Seat

Abstract

To provide a seat capable of blowing conditioned air.SOLUTION: A seat 100 includes an upper temperature adjustment part 180A and a lower temperature adjustment part 180B. The upper temperature adjustment part 180A includes: a Peltier element 170 that generates upper conditioned air; an upper blow port 151; and an upper duct 162 that guides the upper conditioned air to the upper blow port 151. The lower temperature adjustment part 180B includes: a Peltier element 170 that generates lower conditioned air; a lower blow port 152; and a lower duct 163 that guides the lower conditioned air to the lower blow port 152. The upper duct 162 and the lower duct 163 branch at a branch part 161a of an inlet duct 161 provided inside the seat 100. The Peltier element 170 is provided in the branch part 161a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a seat in which cool air blown out from a cool air outlet is supplied to an occupant seated in the seat via an air conditioning air supply unit, an upper duct, and an upper outlet, and hot air blown out from a hot air outlet is supplied to an occupant via an air conditioning air supply unit, a lower duct, and a lower outlet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The seat described in Patent Document 1 further supplies the cool air blown out from the cool air outlet or the hot air blown out from the hot air outlet to the occupant via the air conditioning air supply unit, a main duct provided in the middle of the seat back, and the main outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-131005 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the seat described in Patent Document 1 above needs to be equipped with an air conditioning supply unit to switch the conditioned air from the main air outlet between hot air and cool air, which makes the seat structure complicated and increases costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a seat having a seating surface against which a user's back rests, the seat including an upper temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature around the seating surface at an upper portion of the seat and a lower temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature around the seating surface at a lower portion of the seat. The upper temperature adjustment unit includes a first conditioned air generator that generates a first conditioned airflow, a first air outlet that blows the first conditioned airflow into an upper space facing the seating surface, and an upper duct that guides the first conditioned airflow to the first air outlet. The lower temperature adjustment unit includes a second conditioned air generator that generates a second conditioned airflow, a second air outlet that blows the second conditioned airflow into a lower space facing the seating surface, and a lower duct that guides the second conditioned airflow to the second air outlet. The upper duct and the lower duct branch from a branching portion of an inlet duct provided inside the seat, and the first conditioned airflow generator and the second conditioned airflow generator are provided at the branching portion. This configuration simplifies the configuration of the air conditioning ducts provided inside the seat. This simplifies the seat configuration and prevents costs from rising. In addition, the air conditioning ducts can be installed together inside the seat, reducing the installation space required for the ducts and making it easier to arrange them inside the seat.

[0006] It is preferable that the temperature of the first conditioned air is lower than the temperature of the second conditioned air. By setting the temperature of the conditioned air in this manner, the comfort of the user is improved.

[0007] The first air outlet is preferably provided in the upper part of the seating surface so as to blow the first conditioned air toward the neck of the user, and the second air outlet is preferably provided in the lower part of the seating surface so as to blow the second conditioned air toward the waist of the user. With this configuration, the user can achieve the effect of keeping their head cool and their feet warm.

[0008] The first and second conditioned airflow generators can be configured using a common Peltier element. This configuration reduces the number of parts and costs. Furthermore, the Peltier element requires a small installation space, making it easy to place it within the seat.

[0009] The upper duct and the lower duct are preferably adjacent to each other via a wall, and the Peltier element is preferably provided on the wall so that one surface faces the flow path in the upper duct and the other surface faces the flow path in the lower duct, respectively. With this configuration, a common Peltier element can be used to generate conditioned airflow that flows through the flow path in the upper duct and the flow path in the lower duct.

[0010] The upper temperature adjustment unit and the lower temperature adjustment unit preferably have a common blower connected to the inlet duct, which allows the common blower to flow conditioned air into the upper duct and the lower duct, thereby reducing the number of parts and costs.

[0011] The lower temperature adjustment unit may further include an exhaust duct that branches off from the lower duct and directs the second conditioned air to a third air outlet provided in a location different from the seating surface. With this configuration, the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from the second air outlet can be adjusted.

[0012] Preferably, the lower temperature adjustment unit further includes a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the second conditioned air, and a switching unit that switches the flow of the second conditioned air so that the second conditioned air flows through the second air outlet or the third air outlet depending on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. With this configuration, the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from the second air outlet can be automatically adjusted to a predetermined temperature or lower.

[0013] The lower temperature adjusting unit may further include an air outlet moving unit that moves the second air outlet toward the user seated in the seat. With this configuration, conditioned air can be efficiently blown toward the user's lower back.

[0014] The second air outlets may be provided in the left and right bank portions, and the air outlet movement units may be actuators that move the second air outlets toward the left and right waist regions of the user. With this configuration, conditioned air can be blown toward the user's waist region without adversely affecting the user's sitting posture. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, the configuration of the air conditioning duct arranged in the seat can be simplified. According to the present invention, user comfort is improved. According to the present invention, the user can achieve the effect of keeping the head cool and the feet warm. According to the present invention, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and an increase in costs can be suppressed. According to the present invention, a common Peltier element can be used to generate conditioned airflow that flows through the flow path in the upper duct and the flow path in the lower duct. According to the present invention, a common blower section can be used to flow conditioned air into the upper duct and the lower duct, which prevents an increase in the number of parts and thus prevents an increase in costs. According to the present invention, the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from the second air outlet can be adjusted. According to the present invention, the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from the second air outlet can be automatically adjusted to a predetermined temperature or lower. According to the present invention, conditioned air can be efficiently blown toward the waist of the user. According to the present invention, conditioned air can be blown onto the user's lower back without adversely affecting the user's seated posture. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 is a side view of a seat showing a schematic configuration of a seat air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2B] 1 is a front view of a seat showing a schematic configuration of a seat air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] An enlarged view of a key part of Figure 2B. [Figure 4A] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the seat back of FIG. 1, illustrating an initial state before a lower air outlet is moved inward in the left-right direction. FIG. [Figure 4B]2 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the seat back of FIG. 1, illustrating a state in use after the lower air outlet has been moved inward in the left-right direction. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a seat air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ECU of FIG. 5; [Figure 7] 1 is a side view showing a main configuration of a vehicle having a floor air outlet device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] Arrow VIII view of Figure 7. [Figure 9A] 1 is a side view showing a schematic overall configuration of a floor air outlet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state before a foot force acts on a sphere. [Figure 9B] 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of a floor air outlet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state after a foot force has acted on the sphere. FIG. [Figure 10] 9B is a plan view of a support plate placed below the sphere of FIG. 9A. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the floor air outlet device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of FIG. 7. [Figure 13] 1 is a side view of a vehicle showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ECU of FIG. 14; [Figure 16] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an airflow rate according to a vehicle speed by the vehicle air conditioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 18] 18 is a diagram showing a state in which a seat belt device provided with an abdominal breathing assist device provided in the vehicle seat of FIG. 17 is used. FIG. [Figure 19] 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an abdominal breathing assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 20A] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of measurement patterns of the chest and abdomen of an occupant that are determined to be abdominal breathing; [Figure 20B] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of measurement patterns of the chest and abdomen of an occupant that are determined to be chest breathing; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. A seat according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various vehicles. That is, the seat can be configured as a vehicle seat. Below, an example will be described in which the seat is applied to a vehicle as a vehicle seat, which is an example of a vehicle seat.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a seat 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the front-to-rear direction (length direction), left-to-right direction (width direction), and up-to-down direction (height direction) are defined as shown in the figure, and the configuration of each part will be described according to these definitions. The forward direction in FIG. 1 is the direction in which the face of an occupant seated in the seat 100 faces. The front-to-rear direction of the seat (vehicle seat) 100 normally coincides with the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, but may differ from the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle when, for example, the seat 100 is rotated to change the orientation of the seat 100.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 100 includes a seat cushion 110 that supports the buttocks of the occupant, a seat back 120 that supports the back of the occupant, and a headrest 130 that is provided on the upper part of the seat back 120 and supports the head of the occupant.

[0020] The seat cushion 110 extends substantially horizontally and has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The seat cushion 110 has a seat cushion frame 111 (only a portion of which is shown) that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion 110. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the seat cushion frame 111 has, for example, a pair of left and right side frames that extend in the front-to-rear direction, and a pair of front and rear connecting frames that also extend in the left-to-right direction and connect the front ends and rear ends of the pair of left and right side frames, respectively, and the entire seat cushion has a substantially rectangular frame shape in a plan view.

[0021] A substantially plate-shaped pressure-receiving member (not shown) is disposed inside (inside the frame) of the seat cushion frame 111. A resilient cushion pad 112 made of, for example, urethane foam is provided around the periphery of the seat cushion frame 111, and the surface of the cushion pad 112 is covered with a cover 113. A seating surface 114 on which an occupant sits is formed on the upper surface of the seat cushion 110. Bank portions 115 that bulge upward and extend in the front-to-rear direction are provided on both the left and right sides of the seating surface 114, and the bank portions 115 regulate the seating position of the occupant. The bank portions 115 are included in the seating surface 114.

[0022] The seat back 120 rises from the rear end of the seat cushion 110 and has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The seat back 120 has a seat back frame 121 (only a part of which is shown) that forms the framework of the seat back 120. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the seat back frame 121 has, for example, a pair of left and right side frames that extend generally in the vertical direction, and a pair of upper and lower connecting frames that also extend in the horizontal direction and connect the upper ends and lower ends of the pair of left and right side frames, and the entire seat back frame has a generally rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front.

[0023] A substantially plate-shaped pressure-receiving member (not shown) is disposed inside the seatback frame 121 (inside the frame). A resilient back pad 122 made of, for example, urethane foam is provided around the periphery of the seatback frame 121, and the surface of the back pad 122 is covered with a cover 123. A seating surface 124 on which an occupant sits is formed on the front of the seatback 120. Banks 125 that bulge forward and extend vertically are provided on both the left and right sides of the seating surface 124, and the bank portions 125 regulate the seating position of the occupant. The bank portions 125 are included in the seating surface 124.

[0024] The lower end of the seat back 120 is pivotally supported on the rear end of the seat cushion frame 111 via a reclining mechanism 116 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction around a shaft extending in the left-right direction as a fulcrum. Although not shown in detail, the headrest 130, like the seat back 120, has a headrest frame that forms the framework of the headrest 130, a resilient headrest pad provided around the periphery of the headrest frame, and a skin that covers the surface of the headrest pad.

[0025] An upper air outlet 151 is provided above the seating surface 124 of the seat back 120. More specifically, the upper air outlet 151 is provided at the upper end and in the center in the left-right direction of the seating surface 124, facing forward or facing forward and upward. The upper air outlet 151 is disposed, for example, inside the cover 123, and the conditioned air blown out from the upper air outlet 151 is blown out in front of the seating surface 124 or forward and upward through the cover 123. This allows the conditioned air to be blown out near the neck of the occupant.

[0026] Lower air outlets 152 are provided below the seating surface 124 of the seat back 120. More specifically, the lower air outlets 152 are provided in the left and right bank portions 125, respectively, facing inward in the left-right direction or facing forward and inward in the left-right direction. That is, a pair of left and right lower air outlets 152 are provided below the left and right bank portions 125. The lower air outlets 152 are disposed, for example, inside the cover 123, and the conditioned air blown out from the lower air outlets 152 is blown out through the cover 123 toward the inside in the left-right direction of the seating surface 124, or toward the inside forward and inward in the left-right direction. This allows the conditioned air to be blown out near the occupant's waist.

[0027] The upper air outlet 151 and the lower air outlet 152 constitute the seat air-conditioning device 180. Fig. 2A is a side view (viewed from the left) of the seat 100 showing the general configuration of the seat air-conditioning device 180, and Fig. 2B is a rear view (viewed from behind). For convenience, the outline of the seat 100 and the seat air-conditioning device 180 are shown in solid lines in Figs. 2A and 2B.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the seat air-conditioning device 180 has a blower 153 and an air-conditioning duct 160 arranged inside the seat back 120. The blower 153 and the air-conditioning duct 160 are arranged behind the back pad 122 or inside the back pad 122. The blower 153 is a centrifugal blower that draws in air from the axial direction (rear) and blows it out in the radial direction. The blower 153 has an impeller 153a, a case (housing) 153b that houses the impeller 153a, and an electric motor (FIG. 5) that rotates and drives the impeller 153a. The blower 153 is arranged diagonally below and to the right of the upper air outlet 151, at approximately the same position in the front-to-rear direction as the air-conditioning duct 160. The opening of the case 153b is formed facing leftward.

[0029] Air conditioning duct 160 has an inlet duct 161 connected to blower 153, an upper duct 162 that guides conditioned air from inlet duct 161 to upper air outlet 151, and a lower duct 163 that guides conditioned air from inlet duct 161 to lower air outlet 152. In other words, one end of inlet duct 161 is connected to the open end of case 153b, and the other end of inlet duct 161 is connected to one end of upper duct 162 and one end of lower duct 163, respectively. Therefore, upper duct 162 and lower duct 163 are provided by branching vertically from branch portion 161a of inlet duct 161. Note that upper duct 162 may be configured to include inlet duct 161 between upper duct 162 and case 153b, and lower duct 163 may be configured to include inlet duct 161 between lower duct 163 and case 153b.

[0030] The upper duct 162 has a horizontal portion 162a extending leftward from the branching portion 161a to the center of the seat back 120 in the left-right direction, and a vertical portion 162b extending upward and forward from the left end of the horizontal portion 162a to the upper air outlet 151. The lower duct 163 has a horizontal portion 163a extending leftward from the branching portion 161a to the center of the seat back 120 in the left-right direction, a vertical portion 163b extending downward from the left end of the horizontal portion 163a to the same height as the lower air outlet 152, a horizontal portion 163c branching in the left-right direction from the lower end of the vertical portion 163b and extending outward in the left-right direction, and a protruding portion 163d extending forward from the outer left-right end of the horizontal portion 163c to the lower air outlet 152.

[0031] The horizontal portion 162a of the upper duct 162 and the horizontal portion 163a of the lower duct 163 are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, with a horizontally extending intermediate wall 164 sandwiched therebetween. The vertical portion 162b of the upper duct 162 and the vertical portion 163b of the lower duct 163 are located on the same vertical line that passes through the middle of the seat back 120 in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to reduce the area in which the air conditioning duct 160 is arranged, and to easily arrange the air conditioning duct 160 within the seat back.

[0032] The air conditioning duct 160 further has an exhaust duct 165 connected to the vertical portion 163b of the lower duct 163. The exhaust duct 165 has a horizontal portion 165a extending leftward from a vertically intermediate portion of the vertical portion 163b or from above the vertically intermediate portion, and a vertical portion 165b extending downward from the left end of the horizontal portion 165a. The vertical portion 165b passes behind the horizontal portion a63c of the lower duct 163, and a bottom outlet 155 is provided at its lower end. The bottom outlet 155 is provided, for example, on the lower end surface of the seat back 120.

[0033] 2B, a switching unit 156 that connects or disconnects the lower duct 163 and the exhaust duct 165 is provided at the right end of the horizontal portion 165a of the exhaust duct 165. The switching unit 156 is formed, for example, by a door that rotates around a shaft 156a that extends in the front-to-rear direction. The switching unit 156 rotates when driven by an electric motor.

[0034] When switching unit 156 is rotated to position A shown by a solid line in FIG. 2B, the inlet of exhaust duct 165 is closed by switching unit 156 and vertical portion 163b of lower duct 163 is opened. As a result, all conditioned air that has flowed through horizontal portion 163a of lower duct 163 is blown out from lower outlet 152. On the other hand, when switching unit 156 is rotated to position B shown by a dotted line in FIG. 2B, the inlet of exhaust duct 165 is opened and vertical portion 163b of lower duct 163 is closed. As a result, all conditioned air that has flowed through horizontal portion 163a of lower duct 163 is blown out from bottom outlet 155. Switching unit 156 may be switched between position A and position B to blow out conditioned air from both lower outlet 152 and bottom outlet 155.

[0035] 3 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 2B showing the detailed configuration of branching portion 161a of inlet duct 161. As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially flat Peltier element 170 is disposed on intermediate wall 164 of branching portion 161a as an air conditioning airflow generating unit that generates air conditioning airflow. Peltier element 170 has an upper surface 171 that functions as a cooling unit when an electric current is passed through it, and a lower surface 172 that functions as a heat generating unit. Upper surface 171 is disposed facing the flow path in horizontal portion 162a of upper duct 162, and lower surface 172 is disposed facing the flow path in horizontal portion 163a of lower duct 163.

[0036] A plurality of fins are provided on the upper surface 171 to protrude upward, forming a heat sink 171a. This cools the air flowing through the upper duct 162, generating cool air as conditioned air. A plurality of fins are provided on the lower surface 172 to protrude downward, forming a heat sink 172a. This heats the air flowing through the lower duct 163, generating warm air as conditioned air. The temperatures of the conditioned air flowing through the upper duct 162 and the lower duct 163 are detected by temperature sensors 173, 174 provided in each duct 162, 163.

[0037] As described above, seat air-conditioning device 180 has upper temperature adjustment unit 180A that adjusts the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from upper air outlet 151 (referred to as upper conditioned air) and lower temperature adjustment unit 180B that adjusts the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from lower air outlet 152 (referred to as lower conditioned air) (FIG. 2B). Upper temperature adjustment unit 180A has blower 153, Peltier element 170, and upper duct 162. Lower temperature adjustment unit 180B has blower 153 and Peltier element 170 that are common to upper temperature adjustment unit 180A, and lower duct 163. Upper temperature adjustment unit 180A can adjust the temperature around upper seating surface 124 of seat back 120, and lower temperature adjustment unit 180B can adjust the temperature around lower seating surface 124 of seat back 120.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of left and right lower air outlets 152 provided in the bank portion 125 of the seat back 120 are provided so as to be movable inward in the left-right direction. Figures 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing a schematic configuration of the seat back 120, taken along a horizontal plane passing through the lower air outlets 152. Note that Figure 4A shows an initial state before the lower air outlets 152 have moved inward in the left-right direction, and Figure 4B shows a state after the lower air outlets 152 have moved inward in the left-right direction (for convenience, referred to as the in-use state). Figures 4A and 4B also show the outline of the torso PS1 of the occupant.

[0039] 4A, a bellows portion 166 is provided at the rear end of the protruding portion 163d of the lower duct 163. As a result, the front end of the protruding portion 163d is able to move inward in the left-right direction together with the lower air outlet 152 by bending the protruding portion 163d at the bellows portion 166. Note that instead of providing the bellows portion 166 on the protruding portion 163d, the rear end of the protruding portion 163d may be rotatably connected to the outer end of the horizontal portion 163c in the left-right direction.

[0040] Side frames 121a, which are part of the seatback frame 121, are provided extending in the vertical direction on the left and right bank portions 125 of the seatback 120. An expandable actuator 167 is disposed between the side frames 121a and the protruding portion 163d of the lower duct 163. The actuator 167 is, for example, a bellows-type air actuator that expands when high-pressure air is supplied. The actuator 167 may also be configured as an expandable air cylinder.

[0041] In the initial state shown in FIG. 4A, the actuator 167 is retracted. At this time, the bank portion 125 is tilted outward in the left-right direction toward the front. As a result, the lower air outlet 152 is positioned outward in the left-right direction from the torso (waist) PS1 of the occupant. On the other hand, in the use state shown in FIG. 4B, the actuator 167 is extended. As a result, the bank portion 125 is pushed inward in the left-right direction, and the lower air outlet 152 comes into contact with the torso PS1 of the occupant.

[0042] A pressure sensor 176 is provided on the inner end face of the lower air outlet 152 in the left-right direction, and the pressure sensor 176 detects the pressure generated at the end face of the lower air outlet 152. The detected value of the pressure sensor 176 is used to detect that the lower air outlet 152 has come into contact with the body portion PS1. The lower air outlet 152 is also provided with a temperature sensor 175 that detects the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from the lower air outlet 152.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the seat air-conditioning device 180. As shown in Fig. 5, the seat air-conditioning device 180 has an ECU 181, an instruction unit 182 communicatively connected to the ECU 181, temperature sensors 173 to 175, a pressure sensor 176, an electric motor 154 for driving the blower 153, an electric motor 157 for driving the switching unit 156, a Peltier element 170, and an actuator 167.

[0044] The instruction unit 182 is provided, for example, on an armrest (not shown), and has a plurality of switches that are operated by the occupant. Specifically, the instruction unit 182 includes a main switch 183, a changeover switch 184, and a proximity switch 185. The main switch 183 is an on / off switch that is turned on when the seat air conditioning unit 180 is in use and turned off when it is not in use. The changeover switch 184 is a switch that selects either a bottom outlet mode in which conditioned air is blown out from the lower outlet 152, or a bottom outlet mode in which conditioned air is blown out from the bottom outlet 155. The proximity switch 185 is a switch that is turned on when the distance between the lower outlet 152 and the torso PS1 of the occupant becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0045] ECU 181 is a controller configured to include a computer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits. ECU 181 executes predetermined processing based on signals from instruction unit 182, temperature sensors 173 to 175, and pressure sensor 176, and outputs control signals to electric motors 154 and 157, Peltier element 170, and actuator 167.

[0046] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in accordance with a pre-stored program by ECU (CPU) 181. The processing shown in this flowchart is started, for example, when main switch 183 is turned on, and is repeated at a predetermined interval until main switch 183 is turned off.

[0047] 6, first, in step S1, ECU 181 reads signals from switches 184 and 185 and sensors 173 to 176. Next, in step S2, ECU 181 outputs a control signal to electric motor 154 to rotate blower 153 at a predetermined rotation speed. Note that a switch may be provided to command the volume of conditioned air blown out from air outlets 151 and 152, and the rotation speed of blower 153 may be changed in two or more stages in response to switch operation.

[0048] Next, in step S3, ECU 181 outputs a control signal to Peltier element 170 to operate Peltier element 170. As a result, cool air flows as conditioned air through the flow path in upper duct 162, and warm air flows as conditioned air through the flow path in lower duct 163. At this time, ECU 181 controls the current flowing through Peltier element 170 based on signals from temperature sensors 173 to 175 so that conditioned air at a predetermined temperature flows through the ducts.

[0049] Next, in step S4, it is determined whether or not a command for the bottom air outlet mode has been issued, based on a signal from changeover switch 184. If the result in step S4 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S5, in which ECU 181 outputs a control signal to electric motor 157 to switch switching unit 156 to position A. This changes the air outlet mode to the bottom air outlet mode, and conditioned air is blown out from upper air outlet 151 and lower air outlet 152, while preventing conditioned air from being blown out from bottom air outlet 155.

[0050] Next, in step S7, ECU 181 outputs a control signal to actuator 167 to operate actuator 167. That is, actuator 167 is extended. As a result, left and right bank portions 125 rotate inward in the left-right direction, and lower air outlet 152 approaches to torso SP1 of the occupant.

[0051] Next, in step S8, the ECU 181 determines whether the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor 176 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value P1. This determination is a determination of whether the lower air outlet 152 has come into contact with the torso PS1 of the occupant. If the determination in step S8 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S10, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S9. Note that in step S8, it may also be determined whether the lower air outlet 152 has pressed against the torso PS1 of the occupant with a predetermined pressing force.

[0052] In step S9, the ECU 181 determines whether the proximity switch 185 is turned on. That is, it determines whether the distance from the lower air outlet 152 to the torso PS1 of the occupant is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance. If the result in step S9 is negative, the process returns to step S7. This activates the actuator 167, and the lower air outlet 152 gradually approaches the torso PS1 of the occupant.

[0053] On the other hand, if the result of step S9 is YES, the process proceeds to step S10, where the ECU 181 determines whether the temperature T of the lower conditioned air detected by the temperature sensor 175 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value T1. The predetermined value T1 is set to, for example, the upper limit of a general temperature at which an occupant feels comfortable. If the result of step S10 is NO, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0054] In step S11, the ECU 181 outputs a control signal to the actuator 167 to stop the operation of the actuator 167. This stops the movement of the lower air outlet 152 inward in the left-right direction.

[0055] If the result in step S4 is NO, i.e., if it is determined that the bottom air outlet mode is commanded, or if the result in step S10 is YES, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, ECU 181 outputs a control signal to electric motor 157 to switch switching unit 156 to position B, and the process proceeds to step S10.

[0056] The operation of the seat air-conditioning device 180 according to this embodiment can be summarized as follows. When an occupant seated in the seat 100 turns on the main switch 183 of the command unit 182 and selects the lower air outlet mode with the selector switch 184, cool air at a predetermined temperature is blown out from the upper air outlet 151 and warm air at a predetermined temperature is blown out from the lower air outlet 152 (steps S1 to S5). This causes cool air (upper conditioned air) to be blown to the occupant's neck area and warm air to be blown to the lumbar area. As a result, the occupant can enjoy the effect of a cool head and warm feet, improving comfort.

[0057] At this time, the lower air outlet 152 moves inward in the left-right direction of the seat 100 until the proximity switch 185 is turned on, and the distance from the lower air outlet 152 to the torso PS1 of the occupant becomes a predetermined distance (steps S9 and S11). As a result, warm air (lower conditioned air) is blown directly onto the lumbar region of the occupant, improving the comfort of the occupant. In this case, when the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor 176 becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value P1, the movement of the lower air outlet 152 stops (steps S8 and S11). This prevents excessive pressure from the lower air outlet 152 from acting on the occupant.

[0058] When the occupant selects the bottom air outlet mode using the selector switch 184, the lower conditioned air flowing through the flow path in the lower duct is blown out from the bottom outlet 155. As a result, cool air continues to be blown out from the upper outlet 151, and the blowing of warm air from the lower outlet 152 stops. This makes it possible to blow conditioned air only towards the neck of an occupant who does not want warm air blown towards their lower back.

[0059] In the lower air outlet mode, when the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from the lower air outlet 152 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value T1, the air outlet mode is automatically switched to the bottom air outlet mode (step S10 → step S6). This prevents the passenger's comfort from being impaired by the high-temperature conditioned air being blown towards the passenger's waist.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved. (1) Seat 100, which has seating surface 124 against which the back of a user (occupant) abuts, includes upper temperature adjustment unit 180A that adjusts the temperature around seating surface 124 at the top of seat 100, and lower temperature adjustment unit 180B that adjusts the temperature around seating surface 124 at the bottom of seat 100 (FIG. 2B). Upper temperature adjustment unit 180A includes Peltier element 170 that generates upper conditioned air (cool air), upper air outlet 151 that blows the upper conditioned air into the space above seating surface 124, and upper duct 162 that guides the upper conditioned air to upper air outlet 151 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). Lower temperature adjustment unit 180B has a Peltier element 170 that generates lower conditioned air (warm air), a lower air outlet 152 that blows the lower conditioned air into the space below facing seating surface 124, and a lower duct 163 that guides the lower conditioned air to lower air outlet 152 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). Upper duct 162 and lower duct 163 branch off from branch portion 161a of inlet duct 161 provided inside seat 100, and Peltier element 170 is provided at branch portion 161a (FIG. 2B).

[0061] In this way, by providing the upper duct 162 and the lower duct 163 branching off from the inlet duct 161 and providing the Peltier element 170 at the branching point 161a of the upper duct 162 and the lower duct 163, the configuration of the air conditioning duct 160 can be simplified. This simplifies the configuration of the seat 100 and prevents increases in costs. In addition, the air conditioning ducts 160 can be installed together within the seat. This reduces the installation space for the air conditioning ducts 160, making it easy to arrange the air conditioning ducts 160 within the seat.

[0062] (2) The temperature of the upper air conditioning air is lower than that of the lower air conditioning air. By setting the temperature of the air conditioning air in this way, passenger comfort is improved.

[0063] (3) The upper air outlet 151 is provided at the top of the seating surface 124 so as to blow upper conditioned air (cold air) toward the occupant's neck, and the lower air outlet 152 is provided at the bottom of the seating surface 124 so as to blow lower conditioned air (warm air) toward the occupant's waist (Fig. 1). This allows the occupant to have a cool head and warm feet.

[0064] (4) The air conditioning airflow generating unit that generates the upper air conditioning airflow and the air conditioning airflow generating unit that generates the lower air conditioning airflow are configured using a common Peltier element 170. This prevents an increase in the number of parts and suppresses increases in costs. In addition, because the installation space for the Peltier element 170 is small, the air conditioning airflow generating unit can be easily arranged within the seat.

[0065] (5) Upper duct 162 and lower duct 163 are adjacent to each other via intermediate wall 164 (FIG. 3). Peltier element 170 is provided on intermediate wall 164 so that upper surface 171 and lower surface 172 face the flow path in upper duct 162 and the flow path in lower duct 163, respectively (FIG. 3). This makes it possible to use a common Peltier element 170 to generate cool air and warm air that flow through the flow path in the upper duct and the flow path in the lower duct, respectively.

[0066] (6) Upper temperature adjustment unit 180A and lower temperature adjustment unit 180B have a common blower 153 connected to inlet duct 161 (FIG. 2B). This allows conditioned air to flow through the upper duct and the lower duct using the common blower 153, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts and suppressing increases in costs.

[0067] (7) Lower temperature adjustment unit 180B further includes exhaust duct 165 that branches off from lower duct 163 and guides the lower conditioned air to bottom outlet 155 on the bottom surface of seat back 120 (FIG. 2B). This allows the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from lower outlet 152 to be adjusted.

[0068] (8) Lower temperature adjustment unit 180B further includes temperature sensors 174, 175 that detect the temperature of the lower conditioned air, and switching unit 156 that switches the flow of the lower conditioned air so that the lower conditioned air flows to lower outlet 152 or bottom outlet 155 depending on the temperature detected by temperature sensors 174, 175 (FIGS. 2B, 6). This allows the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from lower outlet 152 to be automatically adjusted to a predetermined value T1 or less.

[0069] (9) The lower temperature adjusting unit 180B further includes an actuator 167 that moves the lower air outlet 152 toward the occupant (FIGS. 4A and 4B). This allows conditioned air to be efficiently blown toward the occupant's waist.

[0070] (10) The lower air outlets 152 are provided in the left and right bank portions 125 (FIG. 1). The actuators 167 move the lower air outlets 152 toward the left and right hips of the occupant (FIGS. 4A and 4B). This allows the conditioned air to be blown toward the occupant's hips without adversely affecting the occupant's seated posture.

[0071] In the above embodiment (FIG. 2B), the upper conditioned air (first conditioned air) is guided to the upper air outlet 151 (first air outlet) via the upper duct 162, and the upper conditioned air is blown out from the upper air outlet 151 toward the neck of the occupant. However, the configuration of the upper temperature adjustment unit 180A that adjusts the temperature around the upper seating surface 124 of the seat 100 is not limited to the above. For example, the first air outlet may be provided so as to blow out the first conditioned air toward a location other than the neck of the user. In the above embodiment (FIG. 2B), the lower conditioned air (second conditioned air) is guided to the lower air outlet 152 (second air outlet) via the lower duct 163, and the lower conditioned air is blown out from the lower air outlet 152 toward the waist of the occupant. However, the configuration of the lower temperature adjustment unit 180B that adjusts the temperature around the lower seating surface 124 of the seat 100 is not limited to the above. For example, the second air outlet may be provided so as to blow the second conditioned air toward a region other than the user's lower back.

[0072] In the above embodiment (FIG. 3), the upper conditioned air (cool air) and the lower conditioned air (hot air) are generated by a common Peltier element 170. More specifically, the Peltier element 170 is provided on the intermediate wall 164 so that the upper surface 171 (one surface) and the lower surface 172 (the other surface) face the flow path in the upper duct and the flow path in the lower duct, respectively. However, the configuration of the wall on which the Peltier element is provided is not limited to the above. The first conditioned air generating unit that generates the upper conditioned air and the second conditioned air generating unit that generates the lower conditioned air may be configured using a material other than a Peltier element. In other words, the configuration of the first conditioned air generating unit and the second conditioned air generating unit is not limited to the above, as long as they are provided at the branching point of the upper duct and the lower duct from the inlet duct. In the above embodiment, the temperature of the upper conditioned air is set lower than the temperature of the lower conditioned air. However, the temperature setting of the conditioned air is not limited to this.

[0073] In the above embodiment (FIG. 2B), the upper temperature adjustment unit 180A and the lower temperature adjustment unit 180B have a common blower 153 connected to the inlet duct 161, but the configuration of the blower arranged in the seat is not limited to that described above. The blower of the upper temperature adjustment unit and the blower of the lower temperature adjustment unit may be provided separately. In the above embodiment (FIG. 2B), an exhaust duct 165 is provided that branches off from the lower duct 163 and guides the lower conditioned air to the bottom outlet 155 (third outlet) on the bottom surface of the seat back 120, but the installation location of the third outlet is not limited to that described above as long as it is provided in a location different from the seating surface 124.

[0074] In the above embodiment (FIG. 5), the temperatures of the upper air-conditioning airflow and the lower air-conditioning airflow are detected by temperature sensors 173-175, but the configuration (mounting position) of the temperature detection units is not limited to that described above. In the above embodiment (FIGS. 2B, 6), switching unit 156 is provided to switch the flow of the lower air-conditioning airflow so that the lower air-conditioning airflow flows to lower air outlet 152 or bottom air outlet 155 depending on the temperature T detected by temperature sensor 175, but the configuration of switching unit 156 is not limited to that described above. In the above embodiment (FIGS. 4A, 4B), lower air outlet 152 is moved by actuator 167, but the configuration of the air outlet moving unit is not limited to that described above.

[0075] Although the seat 100 has been described above as a vehicle seat, the seat of the present invention can also be applied to seats for vehicles other than vehicles. It can also be applied to seats other than vehicles. That is, the present invention can be applied to various seats that have a seating surface against which the user's back abuts.

[0076] <Floor air outlet device> A floor blower device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12. When blowing conditioned air toward a user seated in a seat, it is more efficient to blow the conditioned air directly to the user's body without passing through the user's clothing. However, if the lower half of the user's body is covered with clothing, it is difficult to blow the conditioned air directly to the user's body. Therefore, in this embodiment, the floor blower device is configured as follows so that the conditioned air is blown from the floor to the inside of the user's clothing. The floor blower device according to this embodiment can be applied not only to the above-described seat (vehicle seat) 100 but also to various other seats. An example in which the floor blower device is applied to the above-described seat 100 will be described below.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the main configuration of a vehicle having a floor air outlet device 200 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a view taken along the arrow VIII in FIG. 7. In FIGS. 7 and 8, clothing covering the lower half of the body of a user PS, i.e., long pants BT (also called leg coverings or lower garments), is shown by solid lines. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a pair of floor air outlet devices 200, one on each side, is provided on the floor 1 in front of the seat 100. Each floor air outlet device 200 has a sphere 201 that partially protrudes upward from the floor 1. A discharge port 202 is provided in the sphere 201, and conditioned air is blown out from the discharge port 202.

[0078] The sphere 201 is provided at a position corresponding to the position where the soles of the feet of the user PS in a seated posture are placed (referred to as the sole position). That is, the sphere 201 is provided at the same position as the sole position of the user PS in the front-rear direction and outside the sole position of the user PS in the left-right direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the sphere 201 is provided on an extension line L1 extending forward from the left-right end surface of the seat cushion 110. The sphere 201 may be provided outside the pair of left-right extension lines L1, L1 in the left-right direction, or inside the pair of left-right extension lines L1, L1 in the left-right direction.

[0079] 7, a front structure 2 such as the dashboard or instrument panel of the vehicle is disposed above the sphere 201. In other words, the sphere 201 is disposed forward of the rear end surface 2a of the front structure 2. The front structure 2 protrudes rearward from near the lower end of the windshield (not shown), and the feet of a user in a seated position are disposed below the front structure 2.

[0080] 9A is a side view schematically showing the overall configuration of floor air outlet device 200. As shown in Fig. 9A, sphere 201 has protruding portion 201A protruding upward from a substantially circular opening 1a in floor 1, and non-protruding portion 201B located below floor 1. Center point P1 of sphere 201 is located below floor 1, and the volume of protruding portion 201A is smaller than the volume of non-protruding portion 201B.

[0081] The sphere 201 is supported by a plurality of bearings 203 arranged below the floor 1 so as to be rollable in any direction, including the front-to-back direction (the direction of arrow A) and the left-to-right direction (the direction of arrow B), around a center point P1. The plurality of bearings 203 include a plurality of upper bearings 203A arranged above the center point P1 and a plurality of lower bearings 203B arranged below the center point P1. The upper bearings 203A and the lower bearings 203B are each formed by a ball caster. The ball caster has a single ball and a housing (not shown) that supports the ball so that it can roll.

[0082] The plurality of upper bearings 203A are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the sphere 201. These upper bearings 203A are located on the same horizontal plane SF1. The number of the plurality of upper bearings 203A is three or more (for example, four). Similarly, the plurality of lower bearings 203B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the sphere 201. These lower bearings 203B are located on the same horizontal plane SF2. The number of the plurality of lower bearings 203B is three or more (for example, four).

[0083] A bracket 204 is provided around the periphery of upper bearing 203A, and the housing of upper bearing 203A is fixed to bracket 204. Therefore, the balls of upper bearing 203A are able to roll while being fixed in place. A leaf spring 205 is attached to the lower end of bracket 204. Leaf spring 205 is biased radially inward of sphere 201, i.e., toward center point P1.

[0084] The housing of the lower bearing 203B is fixed to the leaf spring 205. At this time, the ball of the lower bearing 203B is biased toward the center point P1 of the sphere 201. Therefore, the lower bearing 203B can move downward and radially outward (to the opposite side of the center point P1) as the leaf spring 205 is pressed downward and elastically deformed. The position of the sphere 201 in FIG. 9A corresponds to the initial position of the lower bearing 203B before it moves downward. The initial position is the upper end position where the lower bearing 203B has moved upward to the maximum. FIG. 9B shows the lower end position where the sphere 201 has moved downward to the maximum.

[0085] A support plate 206 is disposed below the sphere 201. FIG. 10 is a plan view (viewed from above) of the support plate 206. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 10, the support plate 206 is configured as a flat plate that is approximately rectangular in plan view. A circular through-hole 206a is opened in the center of the support plate 206. The diameter of the through-hole 206a is smaller than the diameter of the sphere 201. The lower end of the sphere 201 can be inserted into the through-hole 206a (FIG. 9B).

[0086] A plurality of (for example, four) brake shoes 207 are provided in the circumferential direction on the periphery of the through-hole 206a of the support plate 206. The brake shoes 207 are made of a resin or rubber material and protrude upward. When the sphere 201 moves downward and the outer circumferential surface of the sphere 201 abuts against the brake shoes 207, a braking force acts on the sphere 201, making it impossible for the sphere 201 to roll.

[0087] A push-button switch 208 having a normally open contact is disposed below the sphere 201. The switch 208 has a rotatable lever 208a biased to an initial position by a spring (not shown). In the initial position shown in FIG. 9A, the lever 208a is separated from the normally open contact, turning the switch 208 off. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the lever 208a is pushed downward by the downward movement of the sphere 201, the normally open contact is closed. This causes the switch 208 to output an ON signal.

[0088] Sphere 201 has a flow path 210 formed therethrough, from inlet 209 provided on the surface of sphere 201 to outlet 202. Outlet 202 is provided in protruding portion 201A. Inlet 209 is provided below lower bearing 203B. One end of air conditioning duct 211 is connected to inlet 209. The other end of air conditioning duct 211 is connected to an air conditioning unit that generates conditioned air (cool air, warm air). The air conditioning unit includes a blower 213. The temperature of the conditioned air generated by the air conditioning unit can be changed in response to commands from the user.

[0089] Air conditioning duct 211 has bellows portion 212 and is configured to be bendable via bellows portion 212. This allows sphere 201 to roll and move downward while air conditioning duct 211 remains connected to sphere 201. Furthermore, by connecting sphere 201 to air conditioning duct 211, the amount of rolling of sphere 201 can be limited, and this allows air outlet 202 to always be positioned above floor 1.

[0090] Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of floor air outlet device 200. As shown in Fig. 11, floor air outlet device 200 has switch 208 arranged below sphere 201, ECU 215, and electric motor 216 for driving blower 213. ECU 215 is a controller including a computer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits.

[0091] ECU 215 outputs a control signal to electric motor 216 based on the signal from switch 208. Specifically, each time an ON signal is input from switch 208, ECU 215 switches the rotation speed of electric motor 216 in stages. For example, each time an ON signal is input from switch 208, ECU 215 controls electric motor 216 so that the operation and airflow rate of blower 213 are switched sequentially from blower 213 stopped, to low airflow rate, to medium airflow rate, to high airflow rate, and then blower 213 stopped.

[0092] The operation of floor air outlet device 200 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. After a user seated in seat 100 turns on the vehicle's power switch, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the user applies a pedaling force F of a predetermined value F1 or more to sphere 201 with the sole of their foot, leaf spring 205 is pushed via lower bearing 203B. This causes leaf spring 205 to elastically deform downward and radially outward, and lower bearing 203B moves downward as shown by the solid line from the initial position indicated by the two-dot chain line. At this time, sphere 201 moves from the initial position in FIG. 9A to the lower end position in FIG. 9B.

[0093] This turns on switch 208, and outputs an operation command for floor air outlet device 200. As a result, blower 213 operates, and conditioned air is blown out from air outlet 202. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9B , the bottom surface of sphere 201 abuts against brake shoe 207. This applies a braking force to sphere 201, preventing sphere 201 from rolling. Note that the bottom surface of sphere 201 may abut against brake shoe 207, and a braking force may be applied to sphere 201, when the pedal force F acting on sphere 201 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value F2 that is greater than predetermined value F1. This allows switch 208 to be turned on with a small pedal force F.

[0094] When the user removes their foot from sphere 201, sphere 201 is pushed upward by the biasing force of leaf spring 205 and returns to its initial position as shown in FIG. 9A. This causes sphere 201 to move away from switch 208, turning switch 208 off. From this state, when the user again applies a pedal force F equal to or greater than predetermined value F1 to sphere 201, sphere 201 is pushed downward as shown in FIG. 9B, turning switch 208 on. This changes the airflow volume of blower 213 from weak to medium.

[0095] After the floor air outlet device 200 is activated by turning on the switch 208, the user adjusts the position and orientation of the air outlet 202 by rolling the sphere 201 with the soles of their feet. As a result, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 7 and 8 , conditioned air can be blown toward the feet of the user PS who has their feet placed inside the left and right floor air outlet devices 200. For example, conditioned air can be blown toward the inside of the long pants BT. As a result, conditioned air can be blown directly onto the body of the user PS, improving the comfort of the user PS.

[0096] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a modification of Fig. 7. In Fig. 12, in addition to floor blowing device 200, another floor blowing device 200A is provided behind the soles of the feet of user PS. Unlike blowing outlet 202 of floor blowing device 200, blowing outlet 202A of floor blowing device 200A is immovable, and conditioned air is blown out forward from blowing outlet 202A. As a result, conditioned air from floor blowing device 200 (arrow A) and conditioned air from floor blowing device 200A (arrow B) are blown out toward the feet of user PS, and the conditioned air can be effectively introduced inside the long pants BT.

[0097] The floor blowing device 200A may be provided at the same left-right position as the floor blowing device 200, or may be provided laterally inward of the floor blowing device 200 (for example, at the same left-right position as the sole of the user PS). When the floor blowing device 200A is provided, the position of the floor blowing device 200 may be moved rearward from the position shown in Fig. 7 so that the distance between the floor blowing devices 200 and 200A is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance.

[0098] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved. (1) Floor air outlet device 200 is disposed on floor 1 in front of seat 100 (FIG. 7). Floor air outlet device 200 has protruding portion 201A protruding upward from floor 1 and non-protruding portion 201B disposed below floor 1, and is equipped with sphere 201 in which flow path 210 is formed through which conditioned air flows from inlet 209 provided in non-protruding portion 201B to outlet 202 provided in protruding portion 201A, a support portion (e.g., bearing 203) that supports sphere 201, and air conditioning duct 211 that guides the conditioned air to inlet 209 (FIG. 9A). The support portion including bearing 203 supports sphere 201 so that the blowing direction of the conditioned air blown out from outlet 202 can be changed (FIG. 9A).

[0099] This configuration makes it easy to change the direction of the conditioned airflow blown out from near the floor 1, allowing the conditioned airflow to be blown directly onto the body (inside the clothing) of the user PS. In particular, because the conditioned airflow is blown upward from below the soles of the feet, it can be easily introduced inside the long pants BT. As a result, the comfort of the user PS is improved.

[0100] (2) Floor air outlet device 200 has sphere 201 as a rolling movable body (FIG. 9A). By configuring sphere 201 as the movable body in this manner, sphere 201 can be easily rolled by operating it with the soles of the feet of user PS, and the position and orientation of air outlet 202 can be easily adjusted.

[0101] (3) The protruding portion 201A is provided above the center point P1 of the sphere 201 (FIG. 9A). This makes it possible to reduce the amount of protrusion of the sphere 201 from the floor 1.

[0102] (4) A plurality of bearings 203 are disposed around the sphere 201 to support the sphere 201 in a rollable manner while restricting horizontal movement of the sphere 201 (FIG. 9A). This allows the sphere 201 to roll smoothly.

[0103] (5) The plurality of bearings 203 includes an upper bearing 203A disposed above the center point P1 of the sphere and a lower bearing 203B disposed below the center point P1, which allows the sphere 201 to easily roll without moving the position of the center point P1.

[0104] (6) Three or more (for example, four) upper bearings 203A are arranged on horizontal plane SF1 along the outer circumferential surface of sphere 201, and three or more (for example, four) lower bearings 203B are arranged on horizontal plane SF2 below horizontal plane SF1 along the outer circumferential surface of sphere 201 (FIG. 9A). This allows sphere 201 to roll around center point P1 while the position of sphere 201 is regulated by the upper and lower bearings 203.

[0105] (7) In addition to bearing 203, the support portion that supports sphere 201 further includes leaf spring 205 that supports lower bearing 203B so that it can move up and down (FIG. 9A). Leaf spring 205 is configured to urge lower bearing 203B upward (FIG. 9A). As a result, when user PS applies a stepping force F to the top surface of sphere 201, sphere 201 can move downward against the urging force of leaf spring 205.

[0106] (8) The support unit further includes brake shoes 207 that come into contact with sphere 201 to prevent sphere 201 from rolling when downward pressure (stepping force) F acting on sphere 201 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value F1 (FIG. 9B). This prevents sphere 201 from rolling when user PS applies his or her own weight to sphere 201, stabilizing the feet of user PS.

[0107] (9) Floor air outlet device 200 further includes switch 208 (FIG. 11) that operates in response to downward pressure (step force) F acting on sphere 201 and outputs a command to blow out conditioned air from outlet 202 and a command to change the air volume. This allows the user PS to command the blowing out of conditioned air and change the air volume by operating sphere 201 with the sole of their foot, making it easy for the user PS to issue air conditioning commands.

[0108] (10) The sphere 201 is disposed below the front structure 2 facing the seat back 120 so that the user can operate the sphere 201 with the soles of their feet when seated on the seat 100 having the seat cushion 110 and the seat back 120, but cannot operate the sphere 201 with the soles of their feet when standing (FIG. 7). This makes it difficult for the user PS to stand on the sphere 201, thereby stabilizing the feet of the user PS.

[0109] The configuration of the floor air outlet device 200 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12 can be summarized as follows. The floor air outlet device, which is located on the floor in front of the seat, has a protruding portion protruding upward from the floor and a non-protruding portion located below the floor, and is equipped with a movable body having an internal flow path formed therein through which conditioned air flows from a first opening provided in the non-protruding portion to a second opening provided in the protruding portion, a support portion that supports the movable body, and a duct that guides the conditioned air to the first opening. The support portion supports the movable body so that it can roll so that the blowing direction of the conditioned air blown out from the second opening can be changed.

[0110] The moving body is preferably spherical, and in this case, the protrusion is preferably provided above the center of the moving body.

[0111] The support unit has a plurality of bearings arranged around the movable body and supporting the movable body so that it can roll while restricting its horizontal movement, including an upper bearing arranged above the center position of the movable body and a lower bearing arranged below the center position.

[0112] In particular, three or more upper bearings are arranged on a first horizontal plane along the outer circumferential surface of the movable body, and three or more lower bearings are arranged on a second horizontal plane below the first horizontal plane along the outer circumferential surface of the movable body.

[0113] The support part further includes a bearing support part that supports the lower bearing so that it can move up and down, and the bearing support part includes a biasing part that biases the lower bearing upward. The support part may further include a rolling prevention part that prevents the moving body from rolling when a downward pressing force acting on the moving body reaches a predetermined value or more.

[0114] Preferably, the floor air outlet device further includes a switch that operates in response to a downward pressure acting on the moving body and outputs a command to blow out conditioned air from the second opening and / or a command to change the volume of conditioned air.

[0115] It is preferable that the moving body be positioned below a structure provided opposite the seat back so that the user can operate the moving body with the soles of their feet when in a seated position in a seat having a seat cushion and a seat back, but cannot operate it with the soles of their feet when in an upright position.

[0116] In the above embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 12), spherical body 201 is used as the movable body included in floor air outlet device 200, but the configuration of the movable body is not limited to a sphere. That is, the movable body may have any configuration as long as it has a protruding portion protruding upward from floor 1 and a non-protruding portion located below floor 1, and an internal flow path is formed through which conditioned air flows from a first opening provided in the non-protruding portion to a second opening provided in the protruding portion. Furthermore, the position and shape of inlet 209 as the first opening, the position and shape of outlet 202 as the second opening, and the position and shape of flow path 210 as the internal flow path are not limited to those described above.

[0117] In the above embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 12), the bellows portion 212 is provided in the air conditioning duct 211 to allow the sphere 201 to move. However, the duct configuration is not limited to the above, as long as the sphere 201 is connected to the moving body so that it can move. In the above embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 12), the sphere 201 is supported for rolling motion via the bearing 203. However, any configuration of the support portion may be used as long as the moving body is supported for rolling motion so that the blowing direction of the conditioned airflow from the second opening can be changed. In the above embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 12), the bearing 203 is configured with an upper bearing 203A disposed above the center point (center position) P1 of the sphere 201 and a lower bearing 203B disposed below. More specifically, the bearing 203 is configured with a plurality of upper bearings 203A disposed on the horizontal plane SF1 (first horizontal plane) and a plurality of lower bearings 203B disposed on the horizontal plane SF2 (second horizontal plane). However, the configuration of the bearings is not limited to the above.

[0118] In the above embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 12), the leaf spring 205 supports the lower bearing 203B so that it can move up and down, and biases the lower bearing 203B upward, but the configuration of the bearing support portion and the biasing portion is not limited to this. For example, the bearing support portion and the biasing portion may be provided separately. In the above embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 12), the brake shoe 207 is provided as a rolling prevention portion that prevents the rolling of the ball 201 when the downward pressing force (depression force F) acting on the ball 201 exceeds a predetermined value F1, but the configuration of the rolling prevention portion is not limited to this.

[0119] In the above embodiment, switch 208 is provided below sphere 201 to output a command for blowing conditioned air from air outlet 202 and a command for changing the volume of conditioned air. However, a switch may be provided to issue either the command for blowing conditioned air or the command for changing the volume of conditioned air. While switch 208 is configured to operate in response to downward pressure acting on sphere 201, the switch configuration is not limited thereto. Instead of switch 208 below sphere 201, a manually operated switch may be provided on seat 100. In the above embodiment, sphere 201 is disposed below front structure 2, which is disposed opposite seat back 120. That is, sphere 201 is disposed below front structure 2 so that it can be operated with the soles of the feet in a seated position and cannot be operated with the soles of the feet in a standing position. However, a movable object that can be operated with the soles of the feet may be disposed below another structure.

[0120] <Vehicle air conditioning system> 13 to 16, a vehicle air conditioner according to this embodiment will be described. While a vehicle is traveling, an occupant may wish to feel refreshed by opening a window to let in outside air. However, it is difficult to open a window to let in outside air in rainy weather or when the atmospheric environment is poor due to the presence of a lot of dust or the like. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle air conditioner is configured as follows so that the occupant can virtually experience the refreshing feeling that comes from opening a window. The vehicle air conditioner according to this embodiment can be applied not only to a vehicle having the above-described seat (vehicle seat) 100, but also to vehicles having various types of seats. An example in which the vehicle air conditioner is applied to a vehicle having the above-described seat 100 will be described below.

[0121] FIG. 13 is a side view showing the configuration of a main part of a vehicle having a vehicle air conditioner 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, a pair of air outlets 301, 302 that blow conditioned air toward an occupant PS are provided in a front structure (instrument panel) 2 in front of a seat back 120. Air outlet 301 is formed toward a head restraint 130, and air outlet 302 is formed toward an upper portion of the seat back 120. Air outlet 301 is a head air outlet that blows conditioned air toward the head (face) PS2 of the occupant PS, as indicated by an arrow A1 in FIG. 13. Air outlet 302 is a chest air outlet that blows conditioned air toward the chest PS3 of the occupant PS, as indicated by an arrow B1 in FIG.

[0122] An air conditioning unit 310 is disposed in front of the air outlets 301, 302. The air conditioning unit 310 has an air conditioning air generator 311 that generates conditioned air and a pair of blow-out fans 312, 313 that blow out the conditioned air. Although not shown, the air conditioning air generator 311 has a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a heater core, etc., and can generate conditioned air at a predetermined temperature and humidity. The conditioned air generated by the air conditioning air generator 311 is guided to the inlet of the blow-out fan 312 via a duct 314, and is also guided to the inlet of the blow-out fan 313 via a duct 315.

[0123] Outlet fan 312 is a head-side outlet fan that blows conditioned air from outlet 301, and outlet fan 313 is a chest-side outlet fan that blows conditioned air from outlet 302. Outlet fans 312 and 313 are each composed of an electric sirocco fan that is rotated by driving an electric motor (FIG. 14). Outlet fans 312 and 313 are configured so that their rotation speed can be changed, and by controlling the rotation speed of outlet fans 312 and 313, the air volume (wind speed) of the conditioned air blown out from outlets 301 and 302 can be changed.

[0124] Air intakes 321, 322 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of headrest 130 and on the left and right side surfaces of the upper part of seat back 120, respectively. Air intake fans 323, 324 are disposed inside headrest 130 and seat back 120 near air intakes 321, 322. Air intake fans 323, 324 are configured, for example, by sirocco fans driven by electric motors. Air intakes 321, 322 may also be provided on the front surfaces of headrest 130 and seat back 120.

[0125] Intake fan 323 is a head intake fan that draws in conditioned air. By rotating intake fan 323, conditioned air can be forcibly circulated around head PS2 of occupant PS, as indicated by arrow A2 in FIG. 13. Intake fan 324 is a chest intake fan that draws in conditioned air. By rotating intake fan 324, conditioned air can be forcibly circulated around chest PS3 of occupant PS, as indicated by arrow B2 in FIG. 13. Intake fans 323, 324 are configured to be able to change their rotation speed, and by controlling the rotation speed of intake fans 323, 324, the volume (wind speed) of conditioned air flowing around occupant PS can be changed.

[0126] The air outlets 301 and 302, the conditioned air flow generating unit 311, the outlet fans 312 and 313, and the intake fans 323 and 324 are included in the vehicle air conditioner 300. Although not shown in the figures, in addition to the air outlets 301 and 302, the vehicle air conditioner 300 also has a foot air outlet that blows conditioned air toward the feet of occupants, a defroster air outlet that blows conditioned air toward the windshield, a rear air outlet that blows conditioned air toward the rear seats, and the like.

[0127] The vehicle is provided with an infrared sensor 331 that detects the temperature of the head PS2 of the occupant PS. Specifically, the infrared sensor 331 is a thermography camera that detects infrared rays emitted by an object and visualizes the temperature distribution. The infrared sensor 331 is provided, for example, at the upper end of the windshield (not shown) and faces the face of the occupant.

[0128] Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the vehicle air conditioner 300 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the vehicle air conditioner 300 includes an ECU 330, an input unit 332 communicatively connected to the ECU 330, an infrared sensor 331, a temperature sensor 333, a humidity sensor 334, a vehicle speed sensor 335, an outside air temperature sensor 336, an outside air humidity sensor 337, an air conditioning air generator 311, outlet fan motors 341 and 342, and intake fan motors 343 and 344.

[0129] The input unit 332 is a switch with which the occupant commands the air outlet mode. The air outlet modes include a normal air conditioning mode in which conditioned air is blown out according to a temperature set by the occupant, and a wind receiving mode in which conditioned air is blown out from the air outlets 301, 302 according to the vehicle speed. The air outlets 301, 302 are used as vent air outlets in the normal air conditioning mode. The normal air conditioning modes include a vent mode in which conditioned air is blown out from the air outlets 301, 302, a foot mode in which conditioned air is blown out from the foot air outlet, and a defroster mode in which conditioned air is blown out from the defroster air outlet.

[0130] Temperature sensor 333 is a sensor that detects the temperature inside the vehicle cabin. Humidity sensor 334 is a sensor that detects the humidity inside the vehicle cabin. Vehicle speed sensor 335 is a sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle. Outside air temperature sensor 336 is a sensor that detects the temperature of outside air. Outside air humidity sensor 337 is a sensor that detects the humidity of outside air. Blowing fan motor 341 is an electric motor for driving blowing fan 312, and blowing fan motor 342 is an electric motor for driving blowing fan 313. Intake fan motor 343 is an electric motor for driving intake fan 323, and intake fan motor 344 is an electric motor for driving intake fan 324.

[0131] ECU 330 is a controller including a computer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits. ECU 330 executes processing based on signals from input unit 332, infrared sensor 331, temperature sensor 333, humidity sensor 334, vehicle speed sensor 335, outside air temperature sensor 336, and outside air humidity sensor 337 in accordance with a predetermined program, and outputs control signals to air conditioning airflow generation unit 311, blowout fan motors 341 and 342, and intake fan motors 343 and 344.

[0132] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by ECU 330. The processing shown in this flowchart is processing performed when the wind-receiving mode is selected via input unit 332. Therefore, the processing in Fig. 15 starts when the wind-receiving mode is commanded by input unit 332, and is repeated at a predetermined interval until another blowing mode is commanded.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 15, first, in step S31, ECU 330 reads signals from input unit 332, infrared sensor 331, temperature sensor 333, humidity sensor 334, vehicle speed sensor 335, outside air temperature sensor 336, and outside air humidity sensor 337.

[0134] Next, in step S32, ECU 330 outputs a control signal to conditioned air flow generator 311 in accordance with the temperature detected by temperature sensor 333, the humidity detected by humidity sensor 334, the temperature detected by outside air temperature sensor 336, and the humidity detected by outside air humidity sensor 337, to generate conditioned air flow of a predetermined temperature and humidity. This allows the temperature and humidity in the vehicle cabin to be adjusted to a target temperature and target humidity.

[0135] In this case, the target temperature is not a target temperature set by the occupant but a temperature set by ECU 330 according to a program, and a temperature close to the outside air temperature detected by outside air temperature sensor 336 is set as the target temperature. For example, when the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit temperature and equal to or lower than an upper limit temperature, the outside air temperature is set as the target temperature. When the outside air temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature, the lower limit temperature is set as the target temperature. When the outside air temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature, the upper limit temperature is set as the target temperature.

[0136] The target humidity is a humidity set by the ECU 330 according to a program, and a humidity close to the outside air humidity detected by the outside air humidity sensor 337 is set as the target humidity. For example, when the outside air humidity is equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit humidity and equal to or lower than an upper limit humidity, the outside air humidity is set as the target humidity. When the outside air humidity is lower than the lower limit humidity, the lower limit humidity is set as the target humidity. When the outside air humidity is higher than the upper limit humidity, the upper limit humidity is set as the target humidity.

[0137] By setting the target temperature to be equal to or higher than the lower limit temperature and equal to or lower than the upper limit temperature, and setting the target humidity to be equal to or higher than the lower limit humidity and equal to or lower than the upper limit humidity in this way, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable with the conditioned air. The lower limit temperature is, for example, 15°C, and the upper limit temperature is, for example, 30°C. Note that the ECU 330 may set the target humidity to a predetermined humidity regardless of the outside air humidity. The ECU 330 may set the target temperature to a predetermined temperature regardless of the outside air temperature. The ECU 330 may set only the target temperature without setting the target humidity. The target temperature may also be set by the occupant. The ECU 330 may output a control signal to the conditioned air flow generator 311 so that the temperature of the occupant's head (face) detected by the infrared sensor 331 is within a predetermined range (for example, equal to or higher than 33°C and equal to or lower than 38°C) or so that the temperature of the occupant's head is a predetermined temperature (for example, 36°C).

[0138] Next, in step S33, ECU 330 determines whether the temperature detected by infrared sensor 331 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (e.g., 38°C). This determination is made as to whether or not it is necessary to blow more conditioned air from outlets 301, 302 to improve the comfort of the occupants. If the result in step S33 is negative, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0139] In step S34, ECU 330 outputs control signals to outlet fan motors 341, 342 and intake fan motors 343, 344 in accordance with vehicle speed V detected by vehicle speed sensor 335. That is, ECU 330 controls the volume of conditioned air blown out from air outlets 301, 302 in accordance with vehicle speed V, in accordance with predetermined characteristics.

[0140] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a characteristic f1 (solid line) representing the relationship between vehicle speed V and target air volume Q of conditioned air. As shown in FIG. 16, when vehicle speed V is equal to or less than predetermined value V1, target air volume Q increases proportionally at a predetermined increase rate (first rate) as vehicle speed V increases. When vehicle speed V reaches predetermined value V1, target flow rate becomes Q1. When vehicle speed V exceeds predetermined value V1, target air volume Q increases at a second rate smaller than the first rate as vehicle speed V increases. ECU 330 controls outlet fan motors 341, 342 so that outlet fans 312, 313 blow out target air volume Q set in this manner, and also controls intake fan motors 343, 344 in response to the driving of outlet fan motors 341, 342. For example, intake fan motors 343, 344 are controlled so that intake fans 323, 324 rotate at the same rotation speed as outlet fans 312, 313.

[0141] This allows conditioned air to flow around the occupant PS in the same way as when a window is opened and outside air is introduced. This increases the feeling of freshness for the occupant PS and improves comfort. As shown by characteristic f2 (dotted line) in Figure 16, once the vehicle speed V reaches a predetermined value V1, the target air volume Q may be kept constant (Q1). This prevents the occupant PS from feeling uncomfortable due to an excessively large air volume. The change in target air volume Q with an increase in vehicle speed V does not have to be proportional (linear). For example, within a range in which the vehicle speed V is equal to or less than the predetermined value V1, the rate of increase in target air volume Q may gradually decrease with an increase in vehicle speed V.

[0142] 15, if the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, ECU 330 outputs a control signal to outlet fan motors 341, 342 to increase the volume of air blown out from outlets 301, 302 by a predetermined volume higher than target air volume Q corresponding to vehicle speed V, or by an amount obtained by multiplying target air volume Q by a predetermined coefficient. This allows the temperature of the face of occupant PS to be reduced quickly, thereby increasing the comfort of occupant PS.

[0143] The vehicle air conditioning system according to this embodiment can achieve the following advantageous effects. (1) Vehicle air conditioner 300 is provided in front of vehicle seat 100 and includes air outlets 301, 302 that blow conditioned air toward the upper part of seat 100, blow-out fans 312, 313 that change the volume of the conditioned air blown out from air outlets 301, 302, a vehicle speed sensor 335 that detects a vehicle speed V of a vehicle on which seat 100 is mounted, and an ECU 330 that controls blow-out fans 312, 313 in accordance with the vehicle speed V detected by vehicle speed sensor 335 ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ). ECU 330 controls blow-out fans 312, 313 (more precisely, blow-out fan motors 341, 342) so that the volume of the conditioned air blown out from air outlets 301, 302 increases as vehicle speed V detected by vehicle speed sensor 335 increases ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ).

[0144] With this configuration, conditioned air can be blown from the air outlets 301, 302 toward the head PS2 and chest PS3 of the occupant PS according to the vehicle speed V. As a result, conditioned air can be blown toward the occupant without opening the window, similar to that when the window is open, increasing the occupant's sense of freshness and improving comfort. Even in rainy weather or in situations where there is a lot of dust or pollen flying around, the occupant can experience the same sense of freshness as when the window is open, regardless of the atmospheric conditions.

[0145] (2) ECU 330 controls blow-out fans 312, 313 so that the rate of increase in the volume of conditioned air decreases as vehicle speed V detected by vehicle speed sensor 335 increases (FIGS. 15 and 16). This prevents the volume of air blown to the occupants from becoming excessively large, which could lead to a decrease in comfort for the occupants.

[0146] (3) ECU 330 controls blow-out fans 312, 313 so that the air volume increases at a first rate until vehicle speed V detected by vehicle speed sensor 335 reaches predetermined value V1, and then increases the air volume at a second rate smaller than the first rate or stops increasing the air volume when vehicle speed V detected by vehicle speed sensor 335 exceeds predetermined value V1 ( FIG. 16 ). This allows optimal control of the air volume blown to occupants, improving occupant comfort.

[0147] (4) The vehicle air conditioner 300 further includes intake fans 323, 324 (FIG. 13) that are provided on the seat 100 and suck in the conditioned air blown out from the air outlets 301, 302. This increases the flow speed of the conditioned air flowing around the occupant, achieving a flow of conditioned air similar to that when the window is open.

[0148] (5) The vehicle air conditioner 300 further includes an infrared sensor 331 that detects the temperature of the head PS2 of the occupant PS seated in the seat 100 (FIG. 13). The ECU 330 controls the blower fans 312, 313 in accordance with the temperature T detected by the infrared sensor 331 (FIG. 15). This allows the temperature of the head PS2 of the occupant PS to be optimally controlled.

[0149] (6) When the temperature T detected by the infrared sensor 331 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value T1, the ECU 330 controls the outlet fans 312, 313 to increase the volume of conditioned air blown out from the outlets 301, 302 (FIG. 15). This allows the temperature of the head PS2 of the occupant PS to be kept below the predetermined value T1.

[0150] (7) The vehicle air conditioner 300 further includes a conditioned air flow generator 311 that changes the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlets 301, 302 (FIG. 13). The ECU 330 further controls the conditioned air flow generator 311 so that the temperature T detected by the infrared sensor 331 falls within a predetermined range. This makes it possible to optimally control the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air, improving the comfort of the occupant PS.

[0151] (8) The air outlets include a head air outlet 301 that blows conditioned air toward the head PS2 of the occupant PS seated in the seat 100, and a chest air outlet 302 that blows conditioned air toward the chest PS3 of the occupant PS (FIG. 13). This allows the conditioned air to flow toward the head PS2 and chest PS3 of the occupant PS, allowing the occupant PS to experience a simulated situation where outside air is introduced through an open window.

[0152] (9) The blower fans include head blower fan 312, which changes the volume of conditioned air blown out from head outlet 301, and chest blower fan 313, which changes the volume of conditioned air blown out from chest outlet 302 (FIG. 13). When temperature T detected by infrared sensor 331 reaches or exceeds predetermined value T1, ECU 330 controls head blower fan 312 to increase the volume of conditioned air blown out from head outlet 301 (FIG. 15). This makes it possible to separately control the volume of air blown toward head PS2 and the volume of air blown toward chest PS3 of occupant PS, thereby effectively lowering the temperature of head PS2.

[0153] (10) Vehicle air conditioner 300 further includes head intake fan 323, which is provided on each seat 100 and draws in conditioned air blown out from head outlet 301, and chest intake fan 324, which is located below head intake fan 323 and draws in conditioned air blown out from chest outlet 302 (FIG. 13). This makes it possible to easily increase the flow velocity of the conditioned air flowing around head PS2 of occupant PS and the flow velocity of the conditioned air flowing around chest PS3.

[0154] The configuration of the vehicle air conditioner 300 described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16 can be summarized as follows. The vehicle air conditioning device includes an air outlet provided in front of a vehicle seat and blowing conditioned air toward the upper part of the vehicle seat, an air volume changer that changes the volume of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet, a vehicle speed detection unit that detects the vehicle speed of a vehicle in which the vehicle seat is installed, and a control unit that controls the air volume changer in accordance with the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit. The control unit controls the air volume changer so that the volume of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet increases as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit increases.

[0155] The control unit preferably controls the air volume change unit so that the rate of increase in the air volume of the conditioned air decreases as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit increases. Specifically, the control unit preferably controls the air volume change unit so that the air volume increases at a first rate until the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit reaches a predetermined value, and when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit exceeds the predetermined value, the air volume increases at a second rate smaller than the first rate, or the increase in the air volume stops.

[0156] Preferably, the vehicle air conditioning system further includes an intake section that is provided in the vehicle seat and that draws in the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet.

[0157] It is preferable that the vehicle air conditioning system further includes a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the head of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat, and the control unit controls the air volume change unit in accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

[0158] In this case, the control unit may control the air volume change unit to increase the volume of conditioned air blown out from the air outlet when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

[0159] It is preferable that the vehicle air conditioning system further includes an air conditioning change unit that changes at least one of the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet, and that the control unit further controls the air conditioning change unit so that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is within a predetermined range.

[0160] The air outlets preferably include a head air outlet for blowing conditioned air toward the head of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat, and a chest air outlet for blowing conditioned air toward the chest of the occupant.

[0161] In this case, the air volume change unit includes a head air volume change unit that changes the volume of the conditioned air blown out from the head outlet, and a chest air volume change unit that changes the volume of the conditioned air blown out from the chest outlet, and it is preferable that the control unit controls the head air volume change unit so that the volume of the conditioned air blown out from the head outlet increases when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit reaches a predetermined value or higher.

[0162] It is preferable that the vehicle air conditioning system further comprises a head intake section provided in each vehicle seat for sucking in the conditioned air blown out from the head outlet, and a chest intake section disposed below the head intake section for sucking in the conditioned air blown out from the chest outlet.

[0163] In the above embodiment (FIGS. 13 to 16), in the wind receiving mode, conditioned air is blown from the air outlets 301, 302 that are also used as vent air outlets, but the configuration of the air outlets is not limited to this. That is, any configuration of the air outlet may be used as long as it is provided in front of the vehicle seat and blows conditioned air toward the upper part of the vehicle seat. The air outlet may be provided separately from the vent air outlet. Instead of configuring the air outlets as separate air outlets for the head and chest, the air outlets may be configured so that the conditioned air is blown toward the head and chest of the occupant from a common air outlet.

[0164] In the above embodiment (FIGS. 13 to 16), the rotation speed of the outlet fans 312 and 313 is changed to change the volume of the conditioned air blown out from the outlets 301 and 302, but the configuration of the air volume changer is not limited to that described above. In the above embodiment (FIGS. 13 to 16), the vehicle speed V is detected by the vehicle speed sensor 335, but the vehicle speed detection unit may have any configuration. In the above embodiment, the infrared sensor 331 is used to detect the temperature T of the head PS2 of the occupant PS, but the temperature detection unit may have any configuration.

[0165] In the above embodiment (FIGS. 13 to 16), ECU 330 controls blow-out fans 312, 313 so that the air volume increases at a first rate until vehicle speed V reaches predetermined value V1, and then increases at a second rate smaller than the first rate or stops increasing the air volume when vehicle speed V exceeds predetermined value V1, but the configuration of the control unit is not limited to this. In other words, the control unit may have any configuration as long as it controls the air volume change unit so that the air volume of the conditioned air increases as the number of vehicles increases.

[0166] In the above embodiment (FIGS. 13 to 16), conditioned air is generated by the conditioned air generating unit 311. However, the conditioned air in this case is not limited to air in which both temperature and humidity are controlled, but also includes air in which either temperature or humidity is controlled. Furthermore, simply blowing outside air from the air outlet through an intake filter, i.e., blowing air from the air outlet without changing the temperature or humidity, is also included in the case of blowing conditioned air. Therefore, the configuration of the conditioned air generating unit 311 as the air conditioning changing unit may be any.

[0167] In the above embodiment (FIGS. 13 to 16), the blower fan 312 (head-side air volume changer) blows conditioned air from the air outlet 301, and the blower fan 313 (chest-side air volume changer) blows conditioned air from the air outlet 302. However, the configurations of the head-side air volume changer and the chest-side air volume changer are not limited to those described above. A single air volume changer may blow conditioned air from both the head-side air outlet and the chest-side air outlet. In the above embodiment (FIGS. 13 to 16), the seat 100 is provided with a pair of intake fans 323, 324 (head-side air intake unit, chest-side air intake unit) corresponding to the pair of blower fans 312, 313. However, the seat may be provided with a single intake unit. The intake unit may also be omitted.

[0168] <Vehicle seats> A vehicle seat according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20B. Generally, abdominal breathing, which enables deep breathing by moving the diaphragm significantly, can bring about a relaxing effect, but the breathing that is done unconsciously in everyday life is often shallow chest breathing. Therefore, in order to perform abdominal breathing in everyday life, it is necessary to consciously change the breathing method. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle seat is configured as follows so that a user (occupant) seated in the vehicle seat can consciously perform abdominal breathing while traveling in a vehicle. Note that the following describes an example in which the vehicle seat that assists abdominal breathing is applied to a vehicle seat installed in an automobile (vehicle).

[0169] Fig. 17 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle seat 400 according to this embodiment. In the following, the front-rear direction and the up-down direction are defined as shown in the figure, and the configuration of each part will be described according to these definitions. Note that Fig. 17 shows a vehicle seat (e.g., a passenger seat) 400 arranged on the left side of the vehicle, and a vehicle seat (e.g., a driver's seat) arranged on the right side of the vehicle is configured symmetrically to the vehicle seat 400 in Fig. 17.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 17, vehicle seat 400 includes a seat cushion 410 that supports the occupant's buttocks, a seat back 420 that supports the occupant's back, a headrest 430 that supports the occupant's head, a pair of armrests 440 on the left and right on which the occupant can place their arms, a seat belt device (seat belt) 450 that holds the body of the seated occupant, and an abdominal breathing assist device 500 that assists the occupant in abdominal breathing while held by seat belt device 450.

[0171] The seat cushion 410 extends substantially horizontally and has a generally rectangular shape in plan view on which an occupant can sit. The seat cushion 410 includes a seat cushion frame 411 (only a portion of which is shown) that forms a framework. Although not shown in detail, the seat cushion frame 411 has, for example, a pair of left and right side frames 411a that extend in the front-rear direction, and a pair of front and rear connecting frames 411b that also extend in the left-right direction and connect the front ends and rear ends of the pair of left and right side frames 411a, and the entire seat cushion has a generally rectangular frame shape in plan view.

[0172] A substantially plate-shaped pressure-receiving member (not shown) is disposed inside (inside the frame) of the seat cushion frame 411, and the pressure-receiving member is supported by the seat cushion frame 411. A resilient cushion pad 412 made of a urethane foam or the like is disposed around the seat cushion frame 411 including the pressure-receiving member, and these are covered with a cover material 413. Although not shown, an ottoman that can be rotated up and down around a shaft extending in the left-right direction as a fulcrum can also be provided at the front end of the seat cushion 410.

[0173] The seat back 420 rises from the rear end of the seat cushion 410 and has a generally rectangular shape in a front view, against which an occupant seated on the seat cushion 410 can lean. The seat back 420 has a seat back frame 421 (only a part of which is shown) that forms a skeleton. Although not shown in detail, the seat back frame 421 has, for example, a pair of left and right side frames 421a that extend generally in the vertical direction, and a pair of upper and lower connecting frames 421b that also extend in the horizontal direction and connect the upper ends and lower ends of the pair of left and right side frames 421a, respectively, and the entire seat back has a generally rectangular frame shape in a front view.

[0174] A substantially plate-shaped pressure-receiving member (not shown) is disposed inside (inside the frame of) seatback frame 421, and the pressure-receiving member is supported by seatback frame 421. Around seatback frame 421 including the pressure-receiving member, a resilient back pad 422 made of a urethane foam or the like is disposed, and these are covered with a skin material 423.

[0175] The lower end of the seatback frame 421 is pivotally supported via a reclining mechanism 401 to the rear end of the seat cushion frame 411 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction around a shaft extending in the left-right direction as a fulcrum. The seatback 420 can be tilted in the front-rear direction relative to the seat cushion 410 by operating the reclining mechanism 401. Although not shown in detail, the reclining mechanism 401 has a drive motor (not shown) that rotates the seatback frame 421, and the drive motor can also be driven by the abdominal breathing assist device 500.

[0176] Headrest 430 is provided at the upper end of seat back 420, and has a generally rectangular shape in a front view that can support the back of the head of an occupant leaning against seat back 420. Although not shown in detail, headrest 430 has a support frame 431 that is supported by seat back 420 so as to be height adjustable, and elastic head pad 432 made of a urethane foam or the like is arranged around support frame 431, and these are covered with a skin material 433.

[0177] A pair of left and right lower rails 402 extending in the front-rear direction are installed on the upper surface of the floor inside the vehicle cabin. A pair of left and right upper rails 403 extending in the front-rear direction are provided on the bottom of the seat cushion frame 411. The upper rails 403 engage with the lower rails 402, and the seat cushion 410 is slidable in the front-rear direction along the lower rails 402 via the upper rails 403.

[0178] The pair of left and right armrests 440 are provided on both sides of the seat back 420 and are supported rotatably, with a shaft extending in the left-right direction as a fulcrum, between a use position in which they protrude forward and a storage position along the side of the seat back 420. In the use position, the tip ends of the pair of left and right armrests 440 protrude forward and assume a substantially horizontal position, allowing the occupant to rest both arms on the upper surface (rest surface). In the storage position, the tip ends of the pair of left and right armrests 440 protrude upward and assume a substantially vertical position, allowing the occupant to store along the side of the seat back 420.

[0179] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which a seat belt device 450 equipped with an abdominal breathing assist device 500 provided in the vehicle seat 400 of Fig. 17 is in use, and does not show the seat cushion 410. As shown in Fig. 18, the seat belt device 450 is a three-point seat belt that secures the left shoulder and both left and right hips of the occupant.

[0180] The seat belt device 450 has a strap 451 (also called a webbing) formed in a strip shape using, for example, polyester resin. An anchorage 452 is attached to the rear end of the left side surface of the seat cushion 410, more specifically, to the rear end of the left seat cushion frame 411. One end of the strap 451 is fixed to the anchorage 452. A strap guide 453 is provided on the upper end of the seat back frame 421, on the left side of the headrest 430. A through-hole 453a is provided in the strap guide 453 so as to penetrate in the front-rear direction, and the strap 451 is slidably held in the strap guide 453 via the through-hole 453a.

[0181] The other end of the strap 451 that passes through the strap guide 453 is connected to a retractor (not shown) provided on the left side of the seat back 420. The retractor has a built-in spring and is configured to wind up the strap 451 by the spring force. Under normal circumstances, the strap 451 can be withdrawn from the retractor against the spring force, thereby enabling the seat belt device 450 to be in a used state. On the other hand, the retractor locks when it detects an impact and prevents the withdrawal of the strap 451, thereby maintaining the occupant's restraint state.

[0182] A tongue 454 is provided on the strap 451 so as to be slidable in the direction in which the strap 451 extends. A buckle 455 is attached to the rear end of the right side surface of the seat cushion 410, more specifically, to the rear end of the right seat cushion frame 411. The buckle 455 is configured so that the tongue 454 can be inserted through an opening at the upper end. When the tongue 454 is inserted into the buckle 455, the tongue 454 is locked to the buckle 455, and the seat belt device 450 enters a use state in which it holds the occupant. The buckle 455 is provided with an unlocking portion. When the unlocking portion is operated, the lock is released and the tongue 454 can be removed from the buckle 455.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 18 , when the seat belt device 450 is in use, the strap 451 diagonally crosses the front of the seat back 420 from the strap guide 453 on the upper left to the buckle 455 on the lower right. This allows the strap 451 to function as a chest strap 451a and hold the occupant's chest. The strap 451 also crosses the front of the seat back 420 in the left-right direction from the anchorage 452 to the buckle 455. This allows the strap 451 to function as an abdomen strap 451b and hold the occupant's abdomen. Although not shown, when the seat belt device 450 is not in use, the strap 451 is tensioned from the strap guide 453 to the anchorage 452 by being wound up by the retractor. This allows the strap 451 to be held in a state where it is biased to the left.

[0184] Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of abdominal breathing assist device 500 provided in vehicle seat 400. As shown in Fig. 19, abdominal breathing assist device 500 includes a chest sensor unit (first sensor unit) 510 provided on chest strap 451a for detecting expansion and contraction of the chest due to breathing of the occupant, an abdominal sensor unit (second sensor unit) 520 provided on abdominal strap 451b for detecting expansion and contraction of the abdomen due to breathing of the occupant, an input / output device 530 for inputting and outputting commands and information related to abdominal breathing, a communication unit 540 capable of communicating with external devices, and a controller 550 for controlling these.

[0185] Chest sensor unit 510 has multiple chest sensors (pressure sensors) 511 that detect the expansion and contraction of the occupant's chest, held by chest strap 451a, based on the pressure acting on the chest. That is, multiple chest sensors 511 detect chest displacement due to breathing based on changes in pressure on the occupant's chest. Multiple chest sensors 511 are arranged side by side in the extension direction of chest strap 451a and are configured to be movable along chest strap 451a. By using multiple chest sensors 511 that are movable along chest strap 451a, chest sensors 511 can be positioned appropriately even when occupants of different builds are seated, thereby improving the accuracy of detection results. Note that multiple chest sensors 511 may be configured to be movable as a unit along chest strap 451a, or each of the multiple chest sensors 511 may be configured to be movable individually.

[0186] Each of the multiple chest sensors 511 is configured to be able to be pressed toward the occupant by air cells 512. Air cells 512 may be configured to be integral with each of the multiple chest sensors 511, or may be configured to be superimposed on each of the multiple chest sensors 511. By using air cells 512, each of the multiple chest sensors 511 can be brought into close contact with the occupant's chest, which expands and contracts with breathing.

[0187] In this embodiment, the plurality of chest sensors 511 are made up of first to fourth chest sensors 511a to 511d, and the air cell 512 is arranged to overlap the first to fourth chest sensors 511a to 511d.

[0188] The abdomen sensor unit 520 has a plurality of abdomen sensors (pressure sensors) 521 that detect the expansion and contraction of the abdomen of the occupant held by the abdomen strap 451b based on the pressure acting on the abdomen. That is, the plurality of abdomen sensors 521 detects the displacement of the abdomen due to breathing based on the change in pressure on the abdomen of the occupant. The plurality of abdomen sensors 521 are arranged side by side in the extension direction of the abdomen strap 451b and are configured to be movable along the abdomen strap 451b. By using a plurality of abdomen sensors 521 that are movable along the abdomen strap 451b, the abdomen sensors 521 can be positioned appropriately even when occupants of different builds are seated, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection results. The plurality of abdomen sensors 521 may be configured to be movable as a unit along the abdomen strap 451b, or each of the plurality of abdomen sensors 521 may be configured to be movable individually.

[0189] Each of the plurality of abdominal sensors 521 is configured to be able to be pressed toward the occupant by air cells 522. Air cells 522 may be configured to be provided integrally with each of the plurality of abdominal sensors 521, or may be configured to be superimposed on each of the plurality of abdominal sensors 521. By using air cells 522, each of the plurality of abdominal sensors 521 can be brought into close contact with the abdomen of the occupant, which expands and contracts with breathing.

[0190] In this embodiment, the plurality of abdominal sensors 521 are made up of first to fourth abdominal sensors 521a to 521d, and the air cell 522 is arranged to overlap the first to fourth abdominal sensors 521a to 521d.

[0191] Input / output device 530 is a general term for devices that input commands from the occupant and output information to the occupant. Input / output device 530 has a touch panel 531 through which the occupant inputs various commands and information, a microphone 532 through which the occupant inputs various commands and information by voice, a monitor (alert unit) 533 that presents information to the occupant via a displayed image, and a speaker (alert unit) 534 that presents information to the occupant by voice. Commands from the occupant regarding abdominal breathing are input to controller 550 via touch panel 531 or microphone 532, and information regarding the occupant's abdominal breathing is presented to the occupant via monitor 533 or speaker 534.

[0192] The input / output device 530 may be configured to utilize, for example, an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle or a portable terminal carried by the occupant. For example, it may utilize the touch panel, microphone, monitor, and speaker of a navigation device installed in the vehicle or a smartphone carried by the occupant. By utilizing these, the configuration of the abdominal breathing assist device 500 can be simplified.

[0193] The communication unit 540 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with external devices, in-vehicle devices, portable terminals carried by occupants, etc., via a communication network. For example, the communication unit 540 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with in-vehicle devices, portable terminals carried by occupants, etc., via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and is configured to be capable of wireless communication with external devices, such as external servers, via public wireless communication networks, such as the Internet network and mobile phone networks. Note that communication networks include not only public wireless communication networks, but also closed communication networks established for each predetermined management area, such as wireless LANs and Wi-Fi (registered trademarks). Information regarding abdominal breathing performed by the occupant can be transmitted via the communication unit 540 to external devices, such as the portable terminal of the occupant or a pre-registered external server.

[0194] The controller 550 is configured by a computer having a calculation unit 551 such as a CPU, a storage unit 543 such as a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, and other peripheral circuits not shown.

[0195] The calculation unit 551 has, as a functional configuration, a determination unit 552 that determines whether the occupant is performing abdominal breathing. The determination unit 552 determines whether the occupant is performing abdominal breathing or thoracic breathing based on the difference between the chest displacement detected by the chest sensor unit 510 and the abdominal displacement detected by the abdominal sensor unit 520. The abdominal breathing assist device 500 has a determination mode, a health improvement mode, and a singing mode for assisting abdominal breathing, and the determination unit 552 determines whether abdominal breathing is occurring in each mode.

[0196] The determination mode is a mode for determining whether or not the breathing of an occupant seated in vehicle seat 400 is abdominal breathing. That is, the determination mode is a mode for determining whether or not the occupant is consciously performing abdominal breathing while driving. The determination mode is started, for example, when the occupant presses a determination mode switch displayed on touch panel 531.

[0197] At this time, if the determination unit 552 determines that the occupant has been performing abdominal breathing continuously for a certain period of time or more (for example, 10 minutes or more), it outputs the continuous time to the monitor 533 and the speaker 534 as a warning, and advises the occupant to temporarily suspend abdominal breathing. Furthermore, if the determination unit 552 detects an abnormal value in the measurement value, for example, if it detects an abnormal value due to the occupant's intentional poor posture, it outputs a warning such as "Is your seat belt properly fastened?" to the monitor 533 or the speaker 534, and advises the occupant to change their posture.

[0198] Fig. 20A is a diagram showing an example of a measurement pattern of the chest and abdomen of an occupant that is determined to be abdominal breathing, and Fig. 20B is a diagram showing an example of a measurement pattern that is determined to be thoracic breathing. The measurement patterns shown in Figs. 20A and 20B are measurement patterns of displacement based on the pressure of the chest and abdomen, respectively. In each of Figs. 20A and 20B, (a) is a diagram showing the chest displacement of the occupant detected by the chest sensor unit 510, (b) is a diagram showing the chest displacement obtained by multiplying (a) by a predetermined correction coefficient, (c) is a diagram showing the abdominal displacement of the occupant detected by the abdominal sensor unit 520, and (d) is a diagram comparing the chest displacement shown in (b) with the abdominal displacement shown in (c).

[0199] The determination unit 552 determines that the breathing is abdominal breathing when the integral value of the value (difference) obtained by subtracting the occupant's chest displacement (displacement at inflation relative to deflation) detected by the chest sensor unit 510 from the occupant's abdominal displacement (displacement at inflation relative to deflation) detected by the abdomen sensor unit 520, as shown in (d) of FIG. 20A, is greater than a predetermined reference value. That is, the determination unit 552 determines that the breathing is abdominal breathing when the difference between the abdominal displacement and the chest displacement is relatively large. On the other hand, the determination unit 552 determines that the breathing is thoracic breathing when the integral value of the value (difference) obtained by subtracting the occupant's chest displacement (displacement at inflation relative to deflation) detected by the chest sensor unit 510 from the occupant's abdominal displacement (displacement at inflation relative to deflation) detected by the abdomen sensor unit 520, as shown in (d) of FIG. 20B, is less than a predetermined reference value. That is, the determination unit 552 determines that the breathing is thoracic breathing when the difference between the abdominal displacement and the chest displacement is relatively small.

[0200] The predetermined reference value is a value that can be set in advance based on a correction coefficient, and is recorded together with the correction coefficient in a determination table stored in determination mode database 554 of storage unit 553. Determination unit 552 may be configured to determine abdominal breathing and thoracic breathing in stages, for example, to determine the degree (proportion, ratio) of abdominal breathing and thoracic breathing. For example, it may be configured to determine that the proportion of abdominal breathing within a predetermined period is XX%, and the proportion of thoracic breathing is △△%, etc.

[0201] Furthermore, when the percentage of abdominal breathing is low, for example, when the percentage of abdominal breathing is 30% or less, reclining mechanism 401 may be operated to correct the occupant's posture to one that facilitates abdominal breathing (for example, a substantially vertical position of seat back 420). In this case, if seat back 420 is provided with a lumbar support function, the lumbar support function may further correct the curvature of the spine of the seated occupant, and at the same time, headrest 430 may be moved to an appropriate position that prevents the neck from tilting too far forward.

[0202] By selecting the judgment mode and having the judgment unit 552 judge whether abdominal breathing is occurring or not, the passenger will consciously engage in abdominal breathing while driving, and can expect to drive and enjoy a more relaxed trip to the destination.

[0203] The health promotion mode is a mode that suggests abdominal breathing for a certain period of time in accordance with a preset health promotion program. The preset health promotion program may be, for example, a program that incorporates yoga breathing techniques, such as a program that involves performing three sets of abdominal breathing for 10 minutes at intervals. Determination unit 552 determines whether abdominal breathing is occurring while the health promotion program is being executed, minute by minute, and notifies the occupant of the determination result via monitor 533 and speaker 534.

[0204] The singing mode is a mode in which abdominal breathing timing is presented for a song selected by the occupant from a plurality of pre-registered songs, and abdominal breathing is suggested while singing. The abdominal breathing timing is, for example, previewed along with the lyrics displayed on the monitor 533. The determination unit 552 compares the original abdominal breathing timing of the selected song with the abdominal breathing timing of the occupant while singing, and notifies the occupant via the monitor 533 and the speaker 534 of the percentage of abdominal breathing achieved. The determination unit 552 also scores the percentage of abdominal breathing achieved and points out the parts where abdominal breathing is achieved or not achieved. For example, the speaker 534 outputs the parts where abdominal breathing is achieved or not achieved, and the monitor 533 provides an explanation to that effect. At this time, advice on abdominal breathing while singing may also be presented.

[0205] Storage unit 553 stores various programs, various data, etc. executed by calculation unit 551. For example, storage unit 553 has determination mode database 554 storing various programs, various data, etc. used in the determination mode, health improvement mode database 555 storing various programs, various data, etc. used in the health improvement mode, and singing mode database 556 storing various programs, various data, etc. used in the singing mode.

[0206] The determination mode database 554 stores a program for determining whether an occupant is abdominal breathing (a program for determining whether abdominal breathing is occurring and calculating the rate and proportion, etc.), a linkage program for linking the reclining mechanism 401, and various data used in these programs, such as a determination table in which predetermined reference values ​​and correction coefficients are recorded, and a drive table in which the relationship between the position of the seat back 420 and the reclining mechanism 401 is recorded.

[0207] Health promotion mode database 555 stores a 10-minute yoga breathing program incorporating yoga breathing techniques, as well as various data used in the yoga breathing program, such as personal data of the occupant, etc. Personal data includes, for example, age, sex, height, and weight.

[0208] The singing mode database 556 stores a plurality of pieces of music data that can determine abdominal breathing, a display program that displays the timing of abdominal breathing in the music, and various data used in the display program, such as personal data of the occupants, etc. The personal data includes, for example, age and gender.

[0209] The abdominal breathing assist device 500 configured as described above executes a program according to the mode selected by the occupant via the touch panel 531, and determines whether abdominal breathing is occurring based on the executed mode.

[0210] For example, when an occupant selects a judgment mode via touch panel 531, the presence or absence of abdominal breathing while seated in vehicle seat 400, for example, the ratio of abdominal breathing to thoracic breathing, is judged, and the occupant, seeing the judgment result, will consciously change their breathing method to abdominal breathing, which can bring about a relaxing effect for the occupant while driving. Also, when a health improvement mode is selected via touch panel 531, the occupant can expect to improve their health through abdominal breathing by imitating the breathing method displayed on monitor 533, etc. Furthermore, when a singing mode is selected via touch panel 531, karaoke using abdominal breathing becomes possible, and in addition to stress relief by karaoke while driving, the relaxing effect of abdominal breathing can be obtained.

[0211] According to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be achieved. (1) Vehicle seat 400 includes strap 451 having chest strap 451a for holding the occupant's chest and abdominal strap 451b for holding the abdomen, chest sensor unit 510 attached to chest strap 451a for detecting expansion and contraction of the chest due to the occupant's breathing, abdominal sensor unit 520 attached to abdominal strap 451b for detecting expansion and contraction of the abdomen due to the occupant's breathing, and determination unit 552 for determining whether the occupant is performing abdominal breathing based on the displacement of the chest detected by chest sensor unit 510 and the displacement of the abdomen detected by abdominal sensor unit 520 (Figures 18 and 19).

[0212] This configuration allows the occupant to consciously practice abdominal breathing even while traveling in the vehicle, allowing them to enjoy traveling in the vehicle (for example, driving) in a more relaxed state and also enabling them to enjoy sightseeing at their destination.

[0213] (2) The vehicle seat 400 further includes a monitor 533 and a speaker 534 that can notify the occupant of the determination result determined by the determination unit 552 ( FIG. 19 ). In this way, the determination result is notified via the monitor 533 and the speaker 534, so that the occupant can easily recognize the notification content. Note that the monitor 533 and the speaker 534 may be configured to utilize a monitor and a speaker that are included in an in-vehicle device (e.g., a navigation device) installed in the vehicle or a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) carried by the occupant. By utilizing these, the configuration can be simplified.

[0214] (3) Vehicle seat 400 further includes reclining mechanism 401 (FIG. 17) that is provided on seat back 420 rotatably supported by seat cushion 410 and that can change the position of seat back 420 so that the occupant can assume a posture that facilitates abdominal breathing. With this configuration, for example, seat back 420 can be placed in a substantially vertical position, allowing the occupant to assume a posture that facilitates abdominal breathing.

[0215] (4) Chest sensor unit 510 and abdomen sensor unit 520 each include a pressure sensor (chest sensor 511 and abdomen sensor 521) disposed on chest strap 451a and abdomen strap 451b, respectively, and air cells 512 and 522 that bring the pressure sensors (chest sensor 511 and abdomen sensor 521) into close contact with the occupant's chest and abdomen (FIGS. 18 and 19). This configuration allows chest sensor 511 and abdomen sensor 521, which constitute the pressure sensors, to be disposed in close contact with the occupant's chest and abdomen, respectively, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection results.

[0216] (5) A plurality of chest sensors 511 and a plurality of abdominal sensors 521 are provided along chest strap 451a and abdominal strap 451b, respectively, and air cells 512, 522 bring the plurality of chest sensors 511 and abdominal sensors 521 into close contact with the user's chest and abdomen, respectively (FIG. 18). By using a plurality of chest sensors 511 and a plurality of abdominal sensors 521 that can move along chest strap 451a and abdominal strap 451b in this way, chest sensors 511 and abdominal sensors 521 can be positioned appropriately even when passengers of different builds are seated, and the accuracy of the detection results can be improved.

[0217] (6) The determination unit 552 determines whether abdominal breathing is occurring based on the integral of the difference between the chest displacement detected by the chest sensor unit 510 and the abdominal displacement detected by the abdominal sensor unit 520 (FIGS. 19-20B). In this way, by using the integral of the difference between the abdominal displacement and the chest displacement, it is possible to easily determine whether abdominal breathing is occurring.

[0218] (7) When abdominal breathing continues for a predetermined time or longer, the determination unit 552 outputs a warning to the monitor 533 and the speaker 534 (FIG. 19). For example, if abdominal breathing continues for 10 minutes or longer, the occupant may develop anemia, etc. Therefore, by outputting a warning after a predetermined time, safety when using the abdominal breathing assist device 500 can be improved.

[0219] (8) There are a singing mode and a health improvement mode to assist abdominal breathing, and the determination unit 552 determines whether abdominal breathing is occurring according to the singing mode or health improvement mode displayed on the monitor 533 (FIG. 18). In this way, the system not only determines whether abdominal breathing is occurring, but also allows passengers to practice abdominal breathing while having fun by determining whether abdominal breathing is occurring while singing or by incorporating yoga breathing techniques for health improvement.

[0220] The configuration of the vehicle seat 400 described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20B can be summarized as follows. The vehicle seat includes a seat belt having a chest strap for holding a user's chest and an abdominal strap for holding the abdomen, a first sensor unit attached to the chest strap for detecting expansion and contraction of the chest due to the user's breathing, a second sensor unit attached to the abdominal strap for detecting expansion and contraction of the abdomen due to the user's breathing, and a determination unit for determining whether the user is performing abdominal breathing based on the displacement of the chest detected by the first sensor unit and the displacement of the abdomen detected by the second sensor unit.

[0221] It is preferable that the vehicle seat further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the determination result determined by the determination unit.

[0222] It is preferable that the vehicle seat further includes a position change unit that is provided on the seat back rotatably supported by the seat cushion and that can change the position of the seat back so that the user can assume a position that makes it easy for abdominal breathing.

[0223] Preferably, the first and second sensor units each include a pressure sensor disposed on the chest strap and the abdomen strap, respectively, and an air cell that brings the pressure sensor into close contact with the user's chest and abdomen.

[0224] Preferably, a plurality of pressure sensors are provided along the chest strap and the abdomen strap, and the air cells bring each of the plurality of pressure sensors into close contact with the user's chest and abdomen.

[0225] It is preferable that the determination unit determines whether abdominal breathing is occurring based on the difference between the displacement of the chest detected by the first sensor unit and the displacement of the abdomen detected by the second sensor unit.

[0226] It is preferable that the determination unit causes the notification unit to output a warning when abdominal breathing is being performed for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0227] It is preferable that the device has a singing mode and a health promotion mode as an assistance mode for abdominal breathing, and the determination unit determines whether abdominal breathing is occurring in accordance with the singing mode or health promotion mode displayed on the notification unit.

[0228] The vehicle seat described above can be modified into various forms. For example, in the above embodiment, the chest sensor unit 510 is described as having a plurality of chest sensors 511 (first to fourth chest sensors 511a to 511d) and a plurality of air cells 512, but the chest sensor unit 510 may be configured as having a single chest sensor 511 and a single air cell 512. Similarly, in the above embodiment, the abdomen sensor unit 520 is described as having a plurality of abdominal sensors 521 (first to fourth abdominal sensors 521a to 521d) and a plurality of air cells 522, but the abdomen sensor unit 520 may be configured as having a single abdominal sensor 521 and a single air cell 522.

[0229] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the determination unit 552 determines abdominal breathing or thoracic breathing by comparing the corrected value (b) obtained by multiplying the measured value (a) of chest displacement by a correction coefficient with the measured value (c) of abdominal displacement. However, abdominal breathing or thoracic breathing may also be determined by directly comparing the measured value (a) of chest displacement with the measured value (c) of abdominal displacement. By using a correction value obtained by multiplying the measured value (a) by a correction coefficient less than 1 (0<correction coefficient<1), it is possible to prevent the integral value from becoming negative when calculating the integral of the value obtained by subtracting chest displacement from abdominal displacement. In other words, if the measured value of chest displacement is greater than the measured value of abdominal displacement, it is advisable to use the measured value multiplied by a correction coefficient less than 1.

[0230] Furthermore, for example, although the above embodiment has been described using a vehicle seat mounted on an automobile, the present invention may also be used in a vehicle seat mounted on a vehicle other than an automobile, such as a vehicle seat mounted on a train or an airplane.

[0231] The above description is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications as long as the configuration of the present invention is not impaired. One or more of the above-described embodiment and modifications can be arbitrarily combined, and modifications can also be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0232] 100 seat, 124 seating surface, 151 upper air outlet, 152 lower air outlet, 153 blower, 155 bottom air outlet, 156 switching unit, 161 inlet duct, 161a branching unit, 162 upper duct, 163 lower duct, 164 intermediate wall, 165 exhaust duct, 167 actuator, 170 Peltier element, 171 upper surface, 172 lower surface, 173 to 175 temperature sensors, 180 seat air conditioning unit, 180A upper temperature adjustment unit, 180B lower temperature adjustment unit

Claims

1. A seat having a seating surface against which the user's back abuts, an upper temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature around the seating surface at an upper portion of the seat; a lower temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature around the seating surface below the seat, the upper temperature adjustment unit includes a first conditioned air flow generating unit that generates a first conditioned air flow, a first air outlet that blows the first conditioned air flow into an upper space facing the seating surface, and an upper duct that guides the first conditioned air flow to the first air outlet, the lower temperature adjustment unit includes a second conditioned air flow generating unit that generates a second conditioned air flow, a second air outlet that blows the second conditioned air flow into a lower space facing the seating surface, and a lower duct that guides the second conditioned air flow to the second air outlet, the upper duct and the lower duct branch off from a branching portion of an inlet duct provided inside the seat, The seat, wherein the first conditioned air generating section and the second conditioned air generating section are provided at the branching section.

2. The sheet according to claim 1, The seat, wherein the temperature of the first conditioned air is lower than the temperature of the second conditioned air.

3. The sheet according to claim 1, the first air outlet is provided above the seating surface so as to blow out the first conditioned air toward the neck of the user; The seat is characterized in that the second air outlet is provided below the seating surface so as to blow the second conditioned air toward a waist region of a user.

4. The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The seat, wherein the first air conditioning air generating section and the second air conditioning air generating section are configured by a common Peltier element.

5. The sheet according to claim 4, the upper duct and the lower duct are adjacent to each other via a wall portion, The seat is characterized in that the Peltier element is provided on the wall portion so that one surface and the other surface face the flow path in the upper duct and the flow path in the lower duct, respectively.

6. The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The seat is characterized in that the upper temperature adjustment unit and the lower temperature adjustment unit have a common air blowing unit connected to the inlet duct.

7. The sheet according to claim 3, The seat is characterized in that the lower temperature adjustment unit further has an exhaust duct branching from the lower duct and directing the second conditioned air to a third air outlet provided in a position different from the seating surface.

8. The sheet according to claim 7, The lower temperature adjustment unit is a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the second conditioned air; A seat characterized by further comprising a switching unit that switches the flow of the second conditioned air so that the second conditioned air flows to the second air outlet or the third air outlet depending on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

9. The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The seat, wherein the lower temperature adjustment unit further includes an air outlet moving unit that moves the second air outlet toward a user seated in the seat.

10. The sheet according to claim 9, The second air outlets are provided in the left and right bank portions, The seat is characterized in that the air outlet movement unit is an actuator that moves the second air outlet toward the left and right waist regions of the user.

Images