighs of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blowing from the second ventilation port 22 at the person's back, buttocks and thighs.

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit 32 controls the drive unit 34, thereby allowing the ventilation path switching unit to execute the selected second mode. In the second mode, the air flows from the second ventilation port 22 of the seat 10 into the second sheet ventilation path 122 by the fan 31, and is then drawn from the second opening 42 through the second ventilation path 52a into the intake ventilation path 53a. The air is guided by the intake ventilation path 53a to the fan 31, and is then guided by the fan 31 to the discharge ventilation path 54a, where it passes through the first ventilation path 51a and the first opening 41, and is then discharged from the first ventilation port 21 through the first sheet ventilation path 121. Since the second ventilation port 22 corresponds to the back, buttocks and thighs of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air being sucked into the second ventilation port 22 at the person's back, buttocks and thighs, and since the first ventilation port 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blowing on the upper body as air is discharged from the first ventilation port 21.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12A to 13, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1b may include a first fan 31a, a second fan 31b, and a valve 36. That is, the fan 31 may be included in the first fan 31a and the second fan 31b. Note that, when the components of the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 in Figures 12A to 13 are the same components as the components of the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 described in Figures 1A to 9 above, the same reference numerals as those described in Figures 1A to 9 above are used, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0080] FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing the exterior of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1b that can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat back 13 and taking in air from the side of the seat 10. FIG. 12B is a block diagram showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1b that can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat back 13 and taking in air from the side of the seat 10. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the air-passage switching unit of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1b, which can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat back 13 and taking in air from the side of the seat 10, is in the first mode and the second mode. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing the air flow when the air-passage switching unit is operating in the first mode. FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing the air flow when the air-passage switching unit is operating in the second mode. Note that FIG. 13 does not show the first connected state and the second connected state of the valve 36 when the air-passage switching unit is operating in the second mode.

[0081] The first fan 31a is disposed on the rear surface (the surface on the negative X-axis side) of the seat back 13. The second fan 31b is disposed on the negative Z-axis side of the seat portion 11. The position of the second fan 31b is not particularly limited.

[0082] The second ventilation openings 22 include a surface ventilation opening 22a formed on the surface of the seat 10 and an other-side ventilation opening 22b on a surface other than the surface of the seat 10. In this embodiment, the other-side ventilation opening 22b is located on the negative Z-axis side of the bottom portion 11 of the seat 10, and is capable of drawing in air from the surrounding vehicle interior. The other-side ventilation opening 22b is also capable of drawing in cool air discharged by an air conditioning system installed in the vehicle.

[0083] The second seat-ventilation passage 122 has a front-side ventilation passage 122a extending from the front-side ventilation port 22a formed in the seat back 13 to the ventilation-path selection switching device 2, and an other-side ventilation passage 122b extending from the other-side ventilation port 22b formed on the surface other than the front surface of the seat portion 11 to the seat back 13 and to the ventilation-path selection switching device 2. In other words, the front-side ventilation port 22a is connected to the first fan 31a via the front-side ventilation passage 122a, the second opening 42 of the ventilation-path selection switching device 2, the second duct 52, the intake duct 53, and the valve 36. The other-side ventilation port 22b is connected to the first fan 31a via the other-side ventilation passage 122b and the valve 36.

[0084] The valve 36 is disposed in the flow path from the front surface vent 22a to the first fan 31a, and in the flow path from the other surface vent 22b to the first fan 31a. For example, the valve 36 may be disposed in the second duct 52 disposed in the seat back 13, in the intake duct 53 disposed in the seat back 13, or between the intake duct 53 and the first fan 31a. In other words, the valve 36 may be disposed in the second ventilation passage 52a, the intake ventilation passage 53a, or between the intake ventilation passage 53a and the first fan 31a.

[0085] The valve 36 is, for example, an electric valve controlled by the control unit 32. Under the control of the control unit 32, the valve 36 is switched between a first connection state in which air passes through the front-surface vent 22a, a second connection state in which air is drawn through the other-surface vent 22b, and a third connection state in which air is drawn through the front-surface vent 22a and the other-surface vent 22b. Specifically, under the control of the control unit 32, the valve 36 can be switched to the first connection state in which the flow path connecting the other-surface vent 22b and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is blocked and the flow path connecting the front-surface vent 22a and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is connected. Under the control of the control unit 32, the valve 36 can be switched to the second connection state in which the flow path connecting the front-surface vent 22a and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is blocked and the flow path connecting the other-surface vent 22b and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is connected. Furthermore, by being controlled by the control unit 32, the valve 36 can be switched to a third connection state in which the flow path connecting the front surface ventilation opening 22a and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is connected, and the flow path connecting the other surface ventilation opening 22b and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is connected. In other words, by controlling the valve 36, the control unit 32 can switch between the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state.

[0086] The control unit 32 may be able to switch among the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state by controlling the valve 36 after a predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, when an in-vehicle sensor detects that a person is seated in the seat 10 and leaning against the seat back 13, the control unit 32 may be able to switch among the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state by controlling the valve 36. Furthermore, when a person operates an in-vehicle terminal, the control unit 32 may be able to control the valve 36 in accordance with the person's operation to switch among the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state. Furthermore, the valve 36 may be able to be switched among the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state by manual operation by a person.

[0087] Here, the functions of the ventilation channel selection switch device 2 and the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1b of this embodiment will be described.

[0088] The control unit 32 controls the drive unit 34, thereby allowing the ventilation-path switching unit to execute the selected first mode. In the first mode, the control unit 32 controls the valve 36 so that the valve 36 is in a first connected state. In the first mode, the first fan 31a causes air to flow from the first ventilation port 21 of the seat 10 into the first seat-ventilation path 121, and then the air is drawn from the first opening 41 through the first ventilation path 51a into the intake-ventilation path 53a. The air is guided by the intake-ventilation path 53a to the first fan 31a, and then guided by the first fan 31a to the discharge-ventilation path 54a. The air passes through the second ventilation path 52a and the second opening 42, and is then discharged from the front-side ventilation port 22a of the seat back 13 through the front-side ventilation path 122a (see FIG. 13(a)). Since the first ventilation port 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air sucked into the first ventilation port 21 at the person's upper body, and since the surface ventilation port 22a of the seat back 13 corresponds to the back of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blowing against the back of the person as air is discharged from the surface ventilation port 22a of the seat back 13.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 32 controls the drive unit 34, which allows the air passage switching unit to execute the selected second mode. Furthermore, the control unit 32 controls the valve 36, which switches the valve 36 to any one of the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state.

[0090] In the second mode, when the valve 36 is in the first connection state, the first fan 31a guides air drawn in through the surface ventilation port 22a to the second ventilation passage 52a, and the air guided to the second ventilation passage 52a can be discharged by the first fan 31a through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first ventilation port 21. Specifically, in the second mode, the first fan 31a flows air from the surface ventilation port 22a of the seat 10 into the surface-side ventilation passage 122a, passes through the second opening 42 and the second ventilation passage 52a, is guided to the intake ventilation passage 53a, reaches the first fan 31a, is guided by the first fan 31a to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, and is discharged through the first seat ventilation passage 121 from the first ventilation port 21 of the seat back 13. Since the surface ventilation port 22a corresponds to the back of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air sucked into the surface ventilation port 22a at the person's back, and since the first ventilation port 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blown by air discharged from the first ventilation port 21 at the person's upper body.

[0091] In the second mode, when the valve 36 is in the second connection state, the second fan 31b guides air drawn in through the other-side ventilation port 22b to the first fan 31a, and the first fan 31a can discharge the air through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first ventilation port 21. Specifically, in the second mode, the second fan 31b causes air to flow from the other-side ventilation port 22b of the seat 10 into the other-side ventilation passage 122b and reach the first fan 31a, and the first fan 31a guides the air to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, and is discharged through the first seat ventilation passage 121 from the first ventilation port 21 of the seat back 13. Because first air vent 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting in seat 10, the person can feel the wind blown at their upper body when air from inside the vehicle cabin is sucked in through other-side air vent 22b and discharged from first air vent 21. At this time, air flowing in from other-side ventilation passage 122b can be sucked in by both second fan 31b and first fan 31a, so the flow rate of air sucked into other-side ventilation passage 122b can be increased and discharged from first air vent 21 compared to the flow rate of air sucked in from front-side ventilation passage 122a when valve 36 is in the first connected state.

[0092] In the second mode, when the valve 36 is in the third connection state, air sucked in from the surface ventilation port 22a by the first blower 31a is guided to the first blower 31a via the second ventilation path 52a, while air sucked in from the other surface ventilation port 22b by the second blower 31b is guided to the first blower 31a and can be discharged from the first ventilation port 21 via the first ventilation path 51a by the first blower 31a. Specifically, in the second mode, the first fan 31a causes air to flow from the front-side ventilation opening 22a of the seat 10 into the front-side ventilation passage 122a, and then the air is guided from the second opening 42 through the second ventilation passage 52a to the intake ventilation passage 53a and reaches the first fan 31a, while the second fan 31b causes air to flow from the other-side ventilation opening 22b of the seat 10 into the other-side ventilation passage 122b and reaches the first fan 31a, and the air is guided by the first fan 31a to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, and can be discharged from the first ventilation opening 21 of the seat back 13 via the first seat ventilation passage 121 (see (b) of Figure 13). Since surface ventilation opening 22a corresponds to the back of a person sitting on seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air being sucked into surface ventilation opening 22a at the person's back. Furthermore, since first fan 31a and second fan 31b are driven, the person can feel the strong wind blowing against the air discharged from first ventilation opening 21, which corresponds to the upper body of the person sitting on seat 10.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1c may also have a plurality of second air vents 22 formed in the seat portion 11 of the seat 10. In this case, air can be drawn in and discharged through the plurality of second air vents 22 formed in the seat portion 11. Note that, when the components of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 in Figures 14 and 15 are the same components as the components of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 described in Figures 1A to 9 above, the same reference numerals as those described in Figures 1A to 9 above are used, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0094] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1c that can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat 10 and taking in air from the side of the seat 10. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the air-passage switching unit of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1c, which can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat 10 and taking in air from the side of the seat 10, is in the first mode and the second mode. FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing the air flow when the air-passage switching unit is operating in the first mode. FIG. 15(b) is a diagram showing the air flow when the air-passage switching unit is operating in the second mode. Note that FIG. 15 does not show the first connected state and the second connected state of the valve 36 when the air-passage switching unit is in the second mode.

[0095] The front-side ventilation passage 122a has a backrest ventilation passage 122a1 extending from a backrest ventilation port 22a1 formed in the seat back 13 to the ventilation path selection switching device 2, and a seat portion ventilation passage 122a2 extending from a seat surface ventilation port 22a2 formed in the surface of the seat portion 11 to the ventilation path selection switching device 2. That is, the backrest ventilation port 22a1 is connected to the first fan 31a via the backrest ventilation passage 122a1, the second opening 42, the second duct 52, the intake duct 53, and the valve 36 of the ventilation path selection switching device 2. The seat surface ventilation port 22a2 is connected to the first fan 31a via the seat portion ventilation passage 122a2, the second opening 42, the second duct 52, the intake duct 53, and the valve 36 of the ventilation path selection switching device 2.

[0096] The surface ventilation openings 22a include a backrest ventilation opening 22a1 and a seat ventilation opening 22a2. The backrest ventilation openings 22a1 and the seat ventilation openings 22a2 may be collectively referred to as the surface ventilation openings 22a.

[0097] Here, the functions of the ventilation channel selection switch device 2 and the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1c of this embodiment will be described.

[0098] In the first mode, the control unit 32 controls the valve 36 so that the valve 36 is in the first connected state. In the first mode, the first fan 31a causes air to flow from the first ventilation port 21 of the seat 10 into the first seat ventilation passage 121, and then the air is drawn from the first opening 41 through the first ventilation passage 51a into the intake ventilation passage 53a. The air is guided through the intake ventilation passage 53a to the first fan 31a, and then guided by the first fan 31a to the discharge ventilation passage 54a. The air passes through the second ventilation passage 52a and the second opening 42, and can be discharged from the backrest ventilation passage 22a1 through the backrest ventilation passage 122a1 and from the seat ventilation passage 122a2 through the seat ventilation passage 122a2. Since the first ventilation opening 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air being sucked into the first ventilation opening 21 at the person's upper body, and since the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 of the seat back 13 corresponds to the back of the person sitting on the seat 10 and the seat ventilation opening 22a2 of the seat portion 11 corresponds to the buttocks and thighs of the person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blowing from the surface ventilation opening 22a of the seat 10 at the person's back, buttocks and thighs.

[0099] In the second mode, when the valve 36 is in the first connection state, the first blower 31a guides the air drawn in from the backrest ventilation port 22a1 and the seat ventilation port 22a2 to the second ventilation passage 52a, and the air guided to the second ventilation passage 52a can be discharged by the first blower 31a from the first ventilation port 21 via the first ventilation passage 51a. Specifically, in the second mode, the first blower 31a causes air to flow from the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 of the seat 10 into the backrest ventilation passage 122a1, while air flows from the seat ventilation opening 22a2 into the seat ventilation passage 122a2, and the air is guided from the second opening 42 through the second ventilation passage 52a to the intake ventilation passage 53a and reaches the first blower 31a, where it is guided by the first blower 31a to the exhaust ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, and is exhausted from the first ventilation opening 21 of the seat back 13 through the first seat ventilation passage 121. The backrest ventilation opening 22a1 corresponds to the back of a person sitting on the seat 10, and the seat ventilation opening 22a2 corresponds to the buttocks and thighs of a person sitting on the seat 10, so that the person can feel the flow of air being sucked into the surface ventilation opening 22a at the person's back, buttocks and thighs, and the first ventilation opening 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on the seat 10, so that the person can feel the wind blowing on the upper body as air is discharged from the first ventilation opening 21.

[0100] In the second mode, when the valve 36 is in the second connection state, the second fan 31b guides air drawn in through the other-side ventilation port 22b to the other-side ventilation passage 122b, and the air guided to the other-side ventilation passage 122b can be discharged by the first fan 31a through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first ventilation port 21. Specifically, in the second mode, the second fan 31b causes air to flow from the other-side ventilation port 22b of the seat 10 into the other-side ventilation passage 122b and reach the first fan 31a, and the first fan 31a guides the air to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, and is discharged through the first seat ventilation passage 121 from the first ventilation port 21 of the seat back 13. Because first air vent 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting in seat 10, the person can feel the wind blown at their upper body when air from inside the vehicle cabin is sucked in through other-side air vent 22b and discharged from first air vent 21. At this time, air flowing in from other-side ventilation passage 122b can be sucked in by both second fan 31b and first fan 31a, so the flow rate of air sucked into other-side ventilation passage 122b can be increased and discharged from first air vent 21 compared to the flow rate of air sucked in from front-side ventilation passage 122a when valve 36 is in the first connected state.

[0101] In the second mode, when the valve 36 is in the third connection state, air sucked in from the surface ventilation port 22a by the first blower 31a is guided to the first blower 31a via the second ventilation path 52a, while air sucked in from the other surface ventilation port 22b by the second blower 31b is guided to the first blower 31a and can be discharged from the first ventilation port 21 via the first ventilation path 51a by the first blower 31a. Specifically, in the second mode, the first fan 31a causes air to flow from the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 of the seat 10 into the backrest ventilation passage 122a1, and from the seat ventilation opening 22a2 into the seat ventilation passage 122a2, and the air is guided from the second opening 42 through the second ventilation passage 52a to the intake ventilation passage 53a and reaches the first fan 31a, and the second fan 31b causes air to flow from the other side ventilation opening 22b of the seat 10 into the other side ventilation passage 122b and reaches the first fan 31a, and the air is guided by the first fan 31a to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, and can be discharged from the first ventilation opening 21 of the seat back 13 via the first seat ventilation passage 121 (see (b) of Figure 15). Since the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 corresponds to the back of a person sitting on the seat 10, and the seat ventilation opening 22a2 corresponds to the buttocks and thighs of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air being sucked into the surface ventilation opening 22a at the person's back, buttocks, and thighs. Furthermore, since the first fan 31a and the second fan 31b are driven, the person can feel the strong wind blowing against the air discharged from the first ventilation opening 21, which corresponds to the upper body of the person sitting on the seat 10.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16, the second air vents 22 of the vehicle seat air conditioner 1d may have surface air vents 22a formed on the surface of the seat back 13 and other surface air vents 22b on a surface other than the surface of the seat 10. Note that, when the components of the air-passage path selection switching device 2 in Fig. 16 are the same as the components of the air-passage path selection switching device 2 described in Figs. 1A to 9 above, the same reference numerals as those described in Figs. 1A to 9 above are used, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. For example, the fan 31 of the air-passage path selection switching device 2 in Fig. 16 is the same as the fan 31 in Figs. 1A to 9 above.

[0103] Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the air passage switching unit of the vehicle seat air conditioner 1d, which can take in air from the side of the seat 10 and discharge air from the surface of the seat back 13, is in the first mode and the second mode. Fig. 16(a) is a diagram showing the air flow when the air passage switching unit is operating in the first mode. Fig. 16(b) is a diagram showing the air flow when the air passage switching unit is operating in the second mode.

[0104] In this case, the second seat-ventilation passage 122 has a front-side ventilation passage 122a extending from the front-side ventilation port 22a formed in the seat back 13 to the ventilation path selection switching device 2, and an other-side ventilation passage 122b extending from the other-side ventilation port 22b formed on the surface other than the front surface of the seat 10 to the ventilation path selection switching device 2. In other words, the front-side ventilation passage 22a is connected to the fan 31 via the front-side ventilation passage 122a, the second opening 42 of the ventilation path selection switching device 2, the second duct 52, and the intake duct 53. The other-side ventilation port 22b is connected to the fan 31 via the other-side ventilation passage 122b.

[0105] The first sheet ventilation passage 121 and the second sheet ventilation passage 122 may be connected. That is, the first opening 41 of the ventilation passage selection switching device 2 may be connected to the first sheet ventilation passage 121 and the second sheet ventilation passage 122, and the second opening 42 of the ventilation passage selection switching device 2 may also be connected to the first sheet ventilation passage 121 and the second sheet ventilation passage 122. In this case, the first opening 41 is disposed closer to the first sheet ventilation passage 121 than the second sheet ventilation passage 122, and the second opening 42 is disposed closer to the second sheet ventilation passage 122 than the first sheet ventilation passage 121. Therefore, in the first mode, air drawn in through the first ventilation port 21 mainly passes through the first sheet ventilation passage 121, and air discharged from the second ventilation port 22 passes through the second sheet ventilation passage 122. In the second mode, air is mainly drawn in through the other-side ventilation port 22b, which has less intake resistance, so that air discharged from the first opening 41 passes through the first sheet ventilation passage 121 and is discharged from the first ventilation port 21, and also passes through the front-side ventilation passage 122a and is discharged from the front-side ventilation port 22a. Note that the diameter of the other-side ventilation port 22b is larger than that of the front-side ventilation port 22a, so the other-side ventilation port 22b has less intake resistance than the front-side ventilation port 22a.

[0106] Here, the functions of the ventilation channel selection switch device 2 and the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1d of this embodiment will be described.

[0107] In the first mode, air drawn in through the first ventilation port 21 by the fan 31 is guided to the first ventilation passage 51a and discharged from the surface ventilation port 22a via the surface-side ventilation passage 122a. Specifically, in the first mode, the fan 31 draws air from the first ventilation port 21 of the sheet 10 into the first sheet ventilation passage 121 (positioned near the first opening 41), and the air is drawn from the first opening 41 through the first ventilation passage 51a into the intake ventilation passage 53a. The air is guided by the intake ventilation passage 53a to the fan 31, and the fan 31 guides the air to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, where it passes through the second ventilation passage 52a and the second opening 42 and is discharged from the surface ventilation port 22a via the surface-side ventilation passage 122a positioned near the second opening 42.

[0108] The control unit 32 controls the drive unit 34, thereby allowing the ventilation path switching unit to execute the selected second mode. In the second mode, the air drawn in by the blower 31 through the other-side ventilation port 22b, which has less intake resistance, is guided to the other-side ventilation path 122b, and the air guided to the other-side ventilation path 122b is discharged by the blower 31 from the first ventilation port 21 via the first ventilation path 51a, and from the surface ventilation port 22a via the surface-side ventilation path 122a. Specifically, in the second mode, air flows from the other-side ventilation port 22b of the seat 10 into the other-side ventilation passage 122b by the fan 31, reaches the fan 31, and is then guided by the fan 31 to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, and is discharged from the first ventilation port 21 via the first seat ventilation passage 121, and can be discharged from the surface ventilation port 22a via the surface-side ventilation passage 122a. Because the first ventilation port 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blown against them by the air discharged from the first ventilation port 21. Furthermore, because the surface ventilation port 22a corresponds to the back of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blown against them by the air discharged from the surface ventilation port 22a at their back.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1e in Fig. 17 may be configured such that the fan 31 is composed of a first fan 31a and a second fan 31b, compared to the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1d in Fig. 16. When the components of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 in Fig. 17 are the same as the components of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 described in Figs. 1A to 9 above, the same reference numerals as those described in Figs. 1A to 9 above are used, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0110] Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the air passage switching unit of the vehicle seat air conditioner 1e, which can take in air from the side of the seat 10 and discharge air from the surface of the seat 10, is in the first mode and the second mode. Fig. 17(a) is a diagram showing the air flow when the air passage switching unit is operating in the first mode. Fig. 17(b) is a diagram showing the air flow when the air passage switching unit is operating in the second mode.

[0111] The first fan 31a is disposed on the rear surface (the surface on the negative X-axis side) of the seat back 13. The second fan 31b is disposed on the negative Z-axis side of the seat portion 11. The position of the second fan 31b is not particularly limited.

[0112] A plurality of second ventilation holes 22 may also be formed in the seat portion 11 of the seat 10. In this case, air can also be discharged from the plurality of second ventilation holes 22 formed in the seat portion 11.

[0113] The second ventilation opening 22 has a surface ventilation opening 22a formed on the surface of the seat 10 and an other-side ventilation opening 22b on a surface other than the surface of the seat 10. In this embodiment, the other-side ventilation opening 22b is located on the negative Z-axis side of the bottom portion 11 of the seat 10, and can draw in air from the surrounding vehicle interior.

[0114] The second seat-ventilation passage 122 has a front-side ventilation passage 122a extending from a front-side ventilation port 22a formed in the seat back 13 to the ventilation path selection switching device 2, and an other-side ventilation passage 122b extending from an other-side ventilation port 22b formed on the surface other than the front surface of the seat portion 11 to the seat back 13 and to the ventilation path selection switching device 2. In other words, the front-side ventilation passage 22a is connected to the first fan 31a via the front-side ventilation passage 122a, the second opening 42 of the ventilation path selection switching device 2, the second duct 52, and the intake duct 53. The other-side ventilation port 22b is connected to the first fan 31a included in the ventilation path selection switching device 2 via the other-side ventilation passage 122b.

[0115] The front-side ventilation passage 122a has a backrest ventilation passage 122a1 extending from a backrest ventilation port 22a1 formed in the seat back 13 to the ventilation path selection switching device 2, and a seat portion ventilation passage 122a2 extending from a seat surface ventilation port 22a2 formed in the surface of the seat portion 11 to the ventilation path selection switching device 2. That is, the backrest ventilation port 22a1 is connected to the first fan 31a via the backrest ventilation passage 122a1, the second opening 42, the second duct 52, and the intake duct 53 of the ventilation path selection switching device 2. Furthermore, the seat surface ventilation port 22a2 is connected to the first fan 31a via the seat portion ventilation passage 122a2, the second opening 42, the second duct 52, and the intake duct 53 of the ventilation path selection switching device 2.

[0116] The surface ventilation openings 22a include a backrest ventilation opening 22a1 and a seat ventilation opening 22a2. The backrest ventilation openings 22a1 and the seat ventilation openings 22a2 may be collectively referred to as the surface ventilation openings 22a.

[0117] Here, the functions of the ventilation channel selection switch device 2 and the vehicle seat air conditioner 1e of this embodiment will be described.

[0118] In the first mode, air drawn in from the first ventilation port 21 by the first fan 31a can be guided to the first ventilation passage 51a and discharged from the surface ventilation port 22a via the surface-side ventilation passage 122a. Specifically, in the first mode, the first blower 31a causes air to flow from the first ventilation opening 21 of the seat 10 into the first seat ventilation passage 121 (the first seat ventilation passage 121 located near the first opening 41), and the air is sucked from the first opening 41 through the first ventilation passage 51a into the intake ventilation passage 53a.The air is guided through the intake ventilation passage 53a to the first blower 31a, and the first blower 31a guides the air to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the second ventilation passage 52a and the second opening 42, and is discharged from the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 of the seat back 13 and the seat ventilation opening 22a2 of the seat portion 11 through the surface side ventilation passage 122a located near the second opening 42. At this time, because the second fan 31b is stopped, the second fan 31b itself acts as a resistance to the air flow in the other-side ventilation passage 122b, and almost no air is discharged from the other-side ventilation port 22b. Since the first ventilation port 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting in the seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air being sucked into the first ventilation port 21 at their upper body. Since the backrest ventilation port 22a1 of the seat back 13 corresponds to the back of the person sitting in the seat 10, and the seat surface ventilation port 22a2 of the seat portion 11 corresponds to the buttocks and thighs of the person sitting in the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blown by the air discharged from the surface ventilation port 22a of the seat 10 at their back, buttocks, and thighs.

[0119] In the second mode, the air sucked in from the other-side ventilation port 22b by the second blower 31b is guided to the other-side ventilation passage 122b, and the air guided to the other-side ventilation passage 122b is discharged from the first ventilation port 21 via the first ventilation passage 51a by the first blower 31a, while being discharged from the surface ventilation port 22a via the surface-side ventilation passage 122a. Specifically, in the second mode, the second blower 31b causes air to flow from the other-side ventilation port 22b of the seat 10 into the other-side ventilation passage 122b and reach the first blower 31a, and the first blower 31a guides the air to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, and is discharged through the first seat ventilation passage 121 from the first ventilation port 21 of the seat back 13, through the backrest ventilation passage 122a1 from the backrest ventilation port 22a1 of the seat back 13, and further through the seat ventilation passage 122a2 from the seat surface ventilation port 22a2. This is because a large amount of air is drawn in through other-side vent 22b by both second fan 31b and first fan 31a, and therefore discharge prevails over intake through first vent 21, backrest vent 22a1, and seat vent 22a2, which have smaller diameters. Because first vent 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on seat 10, the person can feel the wind blown by air discharged from first vent 21 against their upper body. Because backrest vent 22a1 corresponds to the back of a person sitting on seat 10 and seat vent 22a2 corresponds to the buttocks and thighs of a person sitting on seat 10, the person can feel the wind blown by air discharged from backrest vent 22a1 and seat vent 22a2 against their back, buttocks, and thighs.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1f in Fig. 18 may further include a valve 36 in comparison with the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1e in Fig. 17. Note that, when the components of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 in Fig. 18 are the same as the components of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 described in Figs. 1A to 9 above, the same reference numerals as those described in Figs. 1A to 9 above are used, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0121] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow when the air-flow path switching unit of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1f, which can switch between taking in air from the surface of the seat 10 or from the side of the seat 10 and can discharge air from the surface of the seatback 13, is in the first mode and the second mode. FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing the air flow when the air-flow path switching unit is operating in the first mode. FIG. 18(b) is a diagram showing the air flow when the air-flow path switching unit is operating in the second mode. Note that FIG. 18 omits the fifth connected state and the sixth connected state of the valve 36 when the air-flow path switching unit is in the second mode.

[0122] The valve 36 is disposed between the flow path from the seat surface vent 22a2 to the air-ventilation path selection switching device 2, and between the flow path from the other surface vent 22b to the air-ventilation path selection switching device 2. For example, the valve 36 may be provided separately from the air-ventilation path selection switching device 2. The valve 36 may also be provided in the air-ventilation path selection switching device 2. For example, the valve 36 may be provided in the second duct 52 disposed in the seat back 13, in the intake duct 53 disposed in the seat back 13, or between the intake duct 53 and the first fan 31a.

[0123] In this vehicle seat air conditioning device 1f, the second ventilation port 22 also has a backrest ventilation port 22a1 formed on the surface of the seat back 13, a seat surface ventilation port 22a2 formed on the surface of the seat portion 11, and another surface ventilation port 22b other than the surface of the seat 10.

[0124] The second ventilation passage 52a has a backrest ventilation passage 122a1 connected to the backrest ventilation opening 22a1, a seat ventilation passage 122a2 connected to the seat ventilation opening 22a2, and an other surface ventilation passage 122b connected to the other surface ventilation opening 22b.

[0125] The valve 36 is, for example, an electric valve controlled by the control unit 32. Under the control of the control unit 32, the valve 36 switches between a fourth connection state in which air is not drawn through the seat vent 22a2 and the other-side vent 22b but is drawn through the first vent 21, a fifth connection state in which air is drawn through the seat vent 22a2, a sixth connection state in which air is drawn through the other-side vent 22b, and a seventh connection state in which air is drawn through the seat vent 22a2 and the other-side vent 22b. Specifically, under the control of the control unit 32, the valve 36 can switch to the fourth connection state in which the flow path connecting the seat vent 22a2 and the air-passage selection switching device 2 is blocked and the flow path connecting the other-side vent 22b and the air-passage selection switching device 2 is blocked, and air flows from the first vent 21 to the air-passage selection switching device. Furthermore, under the control of the control unit 32, the valve 36 can be switched to a fifth connection state in which the flow path connecting the other-side ventilation opening 22b and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is blocked and the flow path connecting the seat ventilation opening 22a2 and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is connected. Under the control of the control unit 32, the valve 36 can be switched to a sixth connection state in which the flow path connecting the seat ventilation opening 22a2 and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is blocked and the flow path connecting the other-side ventilation opening 22b and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is connected. Under the control of the control unit 32, the valve 36 can be switched to a seventh connection state in which the flow path connecting the seat ventilation opening 22a2 and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is connected and the flow path connecting the other-side ventilation opening 22b and the ventilation path selection switching device 2 is connected. That is, the control unit 32 controls the valve 36 to switch between the fourth connection state, the fifth connection state, the sixth connection state, and the seventh connection state.

[0126] Here, the functions of the ventilation channel selection switch device 2 and the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1f of this embodiment will be described.

[0127] In the first mode, the control unit 32 controls the valve 36 so that the valve 36 is in the fourth connection state. In the first mode, the air drawn in from the first ventilation port 21 by the first blower 31a is guided to the first ventilation passage 51a and discharged from the backrest ventilation port 22a1 via the backrest ventilation passage 122a1. Specifically, in the first mode, the first blower 31a causes air to flow from the first ventilation opening 21 of the seat 10 into the first seat ventilation passage 121, and then the air is sucked from the first opening 41 through the first ventilation passage 51a into the intake ventilation passage 53a, the air is guided through the intake ventilation passage 53a to the first blower 31a, the air is guided by the first blower 31a to the exhaust ventilation passage 54a, passes through the second ventilation passage 52a and the second opening 42, and can be exhausted from the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 through the backrest ventilation passage 122a1. Since the first ventilation port 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air sucked into the first ventilation port 21 at the person's upper body, and since the surface ventilation port 22a of the seat back 13 corresponds to the back of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blowing against the back of the person as air is discharged from the surface ventilation port 22a of the seat back 13.

[0128] In the second mode, when the valve 36 is in the fifth connection state, the first blower 31a guides the air drawn in from the seat ventilation opening 22a2 to the seat ventilation passage 122a2, and the air guided to the seat ventilation passage 122a2 is discharged by the first blower 31a from the first ventilation opening 21 via the first ventilation passage 51a, while being discharged from the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 via the backrest ventilation passage 122a1. Specifically, in the second mode, the first fan 31a causes air to flow from the seat ventilation opening 22a2 into the seat ventilation passage 122a2 and reach the first fan 31a, and the air is then guided by the first fan 31a to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, passes through the first seat ventilation passage 121, and is discharged from the first ventilation opening 21 in the seat back 13, and passes through the backrest ventilation passage 122a1 to be discharged from the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 in the seat back 13. Note that, as is clear from FIG. 14, for example, the seat ventilation openings 22a2 can be arranged in greater numbers than the backrest ventilation openings 22a1. Therefore, the total area of ​​seat ventilation openings 22a2 (total opening area of ​​seat ventilation openings 22a2) is larger than the total area of ​​backrest ventilation openings 22a1, so that air is mainly drawn in through seat ventilation opening 22a2. On the other hand, backrest ventilation opening 22a1 is closer to first seat ventilation passage 121 than seat ventilation passage 122a2, so the amount of air that reaches backrest ventilation passage 122a1 from first seat ventilation passage 121 is dominant over the amount of air that tries to be drawn in through backrest ventilation opening 22a1. As a result, air is discharged from backrest ventilation opening 22a1. Since the seat ventilation opening 22a2 corresponds to the buttocks and thighs of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air being sucked into the seat ventilation opening 22a2 at the person's buttocks and thighs, and since the first ventilation opening 21 corresponds to the upper body of the person sitting on the seat 10 and the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 corresponds to the back of the person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blowing from the first ventilation opening 21 and the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 at the person's upper body and back.

[0129] In the second mode, when the valve 36 is in the sixth connection state, the air sucked in from the other-side ventilation port 22b by the second blower 31b is guided to the other-side ventilation passage 122b, and the air guided to the other-side ventilation passage 122b is discharged from the first ventilation port 21 via the first ventilation passage 51a by the first blower 31a, and can also be discharged from the backrest ventilation port 22a1 via the backrest ventilation passage 122a1. Specifically, in the second mode, the second blower 31b causes air to flow from the other-side ventilation port 22b into the other-side ventilation passage 122b and reach the first blower 31a, and the air is guided by the first blower 31a to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, passes through the first seat ventilation passage 121, and is discharged from the first ventilation port 21 of the seat back 13, and can be discharged from the backrest ventilation passage 22a1 of the seat back 13 via the backrest ventilation passage 122a1. Since the seat ventilation opening 22a2 corresponds to the buttocks and thighs of a person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air being sucked into the seat ventilation opening 22a2 at the person's buttocks and thighs, and since the first ventilation opening 21 corresponds to the upper body of the person sitting on the seat 10 and the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 corresponds to the back of the person sitting on the seat 10, the person can feel the wind blowing from the first ventilation opening 21 and the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 at the person's upper body and back.

[0130] In the second mode, when the valve 36 is in the seventh connection state, the first fan 31a guides air sucked in from the seat ventilation opening 22a2 to the seat ventilation passage 122a2, while the second fan 31b guides air sucked in from the other ventilation opening 22b to the other ventilation passage 122b, and the air guided to the seat ventilation passage 122a2 and the other ventilation passage 122b is discharged from the first ventilation opening 21 via the first ventilation passage 51a by the first fan 31a, while being discharged from the backrest ventilation opening 22a1 via the backrest ventilation passage 122a1 (see (b) of Figure 18). Specifically, in the second mode, the first blower 31a causes air to flow from the seat ventilation opening 22a2 into the seat ventilation passage 122a2 and reach the first blower 31a, and the second blower 31b causes air to flow from the other side ventilation opening 22b into the other side ventilation passage 122b and reach the first blower 31a, and the air is guided by the first blower 31a to the discharge ventilation passage 54a, passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the first opening 41, passes through the first seat ventilation passage 121, and is discharged from the first ventilation opening 21 of the seat back 13, and can be discharged from the backrest ventilation passage 22a1 of the seat back 13. Because seat ventilation opening 22a2 corresponds to the buttocks and thighs of a person sitting on seat 10, the person can feel the flow of air being sucked into seat ventilation opening 22a2 at the person's buttocks and thighs. Furthermore, because first ventilation opening 21 corresponds to the upper body of a person sitting on seat 10 and backrest ventilation opening 22a1 corresponds to the back of a person sitting on seat 10, when first fan 31a and second fan 31b are driven, the person can feel the strong wind blowing from air discharged from first ventilation opening 21 and backrest ventilation opening 22a1 at the person's upper body and back.

[0131] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the ventilation channel selecting and switching device 2 in this embodiment will be described.

[0132] As described above, the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 of the first technique according to the present embodiment is an ventilation channel selection switching device 2 provided in the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 1 used in the seat 10 arranged in a vehicle, and includes the intake ventilation channel 53a to which air drawn by the blower 31 is guided, the discharge ventilation channel 54a for discharging the air drawn by the blower 31 and guided through the intake ventilation channel 53a, the first ventilation channel 51a connected to the intake ventilation channel 53a and the discharge ventilation channel 54a, and a ventilation channel different from the first ventilation channel 51a and connected to the intake ventilation channel 53a and the discharge ventilation channel 54a. The air conditioner is provided with a second ventilation passage 52a and an ventilation passage switching unit, which has a first mode in which air sucked from the first ventilation passage 51a by the blower 31 is guided to the intake ventilation passage 53a and air guided to the discharge ventilation passage 54a by the blower 31 is guided to the second ventilation passage 52a, and a second mode in which air sucked from the second ventilation passage 52a by the blower 31 is guided to the intake ventilation passage 53a and air guided to the discharge ventilation passage 54a by the blower 31 is guided to the first ventilation passage 51a, and when a mode is selected between the first mode and the second mode, the ventilation passage switching unit switches to the selected mode.

[0133] According to this, air always passes through the first ventilation passage 51a and the second ventilation passage 52a in both the first mode and the second mode. Similarly, air always passes through the intake ventilation passage 53a and the discharge ventilation passage 54a in both the first mode and the second mode. Regardless of which mode is being used, the ventilation passage selection switching device 2 always uses all of the ventilation passages, resulting in high ventilation passage utilization efficiency. In comparison with conventional seat air conditioning systems, which have unused ventilation passages and an increased number of ventilation passages regardless of which mode is being used, the present embodiment has fewer unused ventilation passages.

[0134] Therefore, according to this ventilation path selecting and switching device 2, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming large.

[0135] In particular, compared to the conventional case where a duct is provided at each of the four openings, in this embodiment, only the first ventilation passage 51a and the second ventilation passage 52a take in and expel air, making it easier to install on the vehicle seat 10.

[0136] Moreover, the air-passage path selecting and switching device 2 of technique 2 according to this embodiment is the air-passage path selecting and switching device 2 of technique 1. In this case, the air-passage path switching unit has a first movable plate 61 and a second movable plate 62, the first movable plate 61 being arranged to block and open the flow path connecting the discharge-air-passage path 54a and the first air-passage path 51a, and the second movable plate 62 being arranged to block and open the flow path connecting the intake-air-passage path 53a and the second air-passage path 52a.

[0137] According to this, the flow path can be switched using the first movable plate 61 and the second movable plate 62, so that regardless of which mode is executed, all of the ventilation paths can always be used in the ventilation path selection switching device 2. Since an increase in the ventilation paths can be suppressed, an increase in the size of the ventilation path selection switching device 2 according to this embodiment can be suppressed.

[0138] Moreover, the first mode and the second mode can be switched with a simple structure using the first movable plate 61 and the second movable plate 62. Therefore, the ventilation path selecting and switching device 2 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0139] Furthermore, the air-passage path selection switching device 2 of technique 3 according to this embodiment is the air-passage path selection switching device 2 of technique 2. In this case, in the first mode, second movable plate 62 blocks the flow path from second air-passage path 52a to intake air-passage path 53a while opening the flow path from first air-passage path 51a to intake air-passage path 53a, and first movable plate 61 blocks the flow path from discharge air-passage path 54a to first air-passage path 51a while opening the flow path from discharge air-passage path 54a to second air-passage path 52a.

[0140] According to this, the first mode can be executed with a simple structure using the first movable plate 61 and the second movable plate 62. Therefore, the ventilation path selecting and switching device 2 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0141] Furthermore, the air-passage path selection switching device 2 of Technology 4 according to this embodiment is the air-passage path selection switching device 2 described in Technology 2 or 3. In this case, in the second mode, the second movable plate 62 blocks the flow path from the first air-passage path 51a to the intake air-passage path 53a while opening the flow path from the second air-passage path 52a to the intake air-passage path 53a, and the first movable plate 61 blocks the flow path from the discharge air-passage path 54a to the second air-passage path 52a while opening the flow path from the discharge air-passage path 54a to the first air-passage path 51a.

[0142] According to this, the second mode can be executed with a simple structure using the first movable plate 61 and the second movable plate 62. Therefore, the ventilation path selecting and switching device 2 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0143] The air-flow channel selecting and switching device 2 of Technique 5 according to the present embodiment is the air-flow channel selecting and switching device 2 described in any one of Techniques 2 to 4. In this case, the air-flow channel selecting and switching device 2 further includes a drive mechanism having a first gear 61c that rotates the first movable plate 61, a second gear 62c that meshes with the first gear 61c to rotate the second movable plate 62, and a drive unit 34 that rotates the first gear 61c and the second gear 62c in conjunction with each other.

[0144] According to this, the first movable plate 61 and the second movable plate 62 rotate in conjunction with each other, so that switching between the first mode and the second mode can be easily performed.

[0145] Furthermore, since there is no need to separately provide a motor for driving the first movable plate 61 and a motor for driving the second movable plate 62, the size of the airflow path selecting and switching device 2 can be prevented from increasing.

[0146] Furthermore, the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 of Technical Example 6 according to the present embodiment is the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 described in Technical Example 5. In this case, the first gear 61c and the second gear 62c are arranged in the gap S between the intake ventilation channel 53a and the discharge ventilation channel 54a, and the intake ventilation channel 53a bulges outward from the intake ventilation channel 53a to approach the discharge ventilation channel 54a on the outer circumferential side of the first gear 61c or the second gear 62c to fill the gap S, or the discharge ventilation channel 54a bulges outward from the discharge ventilation channel 54a to approach the intake ventilation channel 53a to fill the gap S.

[0147] This makes it possible to reduce the gap S between the intake ventilation passage 53a and the discharge ventilation passage 54a, thereby preventing dust and other objects from entering the gap S from behind the seat 10. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reliability of the ventilation passage selection switching device 2.

[0148] Furthermore, the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 of Technique 7 according to the present embodiment is the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 described in any one of Techniques 1 to 6. In this case, the sheet 10 is formed with a first opening 41 connected to the first ventilation channel 51a and a second opening 42 connected to the second ventilation channel 52a, and the second opening 42 is disposed vertically below the first opening 41.

[0149] This allows, for example, the first opening 41 to be located near the upper body of a person sitting in the seat 10, and the second opening 42 to be located near the back of the person sitting in the seat 10. This allows air to flow around the upper body and back of the person, thereby cooling the person's body.

[0150] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first opening 41 is positioned to correspond to a person's upper body, and the second opening 42 is positioned to correspond to the person's back. Therefore, for example, if a duct is connected to the first opening 41 and the second opening 42, the duct flow path leading to the person's upper body and back becomes longer, which makes it less likely that the ventilation path selection switching device 2 will become larger.

[0151] Furthermore, the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 of Technology 8 according to the present embodiment is the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 described in Technology 7. In this case, the seat 10 has a seat back 13 against which a person seated in the seat 10 leans, and the first opening 41 is located at an upper part of the seat back 13.

[0152] This allows, for example, the first opening 41 to be located at a position corresponding to the upper body of a person sitting in the seat 10, and the second opening 42 to be located near the back of the person sitting in the seat 10. This allows airflow to be created around the upper body and back of the person, thereby cooling the person's body.

[0153] Furthermore, the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 of Technology 9 according to this embodiment is the ventilation channel selection switching device 2 described in Technology 7. In this case, the seat 10 has a seat back 13 against which a person sitting in the seat 10 leans and a seat portion 11 on which the person sits in the seat 10, and the first opening 41 is located at the top of the seat back 13, and the second opening 42 is located in the seat back 13 and the seat portion 11. Note that in the embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the second opening 42 reaches the seat portion 11 via a second seat ventilation channel 122, but even in such a configuration, the second opening 42 is defined as being located in the seat portion 11.

[0154] This allows, for example, the first opening 41 to be located in a position corresponding to the upper body of a person sitting on the seat 10, and the second opening 42 to be located in a position corresponding to the back, buttocks, and thighs of the person sitting on the seat 10. This allows air to flow around the upper body, back, buttocks, and thighs of the person, thereby cooling the person's body.

[0155] Furthermore, the vehicle seat air conditioning devices 1 to 1f of Technology 10 relating to this embodiment include a ventilation path selection switching device 2 described in any one of Technologies 1 to 9, a blower 31, a control unit 32 that controls the driving of the blower 31 and also controls the driving of the ventilation path switching unit, and a seat 10 equipped with the ventilation path selection switching device 2 and the blower 31.

[0156] The vehicle seat air-conditioning devices 1 to 1f also provide the same effects as those described above.

[0157] (Other variations, etc.) While the ventilation channel selection switching device and the vehicle seat air conditioning device according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0158] The ventilation channel switching device and the control unit included in the vehicle seat air conditioner according to the above-described embodiments are typically realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These may be implemented individually on a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated on a single chip.

[0159] Furthermore, the integration is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable processors, which allow the connections and settings of circuit cells within LSIs to be reconfigured, may also be used.

[0160] In the above-described embodiments, the control unit may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0161] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0162] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0163] The present disclosure can be used for, for example, vehicle seats, vehicle sofas, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f Vehicle seat air conditioning device 2 Ventilation path selection switch 10 sheets 11 Seat 13 Seat back 31 Blower 31a 1st blower (blower) 31b 2nd blower (blower) 32 Control section 34 Drive unit 41 First Opening 42 Second opening 51a 1st ventilation passage 52a 2nd ventilation passage 53a Intake ventilation duct 54a Discharge ventilation passage 61 1st movable plate 61c 1st gear 62 2nd movable plate 62c 2nd gear S Gap

Claims

1. A ventilation channel selection switching device provided in a vehicle seat air conditioning device used in a seat disposed in a vehicle, an intake ventilation path through which air drawn in by the blower is guided; a discharge ventilation passage for discharging the air drawn by the blower and guided through the intake ventilation passage; a first ventilation passage connected to the intake ventilation passage and the discharge ventilation passage; a second ventilation passage that is different from the first ventilation passage and is connected to the intake ventilation passage and the discharge ventilation passage; A ventilation path switching unit is provided, The ventilation path switching unit is a first mode in which the air drawn in from the first ventilation passage by the blower is guided to the intake ventilation passage, and the air guided to the discharge ventilation passage by the blower is guided to the second ventilation passage; a second mode in which the air drawn in from the second ventilation passage by the blower is guided to the intake ventilation passage, and the air guided to the discharge ventilation passage by the blower is guided to the first ventilation passage, When a mode is selected between the first mode and the second mode, switching to the selected mode. Ventilation path selection switch device.

2. the air passage switching unit has a first movable plate and a second movable plate, the first movable plate is disposed to block and open a flow path connecting the discharge ventilation path and the first ventilation path, the second movable plate is disposed so as to block and open a flow path connecting the intake ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage. The ventilation path selection and switching device according to claim 1.

3. In the first mode, the second movable plate blocks a flow path from the second ventilation passage to the intake ventilation passage while opening a flow path from the first ventilation passage to the intake ventilation passage, and the first movable plate blocks a flow path from the discharge ventilation passage to the first ventilation passage while opening a flow path from the discharge ventilation passage to the second ventilation passage. The ventilation path selection and switching device according to claim 2.

4. In the second mode, the second movable plate blocks a flow path from the first ventilation passage to the intake ventilation passage while opening a flow path from the second ventilation passage to the intake ventilation passage, and the first movable plate blocks a flow path from the discharge ventilation passage to the second ventilation passage while opening a flow path from the discharge ventilation passage to the first ventilation passage. The ventilation path selection and switching device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. a drive mechanism including a first gear that rotates the first movable plate, a second gear that meshes with the first gear and rotates the second movable plate, and a drive unit that rotates the first gear and the second gear in conjunction with each other; The ventilation path selection and switching device according to claim 2 or 3.

6. the first gear and the second gear are disposed in a gap between the intake ventilation passage and the discharge ventilation passage, On the outer peripheral side of the first gear or the second gear, the intake ventilation passage approaches the discharge ventilation passage from the intake ventilation passage and bulges out so as to fill the gap, or the discharge ventilation passage approaches the intake ventilation passage from the discharge ventilation passage and bulges out so as to fill the gap. The ventilation path selection and switching device according to claim 5.

7. The sheet is formed with a first opening connected to the first ventilation passage and a second opening connected to the second ventilation passage, The second opening is disposed vertically below the first opening. The ventilation path selection and switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The seat has a seat back on which a person sitting in the seat leans, The first opening is disposed in an upper portion of the seat back. The ventilation path selection and switching device according to claim 7.

9. The seat has a seat back on which a person sitting in the seat leans and a seat portion on which the person sits in the seat, the first opening is disposed in an upper portion of the seat back; The second opening is disposed in the seat back and the seat portion. The ventilation path selection and switching device according to claim 7.

10. The ventilation path selection switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A blower and a control unit that controls the driving of the blower and the driving of the ventilation channel switching unit; A seat equipped with the ventilation path selection switching device and the blower, Vehicle seat air conditioning system.

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