Method for controlling heater of vehicle seat

Abstract

To more reliably achieve both heating capability and reduced power consumption.SOLUTION: In a method for controlling a heater of a vehicle seat, a heating period by a heater is divided into a first time period including a heating start time and a second time period after the first time period, a lower first heater region 11 is controlled so as to be continuously maintained in a heating state during both the first time period and the second time period, a lower second heater region 12 is controlled so as to be in a heating state during the first time period and to be set to a low-heating state at a temperature lower than the heating state or to a non-heating state during the second time period, a lower top plate main portion 40 extending in a front-rear direction at a center in a seat width direction is provided, the lower first heater region 11 is provided at a rear portion 40A of the lower top plate main portion 40 that supports a buttocks portion of an occupant, and the lower second heater region 12 is provided at a front portion 40B of the lower top plate main portion 40 relative to the lower first heater region 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater control method for a vehicle seat having multiple heater zones. [Background technology]

[0002] This type of vehicle seat includes a seat cushion that serves as a seat portion and a seat back that serves as a backrest. By providing heaters (heat generating elements) on the seating surfaces of the seat cushion and the seat back, respectively, it becomes possible to heat the seated occupant. However, in the field of vehicle seats described above, there is a demand for heater control that contributes to power saving while ensuring the ability to heat the occupant. As examples of this type of technology, Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe a technology in which the seating surface is divided into multiple sections, and from the viewpoint of further power saving, the sections to be heated and the temperature are changed over time.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, the seating surface of the seat cushion is divided into two equal parts, a front part and a rear part. Three heating elements are arranged in the rear part of the seat cushion in a line in the seat width direction, with heating elements located on the right, center, and left sides, respectively. Similarly, three heating elements are arranged in the front part of the seat cushion in a line in the seat width direction, with heating elements located on the right, center, and left sides, respectively.

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, during the initial heating period, only the heating element in the center of the rear of the seat cushion is energized, and only the heating elements on the left and right sides of the front of the seat cushion are energized (first energization pattern). During the following period, only the heating elements on the left and right sides of the rear of the seat cushion are energized, and only the heating element in the center of the front of the seat cushion is energized (second energization pattern). In this way, with the technology described above, the first energization pattern and the second energization pattern are repeated to heat specific areas for a predetermined period of time, thereby reducing the power consumption of the seat. Note that with the technology described above, it is also possible to energize all heating elements during the initial heating period, and then heat using the first energization pattern. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-269480 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5708189 specification [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5625973 specification Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 described above suffers from the problem of not being able to continuously heat the occupant's targeted area when the first and second current patterns are alternated from the viewpoint of power saving. Furthermore, even if only the center of the seat is heated, the heat from the center propagates to the left and right, making it difficult to heat the occupant's targeted area (buttocks or lower back) at an appropriate temperature. Furthermore, if only a specific heating element is energized during the initial heating period, the temperature rise of the entire seating surface becomes gradual. As a result, some occupants may feel that the temperature is low and lukewarm, and it may take time for them to perceive sufficient heating. Furthermore, the technologies of Patent Documents 2 and 3 also suffer from the problem of not being able to continuously heat the occupant's targeted area at an appropriate temperature because the heated area and temperature change over time, and the control tends to become complicated. For this reason, there has been a demand in this technical field for a more reliable combination of heating and power saving. The present invention has been devised in view of the above points, and the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to more reliably achieve both heating properties and power saving properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a means for solving the above problem, a heater control method for a vehicle seat according to a first aspect of the present invention provides a seating surface of the seat with a heater controlled by a controller, with a first heater region and a second heater region separated from each other. This type of configuration is desirable for achieving both heating capability and power saving more reliably. Therefore, the heating period by the heater of the present invention is divided into a first time period including the start of heating and a second time period following the first time period. The first heater region is controlled to be continuously heated during the first and second time periods, while the second heater region is heated during the first time period and controlled to be in a low-heated state or non-heated state, which is lower than the heated state, during the second time period. Furthermore, in the present invention, the first heater region and the second heater region are provided in at least one of the following positions (1) and (2). That is, (1) a lower top plate main part extending in the front-to-rear direction at the center of the seat width direction is provided as the seating surface of the seat cushion, which serves as the sitting portion, and a first heater area is provided behind the lower top plate main part that supports the occupant's buttocks, and a second heater area is provided forward of the first heater area of ​​the lower top plate main part, or (2) an upper top plate main part extending in the up-down direction at the center of the seat width direction is provided as the seating surface of the seat back, which serves as the backrest, and a first heater area is provided below the upper top plate main part that supports the occupant's lower back, and a second heater area is provided above the first heater area of ​​the upper top plate main part.

[0008] In the above-described configuration, both the first heater area and the second heater area are controlled to be in a heated state during the first time period. This allows the temperature of the seating surface to rise quickly, contributing to ensuring temperature rise. Furthermore, the first heater area is controlled to be in a heated state during the second time period. The first heater area is provided at the rear of the seat cushion or the lower part of the seat back. This allows the first heater area to continuously heat the targeted area of ​​the occupant (the buttocks or lower back) to the most appropriate temperature possible. Furthermore, during the second time period, the second heater area is controlled to be in a low-heating state or a non-heating state, contributing to ensuring power savings.

[0009] A vehicle seat according to a second aspect of the present invention is the vehicle seat according to the first aspect of the present invention, except that a third heater area equipped with a heater controlled by a controller is provided at a position on the seating surface separate from the first and second heater areas. The third heater area is heated during a first time period and controlled to be in a low-heating or non-heating state during a second time period, either synchronized with or independent of the second heater area. In this invention, the first, second, and third heater areas function to heat the occupant over a wider area. Synchronizing the second and third heater areas facilitates control, while independently controlling the two heater areas enables precise heating of the occupant.

[0010] The vehicle seat of the third invention is the vehicle seat of the second invention, in which the first heater area, the second heater area, and the third heater area are provided in at least one of the following positions (1) and (2): (1) the first heater area is provided at the rear of the lower top plate main part, the second heater area is provided in front of the lower top plate main part relative to the first heater area, and the third heater area is provided on the side of the lower top plate main part in the seat width direction; or (2) the first heater area is provided at the bottom of the upper top plate main part, the second heater area is provided above the upper top plate main part relative to the first heater area, and the third heater area is provided on the side of the upper top plate main part in the seat width direction. In this invention, the third heater area heats the top plate side part of the seat cushion or seat back, thereby making it possible to warm the occupant from the side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more reliably achieve both heating and power saving. According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately achieve both heating and power saving. And according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately ensure heating. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle seat. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective side view of a vehicle seat; [Figure 3] 10 is a graph showing temperature changes over time in a heater region. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle seat showing a heater region in a heated state; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mannequin for a human thermal model. [Figure 6] 10 is a graph showing temperature changes over time on the seating surface. [Figure 7] 10 is a graph showing the change in cumulative heat balance over time output from a human body thermal model. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle seat showing the location of a third heater region. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. Arrows indicating the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions (seat width direction) of a vehicle seat are appropriately shown in each figure. In Fig. 1, dots are only added to the rear of the seat cushion and the lower part of the seat back to make it easier to distinguish between the heater areas. For the same reason, in Fig. 8, dots are only added to the seat cushion and the side portions of the top plate of the seat back. In Fig. 4, heater areas in a heated state are shown with dots.

[0014] [Vehicle seat overview] First, an overview of a vehicle seat 2 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In this vehicle seat 2, the lower part of a seat back 6 is connected to the rear part of a seat cushion 4 via a recliner (not shown). The seat cushion 4 is a member that serves as a seating portion and is formed into a rectangular shape that is long from front to back in a top view. The seat back 6 is a member that serves as a back rest for the occupant and is formed into a rectangular shape that is long from top to bottom in a front view. In the seat cushion 4, a cushion cover 4S that forms the outer surface of the seat covers lower internal members 5, such as a metal cushion frame 4F that forms the seat skeleton and a foam resin cushion pad 4P that elastically supports the occupant. Similarly, in the seat back 6, a back cover 6S covers upper internal members 7, such as a back frame 6F and a back pad 6P.

[0015] 1, a lower top plate main portion 40 on which an occupant can sit is formed in the center of the seat width direction on the upper surface of the seat cushion 4, extending in the seat front-rear direction. The seat cushion 4 has the seat width direction side portions (right and left) of the lower top plate main portion 40 raised upward toward the seating side. The inner portions of the raised portions toward the seating side form lower top plate side portions 41 of the seat cushion 4 extending in the seat front-rear direction (in FIG. 1, the symbol corresponding to the right lower top plate side portion is given, and the symbol corresponding to the left lower top plate side portion is given in parentheses). In the above-described configuration, the lower top plate main portion 40 and the left and right lower top plate side portions 41 form the seating surface of the seat cushion 4.

[0016] 1, an upper top main portion 60 on which an occupant can sit is formed in the center of the seat width direction on the front of the seat back 6, extending in the vertical direction of the seat. The seat back 6 has its side portions (right and left) in the width direction of the upper top main portion 60 raised toward the front side, which is the seating side. The inner portions of the raised portions toward the seating side form upper top side portions 61 of the seat back 6, extending in the vertical direction of the seat (in FIG. 1, the symbol corresponding to the right upper top side portion is given, and the symbol corresponding to the left upper top side portion is given in parentheses). In the above-described configuration, the upper top main portion 60 and the left and right upper top side portions 61 form the seating surface of the seat back 6.

[0017] [Method for controlling heater in vehicle seat] 1, a plurality of heater regions can be provided on at least one of the seat cushion 4 and the seat back 6. That is, a plurality of heater regions (such as a lower first heater region 11 and a lower second heater region 12, which will be described later) can be provided on the seating surface of the seat cushion 4 in a divided state. Similarly, a plurality of heater regions (such as an upper first heater region 21 and an upper second heater region 22, which will be described later) can be provided on the seating surface of the seat back 6 in a divided state.

[0018] Referring also to FIG. 2, each of the heater regions described above is equipped with a heater 8 controlled by the control unit 100 (for convenience, in FIG. 2, some heaters are designated by their corresponding reference numerals, and other heaters are designated by their corresponding reference numerals in parentheses). The heater 8 is a mat-like or planar member equipped with a heat generating element, and can be disposed, for example, between the cushion cover and the cushion pad (between the back cover and the back pad). The control unit 100 controls the heaters 8 to energize, thereby placing each heater region in a heated state. At this time, by controlling the amount of power supplied to the heaters 8, each heater region can be placed in a low-heated state, which is lower than the heated state. The control unit 100 controls the heaters 8 to stop energizing, thereby placing each heater region in a non-heated state.

[0019] In the above-described configuration, it is desirable to achieve both heating capability and power saving by appropriately controlling each heater area of ​​the vehicle seat 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the configuration and control described below are used to more reliably achieve both seat heating capability and power saving. Below, the heater control method for the vehicle seat 2 will be described in the order of the heater configuration and control method for the seat cushion 4, and the heater configuration and control method for the seat back 6.

[0020] [Seat cushion heater configuration] The lower top plate main portion 40 of the seat cushion 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is divided into a rear portion 40A and a front portion 40B. The rear portion 40A of the lower top plate main portion 40 is a portion that supports the occupant's buttocks 71 (see the dotted portion in FIG. 1). The front portion 40B of the lower top plate main portion 40 is positioned forward of the rear portion 40A, thereby supporting the occupant's thighs 72 and other parts. Referring to FIG. 2, the occupant's buttocks 71 are a region that is desirable to be continuously heated because they have a relatively high fat content and are less sensitive to heat. On the other hand, the occupant's thighs 72 are a region that is more sensitive to temperature than the buttocks due to the concentration of sensory nerves, etc., and have a smaller heat capacity due to the smaller amount of subcutaneous fat. Therefore, the occupant's thighs 72 require less continuous heating than the occupant's buttocks 71 and are more sensitive to temperature and its changes.

[0021] [First heater area, second heater area] 1 and 2, the seat cushion 4 has heater regions divided into sections on its seating surface as follows, taking into consideration the thermal sensation characteristics of the occupant 70. That is, the seat cushion 4 has a lower first heater region 11 in the rear portion 40A of its lower top plate main portion 40, and is configured so that the occupant's buttocks 71 can be heated by this lower first heater region 11 (see the dotted portion in FIG. 1). The area where the lower first heater region 11 is formed can be set to center on the area in the rear portion 40A of the seat cushion 4 that supports the occupant's buttocks 71 where the greatest seating pressure is applied. For example, in this embodiment, the lower first heater region 11 is provided over substantially the entire rear portion 40A of the lower top plate main portion 40 to more reliably cover the occupant's buttocks 71. The seat cushion 4 is also configured to have a lower second heater area 12 in the front portion 40B of the lower top plate main portion 40, and to be able to heat the occupant's thighs 72 by this lower second heater area 12. For example, in this embodiment, the lower second heater area 12 is provided over substantially the entire front portion 40B of the lower top plate main portion 40 to more reliably cover the occupant's thighs 72. The seat cushion 4 is also configured so that each heater area can be individually controlled by the control unit 100, i.e., the heater control can be divided into at least two systems for control, as will be described later.

[0022] [Power density] 1 and 2, in the seat cushion 4, the power density of the heaters 8 in the lower first heater region 11 and the lower second heater region 12 can be set in consideration of heating performance, etc. (The power density of the third heater region will be described later). This power density refers to the power load per unit area in the heat generating portion of the heater 8, and a heater 8 with a predetermined power density can be arranged in each heater region. Therefore, in the seat cushion 4, the power density of the heater 8 arranged in the lower first heater region 11 can be set to 200 W / m 2 ~600W / m 2 in the range of 250W / m 2 ~450W / m 2This makes it easier to ensure the temperature rise of the lower first heater area 11 and results in a configuration suitable for continuous heating at an appropriate temperature, as described below. Furthermore, by setting the power density of the heater 8 arranged in the lower second heater area 12 to the same range as that of the lower first heater area 11, it becomes easier to ensure the temperature rise of the lower second heater area 12 and results in a configuration that contributes to ensuring power saving of the seat. Note that if the power density in each heater area deviates from the above range, there is a risk that the desired heating performance target for the seat cushion 4 will be exceeded or fallen short.

[0023] The vehicle seat 2 shown in Fig. 2 is provided with temperature sensors 9 at predetermined positions (for convenience, only two temperature sensors are shown in Fig. 2, and the reference number corresponding to one of the temperature sensors is given, while the reference number corresponding to the other temperature sensor is given in parentheses). For example, the seat cushion 4 is provided with one or more temperature sensors 9 at the rear portion 40A and the front portion 40B of the lower top plate main portion 40, and at the lower top plate side portion 41. When at least one of the heater regions is in a heated state, temperature information at each position on the seating surface is input to the control unit 100.

[0024] [Seat cushion heater control] The seat cushion 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can heat each of the heater zones for a predetermined period of time. In this heater control of the seat cushion 4, as shown in FIG. 3, the heating period in each heater zone is first divided into a first time period 31 and a second time period 32 following the first time period 31 based on the seating surface temperature. The first time period 31 includes the start-up period immediately after the heater is energized, during which the seating surface temperature rises over time. The second time period 32 is a time period during which the seating surface temperature is higher than that in the first time period 31 and exhibits relatively little temperature change (such as temperature fluctuation). During the second time period 32, the seating surface temperature gradually approaches a preset temperature (see the first temperature change curve C1 in FIG. 3). Multiple preset temperatures can also be set. For example, if the set temperature (see the first temperature change curve C1 in FIG. 3) is set as the highest temperature setting, a lower second temperature setting (see the second temperature change curve C2 in FIG. 3) or the lowest third temperature setting (see the third temperature change curve C3 in FIG. 3) can be set, allowing the occupant to select one set temperature from multiple set temperatures.

[0025] 3, the timing (transition temperature T1) of the transition from first time zone 31 to second time zone 32 is not particularly limited. For example, the transition temperature T1 can be set based on the temperature fluctuation range of each seating surface. In this case, the transition from first time zone 31 to second time zone 32 can be made when the temperature fluctuation range of the seating surface becomes ±1°C, i.e., when a steady state is reached (these values ​​do not limit the present invention).

[0026] [Heater control during the first time period] 3 and 4, the heater control of the seat cushion 4 controls both the lower first heater region 11 and the lower second heater region 12 to be in a heated state during the first time period 31 (heated heater regions are indicated by dots in FIG. 4). In this case, the temperatures of both the lower first heater region 11 and the lower second heater region 12 increase over time as shown by the first temperature change curve C1 in FIG. 3. By heating both the lower first heater region 11 and the lower second heater region 12 during the first time period 31, the entire lower top plate main portion 40 is heated, which contributes to ensuring temperature rise. Also, referring to FIG. 2, the lower first heater region 11 and the lower second heater region 12 warm both the occupant's buttocks 71 and occupant's thighs 72, allowing the occupant 70 seated in the seat to quickly sense the warmth.

[0027] [Heater control during the second time period] 1 to 3, during the second time period 32, the control unit 100 controls the lower first heater region 11 to be in a heated state (see the first heater region marked with dots in FIG. 1). This allows a thermal stimulus (warm sensation) to be continuously applied to the occupant's buttocks 71 supported by the lower top panel main portion 40, thereby contributing to ensuring heating performance. The lower first heater region 11 is controlled to a predetermined set temperature, thereby allowing the occupant's buttocks 71 to be continuously heated at the most appropriate temperature possible (see the first temperature change curve C1 in FIG. 3).

[0028] 1 to 3, during the second time period 32, the lower second heater region 12 is controlled to be in a non-heated state when a predetermined temperature (threshold value T2, described later) is reached during that time period. By placing the lower second heater region 12 in a non-heated state in this manner, the amount of power supplied to the heater 8 in that heater region is reduced, thereby contributing to energy savings (comfort will be described later). Furthermore, since the heater 8 in the lower second heater region 12 is not energized, the temperature gradually decreases over time (see the fifth temperature change curve C5 in FIG. 3). The upper second heater region 22 can also be in a low-heated state during the second time period 32.

[0029] 2 and 3, the above-described control is performed in the second time zone 32 to ensure power saving and comfort for the occupant 70. Specifically, as described above, the occupant's thighs 72, which are heated by the lower second heater area 12, do not require continuous heating and are sensitive to temperature and its changes. Therefore, by appropriately controlling the lower second heater area 12 to prevent excessive thermal stimulation from being applied to the occupant's thighs 72, the occupant 70 is less likely to feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, it is generally known that the magnitude of a human thermal sensation is affected by the combination of the magnitudes of thermal stimulation and physical stimulation. The occupant's thighs 72 receive both physical stimulation due to the seating reaction force from the seat cushion 4 (such as a cushion pad) and thermal stimulation. Therefore, even if the thermal stimulation from the lower second heater area 12 decreases, the occupant's thighs 72 continue to receive physical stimulation such as the seating reaction force, creating the illusion of a continuous thermal sensation. The heater control of this embodiment makes it possible to utilize the above-mentioned illusion phenomenon by providing the second heater area in the front part 40B of the lower top panel main part 40. This makes it possible to ensure the comfort of the occupant 70 through relatively simple control, such as by keeping only the lower second heater area 12 in an unheated state.

[0030] [Threshold setting method] In the second time period 32 shown in FIG. 3, the lower second heater region 12 can be controlled based on a predetermined temperature (threshold temperature T2) as described above. Methods for determining this threshold temperature T2 include conventional knowledge, the results of thermal sensation reports obtained through sensory testing of multiple individuals, and output information from a human body thermal model. A human body thermal model is a mathematical model for calculating the temperature distribution of a human body by calculating the heat absorption between a virtual human model and the surrounding environment, taking into account thermoregulatory responses such as sweating and blood flow. Many known human body thermal models include the Stolwijk model (JAJ Stolwijk and JD Hardy, "Temperature Regulation in Man - A Theoretical Study," Pfluegers Archiv 291, pp. 129-162, 1966) and the Wisseler model.

[0031] For example, in the seat cushion 4 shown in FIG. 2, output information from a human body thermal model can be used as a reference when determining the threshold. Here, a human body phantom 50 for the human body thermal model shown in FIG. 5 represents the body composition with a skin layer and a core layer, and is divided into multiple regions (buttocks, thighs, lower back, back, etc.). Each heater region is heated, and various information (parameters) are measured and then input into the human body phantom 50. Examples of this type of input information include the temperature around the seated human body, and more specifically, the surface temperature of the seating surface shown in FIG. 6 and the temperature of the vehicle interior adjacent to the human body. Other examples of input information include information on the interior environment (humidity, wind speed, radiant heat such as solar radiation, etc.) and information on the human body (amount of clothing, blood flow, metabolic rate, weight, body surface area, etc.).

[0032] The human body thermal model allows the heat balance of each part of the human body (e.g., the time change of the cumulative heat balance) to be calculated by inputting various information. Therefore, in this embodiment, a threshold value T2 for each heater zone can be determined based on the cumulative heat balance output from the human body thermal model. The threshold value T2 thus determined is calculated based on the quantitative information on the environment and the human body. Furthermore, the threshold value T2 also reflects various components of the vehicle seat 2, such as the thermal conductivity of the cushion cover 4S and the lower internal member 5, and the thermal conductivity of the back cover 6S and the upper internal member 7 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). Therefore, using the threshold value T2 can more reliably ensure comfort for the occupant. Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, a heat balance cumulative value X1 is set in advance based on, for example, conventional knowledge, as a method for determining the threshold value T2 based on the cumulative heat balance. One method is to calculate the time H1 required to reach the heat balance integrated value X1 and set the seating surface temperature (candidate temperature T3) at that time as the threshold value T2. Another method is to calculate the time H2 required to reach the stable heat balance integrated value X2 and set the seating surface temperature (another candidate temperature T4) at that time as the threshold value T2. The candidate temperature T3 and the other candidate temperature T4 are typically higher than the transition temperature T1. The threshold value T2 can also be set within a range between the transition temperature T1 and the candidate temperature T3, between the transition temperature T1 and the other candidate temperature T4, or between the candidate temperature T3 and the other candidate temperature T4. The control unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be pre-loaded with the heat balance integrated value and information on the above temperatures. If possible, the vehicle seat 2 (control unit) could be equipped with a function similar to a human body thermal model to measure various information in real time and output the integrated heat balance.

[0033] [Third heater area] Further, referring to FIG. 8, the seat cushion 4 may also be provided with a lower third heater area 13. Here, in the seat cushion 4, the lower top plate side portion 41 extends longitudinally across the front portion 40B and rear portion 40A of the lower top plate main portion 40 (see the dotted portion in FIG. 8). This lower top plate side portion 41 is an area that is relatively less likely to be in contact with an occupant and therefore less likely to require continuous heating compared to the rear portion 40A of the lower top plate main portion 40. Therefore, in the seat cushion 4, the lower third heater area 13 may be provided in the lower top plate side portion 41, i.e., in a position on the seating surface separate from the lower first heater area 11 and the lower second heater area 12 (for convenience, in FIG. 8, the symbol corresponding to the lower third heater area on the right side is given, and the symbol corresponding to the lower third heater area on the left side is given in parentheses). The power density of the heater in the lower third heater region 13 is not particularly limited, but can be set to, for example, the same range as that of the lower first heater region 11 (lower second heater region 12).

[0034] 3 and 8, the seat cushion 4 can be controlled so that the lower third heater region 13 is heated during the first time period 31. This allows heating of substantially the entire seating surface of the seat cushion 4, thereby enabling heating of a wide area of ​​the occupant's lower body, further contributing to ensuring temperature rise. Furthermore, during the second time period 32, the lower third heater region 13 can be controlled to be in a non-heated state, etc., thereby contributing to ensuring power savings (see the fourth temperature change curve C4 in FIG. 3). Synchronizing the lower second heater region 12 and the lower third heater region 13 facilitates their control. Furthermore, independently controlling the lower second heater region 12 and the lower third heater region 13 enables precise heating of the occupant. The lower second heater region 12 and the lower third heater region 13 can also be set to a low-heat state independently or synchronously.

[0035] As described above, in the seat cushion 4 of this embodiment, both the lower first heater area 11 and the lower second heater area 12 are controlled to be in a heated state during the first time period 31. This allows the temperature of the seating surface to rise quickly, contributing to ensuring temperature rise. The lower first heater area 11 is also controlled to be in a heated state during the second time period 32. The lower first heater area 11 is provided in the rear portion 40A of the seat cushion 4. This allows the lower first heater area 11 to continuously heat a targeted area of ​​the occupant 70, i.e., the occupant's buttocks 71, to the most appropriate temperature possible. During the second time period 32, the lower second heater area 12 is controlled to be in a non-heated state or a low-heated state, contributing to ensuring power saving. Therefore, this embodiment more reliably achieves both heating and power saving.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower first heater region 11 equipped with heaters 8 with a desired power density makes it easier to continuously heat targeted areas of the occupant 70 at an appropriate temperature. In addition, in this embodiment, the lower first heater region 11, the lower second heater region 12, and the lower third heater region 13 work together to heat a wider area of ​​the occupant 70. Synchronizing the lower second heater region 12 and the lower third heater region 13 facilitates control, and independently controlling the two heater regions enables precise heating of the occupant 70. In this embodiment, the lower third heater region 13 heats the lower top panel side portion 41 of the seat cushion 4, thereby enabling the occupant 70 to be heated from the side.

[0037] [Seat back heater configuration] In the vehicle seat 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the upper top panel main part 60 of the seat back 6 is divided into a lower part 60A and an upper part 60B. The lower part 60A of the upper top panel main part 60 supports the occupant's lumbar region 73, and the upper part 60B of the upper top panel main part 60 is positioned higher than the lower part 60A to support the occupant's back region 74. Here, the occupant's lumbar region 73 is a region that is in contact with the lower part 60A of the upper top panel main part 60 for a long period of time when seated, so it is desirable to continuously heat it. Furthermore, the occupant's back region 74 is a region that has a relatively short contact time with the upper part 60B of the upper top panel main part 60 when seated, and the pressure applied to the upper top panel main part 60 is also relatively low. Therefore, the occupant's back region 74 is a region that requires less continuous heating than the occupant's lumbar region 73.

[0038] 1 and 2, the seating surface of the seat back 6 is divided into heater regions in consideration of the seating pressure applied by the occupant 70. That is, the seat back 6 is provided with an upper first heater region 21 in the lower portion 60A of the upper top panel main portion 60, and is configured so that the occupant's lumbar region 73 can be heated by this upper first heater region 21. The range in which the upper first heater region 21 is formed can be set to center on the portion of the lower portion 60A of the seat back 6 that supports the occupant's lumbar region 73 where the seating pressure is greatest. The seat back 6 is provided with the upper first heater region 21 over substantially the entire lower portion 60A of the upper top panel main portion 60 so as to more reliably cover the occupant's lumbar region 73. In addition, an upper second heater region 22 is provided in the upper portion 60B of the upper top panel main portion 60, and is configured so that the occupant's back region 74 can be heated by this upper second heater region 22. In the seat back 6, the lower second heater area 12 is provided over substantially the entire upper area 60B of the lower top panel main portion 40 so as to more reliably cover the occupant's back 74. As will be described later, the seat back 6 is also configured so that each heater area can be individually controlled by the control unit 100, i.e., the heater control can be divided into at least two systems. The range of power density of the heater 8 in the upper first heater area 21 can be set to the same as that of the lower first heater area 11. The power density of the heater 8 in the upper second heater area 22 can also be set to the same as that of the lower second heater area 12.

[0039] 2, one or more temperature sensors 9 are provided in the lower portion 60A and upper portion 60B of the upper top main portion 60 and in the upper top side portion 61. When at least one of the heater regions is in a heated state, the temperature information at each position on the seating surface is input to the control unit 100.

[0040] [Seat back heater control] 1 and 2, each of the heater regions can be heated for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, in the heater control of the seat back 6, the heating period in each heater region is divided into a first time period 31 and a second time period 32 following the first time period 31 based on the temperature of the seating surface portion (see FIG. 3).

[0041] [Heater control during the first time period] 2 to 4, the heater control of the seat back 6 controls both the upper first heater region 21 and the upper second heater region 22 to be in a heated state during the first time period 31. By thus heating both the upper first heater region 21 and the upper second heater region 22 during the first time period 31, the entire upper top plate main portion 60 is heated, which contributes to ensuring temperature rise. Furthermore, the upper first heater region 21 and the upper second heater region 22 can warm both the occupant's lower back 73 and the occupant's back 74. As a result, when the occupant's back 74 comes into contact with the seat back 6, the occupant's back 74 can sense the warmth at any time.

[0042] [Heater control during the second time period] 1 to 3, during the second time period 32, the upper first heater region 21 is controlled by the control unit 100 to be in a heated state. This allows a thermal stimulus (warm sensation) to be continuously applied to the occupant's lumbar region 73 supported by the upper top panel main portion 60, thereby contributing to ensuring heating performance. The upper first heater region 21 is controlled to a predetermined set temperature, thereby allowing the occupant's lumbar region 73 to be continuously heated at the most appropriate temperature (see the first temperature change curve C1 in FIG. 3). During the second time period 32, the upper second heater region 22 is controlled to be in a non-heated state when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature (threshold T2). This non-heating of the upper second heater region 22 reduces the amount of power supplied to the heater 8 in the heater region, thereby contributing to ensuring power saving. Since the heater 8 is not energized in the upper second heater region 22, the temperature gradually decreases over time (see the fifth temperature change curve C5 in FIG. 3). The upper second heater region 22 may be in a low heating state during the second time period 32 .

[0043] [Third heater area] 8, the seat back 6 can also be provided with an upper third heater area 23. Here, in the seat back 6, the upper top panel side portion 61 extends vertically across the lower portion 60A and upper portion 60B of the upper top panel main portion 60. The upper top panel side portion 61 is a region that is relatively less likely to be in contact with the occupant 70, and therefore less likely to require continuous heating than the lower portion 60A of the upper top panel main portion 60. Therefore, in the seat back 6, the upper third heater area 23 can be provided in the upper top panel side portion 61, i.e., in a position on the seating surface separate from the upper first heater area 21 and the upper second heater area 22. The heater power density of the upper third heater area 23 is not particularly limited, but can be set, for example, in the same range as the upper first heater area 21 (upper second heater area 22).

[0044] 3 and 8, the seat back 6 can also be controlled so that the upper third heater region 23 is heated during the first time period 31. This allows heating of substantially the entire seating surface of the seat back 6, thereby enabling heating of the occupant's upper body over a wide area, further contributing to ensuring temperature rise. Furthermore, by controlling the upper third heater region 23 to be in a non-heated state during the second time period 32, this configuration further contributes to ensuring power savings (see the fourth temperature change curve C4 in FIG. 3). Synchronizing the upper second heater region 22 and the upper third heater region 23 facilitates their control. Furthermore, independently controlling the upper second heater region 22 and the upper third heater region 23 enables precise heating of the occupant 70. The upper second heater region 22 and the upper third heater region 23 can also be independently or synchronously maintained in a low-heat state.

[0045] As described above, in the seat back 6 of this embodiment, both the upper first heater area 21 and the upper second heater area 22 are controlled to be in a heated state during the first time period 31. This allows the temperature of the seating surface to rise quickly, contributing to ensuring temperature rise. Furthermore, the upper first heater area 21 is controlled to be in a heated state during the second time period 32. The upper first heater area 21 is provided in the lower portion 60A of the seat back 6. This allows the upper first heater area 21 to continuously heat a targeted area of ​​the occupant 70, i.e., the occupant's lumbar region 73, to the most appropriate temperature possible. Furthermore, during the second time period 32, the upper second heater area 22 (upper third heater area 23) is controlled to be in a non-heated state or a low-heated state, contributing to ensuring power saving. Therefore, this embodiment more reliably achieves both heating and power saving.

[0046] The heater control method for a vehicle seat according to this embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be implemented in various other embodiments. For example, in this embodiment, an example in which each heater region is provided in both the seat cushion and the seat back has been described. Each heater region may be provided in at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back, and the third heater region may be omitted as appropriate. The third heater region may be provided in part or all of the corresponding side portion of the top panel, such as the front end of the lower main portion of the top panel near the occupant's knees or the upper end of the upper main portion of the top panel near the occupant's neck. Each heater region may have multiple heaters arranged adjacent to or close to each other, or may have a single heater. The heater control method may also be modified as appropriate, and the control of the seat cushion and the control of the seat back may be differentiated. For example, the lower second heater region and the lower third heater region may be synchronously controlled in the seat cushion, while the upper second heater region and the upper third heater region may be independently controlled in the seat back, or vice versa. Furthermore, a set temperature and threshold value can be set independently for each heater zone, or a common set temperature and threshold value can be set for all heater zones. The heater control by the control unit can be wired or wireless, and the control unit can be a vehicle control unit (ECU, etc.) or a dedicated heater control unit. The configuration of this embodiment can be applied to all vehicle seats, including those for cars, airplanes, trains, and ships. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 2 Vehicle seats 4 seat cushions 4S cushion covers 4F Cushion Frame 4P cushion pad 5 Lower internal member 6 Seat back 6S back cover 6P Back Pad 6F Back Frame 7 Upper internal member 8 Heater 9 Temperature Sensor 11 Lower first heater region (an example of the first heater region) 12 Lower second heater area (an example of the second heater area) 13 Lower third heater area (example of the third heater area) 21 Upper first heater area (another example of the first heater area) 22 Upper second heater area (another example of the second heater area) 23 Upper third heater area (another example of the third heater area) 31 First Time Zone 32 Second Time Zone 40 Lower top plate main part 40A (Lower top plate main part) rear 40B (Main part of lower top board) Front 41 Lower top board side part 50 human body model 60 Top plate main section 60A (Main part of top board) Lower part 60B (Top panel main part) 61 Top panel side 70 crew members 71 Crew buttocks 72 Crew thigh 73 Crew waist 74 Back of occupant 100 control section C1~C5 Temperature change curve T1 transition temperature T2 threshold T3, T4 candidate temperature

Claims

1. A heater control method for a vehicle seat in which a first heater area and a second heater area are provided on a seating surface of the seat in a divided state as areas equipped with heaters controlled by a control unit, comprising: The heating period by the heater is divided into a first time period including the start of heating and a second time period after the first time period, the first heater region is controlled to be continuously in a heated state during the first time period and the second time period, and the second heater region is controlled to be in the heated state during the first time period and to be in a low-heated state or a non-heated state that is lower in temperature than the heated state during the second time period; The heater control method for a vehicle seat, wherein the first heater area and the second heater area are provided at least one of the following positions (1) and (2): (1) A lower top plate main part extending in the front-to-rear direction at the center of the seat width direction is provided as the seating surface of the seat cushion, which serves as the seat portion, and the first heater area is provided at the rear of the lower top plate main part that supports the occupant's buttocks, and the second heater area is provided forward of the lower top plate main part relative to the first heater area. (2) The seating surface of the seat back, which serves as a backrest, is provided with an upper top plate main part extending in the vertical direction at the center of the seat width direction, and the first heater area is provided below the upper top plate main part, which supports the occupant's lower back, and the second heater area is provided above the upper top plate main part above the first heater area.

2. a third heater area including a heater controlled by the control unit is provided at a position on the seating surface separate from the first heater area and the second heater area; 2. The heater control method for a vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the third heater region is controlled to be in the heated state during the first time period, and to be in the low-heating state or the non-heating state during the second time period, either synchronously with or independently of the second heater region.

3. 3. The heater control method for a vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the first heater area, the second heater area, and the third heater area are provided at at least one of the following positions (1) and (2): (1) The first heater area is provided at the rear of the lower top plate main part, the second heater area is provided in front of the lower top plate main part relative to the first heater area, and the third heater area is provided on the seat width direction side of the lower top plate main part. (2) The first heater area is provided at the bottom of the upper top plate main part, the second heater area is provided above the upper top plate main part above the first heater area, and the third heater area is provided on the seat width direction side of the upper top plate main part.

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