Vehicle seat

Abstract

To restrain foreign matter such as dust from entering a suction port of a blower.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat includes a seat body having an air passage connected to an air outlet 114, and a blower 100 for sending air sucked from an air inlet 113 to the air passage. The blower 100 is arranged on the opposite side of the occupant across the seat body, the suction port 113 faces the seat body side, and the vehicle seat includes a bracket 200 arranged at a position facing the suction port 113 of the seat body for fixing the blower 100 to the seat body. The bracket 200 includes a pair of base portions 210, a facing portion 220 facing the inlet port 113 between the pair of base portions 210 and disposed farther from the blower 100 than the pair of base portions 210, and a pair of connecting portions 230 connecting front and rear ends of the facing portion 220 to the pair of base portions. The connecting portion 230 is formed of a wall and extends to the outside of the range in which the inlet port 113 is disposed in the left-right direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat configured to be able to blow air from a seat body. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a vehicle seat with an air conditioning function that is configured to be able to blow air to a seated occupant from a seat cushion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This vehicle seat is configured such that a blower (fan) is provided under the seat cushion, and air drawn in through an intake port of the blower is blown out from the seat cushion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-66571 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the suction port of the blower faces downward, so there is a risk that foreign matter such as dust lying on the floor of the vehicle may be sucked in through the suction port.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle seat that prevents foreign matter such as dust from entering the intake port. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the vehicle seat of the present invention is a vehicle seat comprising a seat body having an air passage connected to an air outlet, and a blower that sends air drawn in through an intake port into the air passage, the blower being positioned on the opposite side of the seat body from the occupant, and the intake port facing the seat body.

[0007] According to this configuration, the suction port of the blower faces the seat body side, so that foreign matter such as dust can be prevented from entering the suction port.

[0008] The vehicle seat may include a bracket disposed at a position opposite the intake port of the seat body for fixing the blower to the seat body.

[0009] With this configuration, the bracket can prevent foreign matter from entering the suction port.

[0010] In the above-described configuration, the bracket may have a recess facing the suction port.

[0011] With this configuration, a space is created between the suction port and the bracket, making it easier for air to be drawn in through the suction port. Also, with this configuration, the rigidity of the bracket can be increased.

[0012] In the above-described configuration in which the bracket has a recess, the recess may be open on both the left and right sides.

[0013] This configuration makes it easier to draw air from the left and right sides of the intake port.

[0014] In the above-described configuration, the bracket has a pair of base portions, an opposing portion facing the suction port between the pair of base portions and positioned further away from the blower than the pair of base portions, and a pair of connecting portions connecting the front and rear ends of the opposing portion to the pair of base portions, and the connecting portions can be configured to be made of walls and extend outside the range in the left-right direction where the suction port is positioned.

[0015] With this configuration, the connection portion made of the wall can prevent foreign matter from entering the suction port from the front and rear directions.

[0016] In the above-described configuration, the bracket may have a pair of base portions, an opposing portion facing the suction port between the pair of base portions and positioned further away from the blower than the pair of base portions, a pair of connecting portions connecting the opposing portion to the pair of base portions, and an attachment portion for attaching the blower that protrudes from the base portions toward the blower, and the base portions may be configured to be spaced apart from the blower.

[0017] With this configuration, the distance between the blower and the base can be increased, making it easier to draw air through the intake port.

[0018] In a configuration in which the recess is open to the left and right, the seat body has a pair of side frames arranged at a distance to the left and right, and a connecting member connecting the pair of side frames, and at least a portion of the connecting member can be configured to fit into the recess.

[0019] With this configuration, the connecting member fits into the recess, making it possible to prevent large foreign objects from entering the suction port.

[0020] In the above-described configuration, the seat body may have a pair of side frames arranged at a distance from each other on the left and right, and a pan frame connecting the pair of side frames at the front, and the bracket may be attached to the pan frame.

[0021] In the above-described configuration, the bracket may have a through hole formed in a portion facing the suction port.

[0022] This configuration allows air to be easily drawn in through the through holes.

[0023] When the vehicle seat is provided with a bracket for fixing the blower to the seat body, the bracket may be made of resin and have a base to which the blower is fixed, and a first wall that protrudes from the base toward the opposite side from the occupant and is positioned around at least a portion of the blower.

[0024] With this configuration, the blower can be protected by the first wall. Also, since the bracket is made of resin, the weight of the bracket can be reduced.

[0025] In the above-described configuration, the bracket may have a second wall that protrudes from the base toward the occupant, and the base may have a hole formed therein that corresponds to the intake port.

[0026] With this configuration, air can be drawn into the air intake from the occupant side of the base through the hole. Also, when the bracket is disposed on the seat cushion, for example, by disposing the second wall around at least a portion of the hole, the second wall can prevent foreign objects from entering the air intake.

[0027] In the above-described configuration, the bracket may be provided with a hole to which a harness member is fixed.

[0028] This configuration makes it easy to secure the harness to the bracket. Also, because the bracket that secures the harness is made of resin, it is possible to prevent the harness from breaking even if the harness rubs against the bracket.

[0029] In the above-described configuration, the bracket has a first boss, a second boss, and a third boss that engage with the blower and to which a fastening member for fixing the blower is fastened, and the blower can have a circular first engagement hole that fits with the first boss to determine the position of the blower, an oval second engagement hole that engages with the second boss to determine the position in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a third engagement hole that engages with the third boss with play.

[0030] With this configuration, the position of the blower relative to the bracket can be determined by the first boss and the first engagement hole, and the orientation of the blower relative to the bracket can be determined by the second boss and the second engagement hole. Furthermore, because the second engagement hole is oval and the third engagement hole engages with the third boss with some play, the blower can be easily assembled in the correct position even if there is a manufacturing error in the position of each boss on the blower. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, the suction port faces the seat body side, so that foreign matter such as dust can be prevented from entering the suction port.

[0032] According to the present invention, by disposing the bracket, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the suction port.

[0033] According to the present invention, the bracket has a recess, which makes it easier to draw air through the intake port and increases the mounting rigidity of the bracket.

[0034] According to the present invention, by opening the left and right sides of the recess, it is possible to easily draw air from the left and right sides of the suction port.

[0035] According to the present invention, by providing the connecting portion on the bracket, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the suction port from the front and rear directions.

[0036] According to the present invention, by separating the base portion of the bracket from the suction port, it becomes easier to draw air through the suction port.

[0037] According to the present invention, by fitting the connecting member into the recess of the bracket, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the suction port.

[0038] According to the present invention, by providing the through hole in the bracket, it is possible to make it easier for air to be drawn in through the through hole.

[0039] According to the present invention, the blower can be protected by the first wall. Also, since the bracket is made of resin, the weight of the bracket can be reduced.

[0040] According to the present invention, air can be drawn into the air intake port from the occupant side of the base through the hole. Also, for example, when a bracket is disposed on a seat cushion, by disposing a second wall at least partially around the hole, the second wall can prevent foreign matter from entering the air intake port.

[0041] According to the present invention, the harness member can be easily fixed to the bracket. In addition, since the bracket that fixes the harness member is made of resin, the harness member can be prevented from breaking even if the harness member rubs against the bracket.

[0042] According to the present invention, the position and attitude of the blower can be easily determined, and even if there is a manufacturing error in the position of each boss of the blower, the blower can be easily assembled in the correct position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seat frame built into the vehicle seat. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the seat cushion frame and the seat cushion pad. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the front side of the seat cushion frame. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] (a) shows the bracket on which the blower is attached, viewed from the front, and (b) from the right side. [Figure 7] 10A is a perspective view of a bracket according to a first modified example seen from below, and FIG. 10B is a view of the bracket to which a blower is attached seen from the right side. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bracket according to Modification 2, as viewed from below. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a seat cushion frame and a seat cushion pad according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the front side of the seat cushion frame of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 9 as seen from below. [Figure 12] XX cross-sectional view (a) of FIG. 9 and YY cross-sectional view (b) of FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle motor drive device. [Figure 14] 1A is a diagram showing a voltage input to a comparison unit, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an output of the comparison unit, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an output of the comparison unit in a comparative example. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle motor drive device according to a comparative example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle motor drive device according to a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing fluctuations in input voltage when the blower air volume is switched between Hi and Low in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the overall configuration of a vehicle seat S as an example of a vehicle seat will be briefly described first, and then the characteristic features of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0045] 1, the vehicle seat S is a seat used as a driver's seat in an automobile, and mainly includes a seat cushion S1 as an example of a seat body, a seat back S2, and a headrest S3. In the following description, the front, back, left, right, and top and bottom are used with respect to an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat S.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 2, the seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2 incorporate a seat frame F. The seat frame F is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame F1 that forms the frame of the seat cushion S1 and a seat back frame F2 that forms the frame of the seat back S2.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat cushion S1 is configured by covering a seat cushion frame F1 with a seat cushion pad 1 made of a cushioning material such as urethane foam and a cover material 2 made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the seat cushion frame F1 mainly comprises a pair of left and right side frames 10, a pan frame 30 connecting the front portions of each side frame 10, and a connecting pipe 40 (see also Figure 3) as an example of a cylindrical connecting member connecting the front and rear ends of each side frame 10.

[0049] The left and right side frames 10 are metal frames that extend in the front-to-rear direction and are spaced apart from each other on the left and right. The pan frame 30 is made by pressing a metal plate and has a recessed shape in the center.

[0050] Four S springs 20 are installed between the pan frame 30 and the rear connecting pipe 40. The S springs 20 are long springs that extend in the front-rear direction and are formed so as to bend multiple times in the left-right direction.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat cushion pad 1 has an air passage 1A formed inside and multiple air outlets 1B formed on the top surface, and is configured so that air sent into the air passage 1A from the blower 100 can be blown out from the air outlets 1B toward the occupant as shown by the arrows.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, a blower 100 and a bracket 200 are provided below the pan frame 30, that is, on the opposite side of the seat cushion pad 1 from the occupant.

[0053] The blower 100 is a fan for sending air toward the air passage 1A through the duct 1C, and includes a housing 110, a motor 120, and a fan .

[0054] 3 and 4, the housing 110 includes a cylindrical portion 111 formed in a cylindrical shape, and a blowing portion 112 that protrudes to the left from the front of the cylindrical portion 111 and is connected to the duct 1C. An intake port 113 is formed in the cylindrical portion 111, and an outlet port 114 is formed in the blowing portion 112.

[0055] Inlet port 113 is an opening for sucking air into housing 110 by the rotation of fan 130, and is formed in a circular shape on the top surface of cylindrical portion 111 so as to face upward (toward pan frame 30).

[0056] 3, intake port 113 is formed slightly to the left of the top surface of cylindrical portion 111. More specifically, intake port 113 is positioned such that the distance between the inner periphery of cylindrical portion 111 and the outer periphery of fan 130 gradually increases from a position on the left side of the center of cylindrical portion 111 toward the downstream side in the clockwise direction in the drawing. As a result, air passage 115 is formed so that it gradually widens as the air coming out of fan 130 heads toward outlet 114 (blowout portion 112).

[0057] 4, suction port 113 is exposed without a mesh-like, lattice-like, or other covering member disposed to cover suction port 113. In other words, suction port 113 is made up of a single opening.

[0058] Air outlet 114 is an opening for blowing out the air drawn in through inlet 113, and is formed on the left surface of outlet part 112. As a result, air outlet 114 is connected to air passage 1A via duct 1C.

[0059] Furthermore, the housing 110 has three protrusions 116 that protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 111. There are three protrusions 116 in total, one on the front right portion of the cylindrical portion 111 and one on each of the left and right end portions on the rear side, and each protrusion has a hole 116A that penetrates vertically.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, motor 120 is a drive source for rotating fan 130, such as a DC (Direct Current) brushless motor, and is provided inside housing 110. Motor 120 is a drive source for rotating fan 130, such as a DC (Direct Current) brushless motor.

[0061] Fan 130 is connected to the output shaft of motor 120 and is provided inside housing 110, more specifically, at a position along the edge of intake port 113 of housing 110. By arranging fan 130 in this manner, blower 100 is configured so that air drawn in from intake port 113 by the rotation of fan 130 flows through ventilation path 115 in the clockwise direction in the figure and reaches air outlet 114.

[0062] Bracket 200 is a sheet metal member for fixing blower 100 to pan frame 30, and is disposed at a position facing suction port 113 of pan frame 30.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the bracket 200 has a pair of base portions 210 arranged at positions corresponding to the front and rear ends of the suction port 113, an opposing portion 220 arranged between the pair of base portions 210 at a position opposite the suction port 113, and a connecting portion 230 arranged between the opposing portion 220 and the pair of base portions 210.

[0064] The pair of base portions 210 are provided with a total of three weld nuts 211 for attaching blower 100: one on front base portion 210A and two on rear base portion 210B. Weld nuts 211 are arranged on the upper surface of base portion 210 at positions corresponding to protrusions 116 of blower 100. As a result, blower 100 is fixed to the lower surface of base portion 210 of bracket 200 by fitting a bolt inserted through hole 116A of protrusion 116 into weld nuts 211.

[0065] Furthermore, the front base portion 210A is provided with an extension portion 212 extending upward at the front left end thereof. The extension portion 212 has a bent portion 212A whose upper end is bent to the left.

[0066] The opposing portion 220 is a portion that is fixed to the pan frame 30 by welding or the like together with the above-mentioned bending portion 212A, and is positioned farther from the blower 100 than the pair of base portions 210 so that its upper and lower positions are approximately the same as those of the bending portion 212A, as shown in Figures 6(a) and (b).

[0067] The pair of connecting portions 230 are walls that connect the front and rear ends of the opposing portion 220 to the pair of base portions 210. The pair of connecting portions 230 stand upright from the base portions 210 and extend in the left-right direction to the outside of the range in which the suction port 113 is arranged. This allows the connecting portions 230 to block foreign matter even if the foreign matter moves toward the suction port 113 from the front-rear direction.

[0068] Furthermore, in bracket 200, recess 240 recessed upward is formed by facing portion 220 and connecting portion 230. This creates a space between suction port 113 and bracket 200.

[0069] Furthermore, recess 240 is open on the left and right sides and is positioned so that a portion of connecting pipe 40 on the front side can fit in. As a result, connecting pipe 40 is positioned in the space above suction port 113 and the flow path inside recess 240 is appropriately narrowed, so that connecting pipe 40 does not allow large foreign objects moving from the left or right direction to enter.

[0070] Next, a method for mounting the blower 100 and the bracket 200 will be described. The upper surface of the opposing portion 220 of the bracket 200 and the bent portion 212A are fixed to the pan frame 30 by welding or the like. After the bracket 200 is fixed to the pan frame 30, the front connecting pipe 40 is inserted into the recess 240, and the pan frame 30 is placed on the side frame 10. Then, a bolt is inserted into the hole 116A of the protruding portion 116 of the blower 100 and fitted into the weld nut 211 of the bracket 200, thereby fixing the blower 100 to the bracket 200.

[0071] The effects of the vehicle seat S configured as above will be described below. When fan 130 provided inside blower 100 rotates, air is drawn into blower 100 through intake port 113, passes through ventilation path 115, and reaches outlet port 114. The air is then sent into ventilation path 1A and blown out through outlet port 1B. If the intake port of the blower faces downward, as in the conventional configuration, it is likely to suck in dust and other particles that have fallen on the vehicle floor.

[0072] However, in this embodiment, suction port 113 of blower 100 faces upward, which can prevent dust and other particles from being sucked in through suction port 113. Furthermore, suction port 113 and bracket 200 face each other, which can prevent foreign matter from entering suction port 113.

[0073] Furthermore, since a space is created between suction port 113 and bracket 200, it is possible to easily draw air through suction port 113. Furthermore, since bracket 200 is configured to have recessed portion 240, the rigidity of bracket 200 can be increased.

[0074] Since the recess 240 is open on both sides, air can be easily drawn in from the left and right sides of the intake port 113.

[0075] Since the connecting portion 230 blocks foreign matter from the front and rear directions, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the suction port 113 from the front and rear directions.

[0076] Since the connecting pipe 40 blocks foreign matter from the left and right directions, it is possible to prevent large foreign matter from entering the suction port 113 from the left and right directions.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the suction port 113 is exposed, but by configuring the suction port 113 to face upward and block foreign objects from the front, back, left and right, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the suction port 113 without providing a separate cover member.

[0078] In addition, in the first embodiment, the blower 100 is fixed to the underside of the base portion 210, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the base portion 210 may be configured to be spaced apart from the blower 100, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b).

[0079] In this configuration, bracket 200 protrudes from a pair of base portions 210 and is provided with three mounting portions 213 for mounting blower 100, one on the front side and two on the rear side. Front mounting portion 213 extends upward from base portion 210 and then bends forward, while rear mounting portion 213 extends upward from base portion 210 and then bends rearward. Mounting portions 213 are positioned so that their bent portions correspond to protrusions 116 of blower 100.

[0080] When blower 100 is attached to such an attachment portion 213, blower 100 is disposed at a distance from base portion 210. This allows for a wider distance X between blower 100 and base portion 210, making it easier to draw air through suction port 113.

[0081] 8, the bracket 200 may have a through hole 250 formed in a portion facing the suction port 113. As shown in FIG.

[0082] In this configuration, the through hole 250 is formed in the rear portion of the portion of the bracket 200 that faces the suction port 113. Specifically, the through hole 250 is formed in a range from the center portion in the front-rear direction of the facing portion 220 of the bracket 200, across the rear connecting portion 230B, to the center portion in the front-rear direction of the rear base portion 210B. Note that the through hole 250 may have any shape. Furthermore, a plurality of through holes 250 may be provided.

[0083] With this configuration, air can be easily drawn into the suction port 113 from the through-hole 250 .

[0084] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the previously described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] 9, the blower 300 and bracket 400 in this embodiment are disposed below the connecting pipe 40 of the pan frame 30. The blower 300 includes a housing 310, a motor 120, and a fan 130, similar to the blower 100 of the first embodiment.

[0086] Housing 310 is made of a resin such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), and similar to blower 100 of the first embodiment, includes a cylindrical portion 311 and a blowout portion 312. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an intake port 313 is formed on the top surface of cylindrical portion 311. Blowing portion 312 protrudes rearward from the rear of cylindrical portion 311, and a blowout port 314 is formed on the rear surface (see FIG. 12(a)). The material of housing 310 is not particularly limited, and may be made of a material other than PBT.

[0087] Furthermore, three attachment portions 316, 317, and 318 are formed on the outer periphery of cylindrical portion 311 and protrude outward. Attachment portion 316 protrudes to the right front of cylindrical portion 311, attachment portion 317 protrudes approximately to the rear of cylindrical portion 311, and attachment portion 318 protrudes to the left front of cylindrical portion 311. Attachment portion 316 is formed with a circular first engagement hole 316A, attachment portion 317 is formed with a second engagement hole 317A that is oval and long in the front-to-rear direction, and attachment portion 318 is formed with a circular third engagement hole 318A that is larger than first engagement hole 316A.

[0088] The first engagement hole 316A, the second engagement hole 317A, and the third engagement hole 318A are portions through which tapping bolts B1, which are an example of fastening members, are inserted to fix the blower 300 to the bracket 400.

[0089] First engagement hole 316A is formed to fit with first boss 416 (described later) to determine the position of blower 300 at the position of first engagement hole 316A. Second engagement hole 317A is formed to engage with second boss 417 (described later) to determine the position in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of second engagement hole 317A, i.e., in the approximately left-right direction, thereby determining the attitude of blower 300. Third engagement hole 318A is slightly larger than first engagement hole 316A, and is therefore formed to engage with third boss 418 (described later) with some play in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0090] Duct 320 is manufactured by blow molding an olefin-based elastomer (TPO), for example, and connects blower 300 to air passage 1A. Note that the material of duct 320 is not particularly limited, and it may be manufactured from a material other than TPO.

[0091] Duct 320 has a first extending portion 321 extending in the front-rear direction, and a second extending portion 322 extending upward from the rear end of first extending portion 321 and having an upper end connected to air passage 1A. As shown in FIG. 12(a), the front end of first extending portion 321 forms fitting portion 321A formed to fit inside air outlet 314. By fitting this fitting portion 321A into air outlet 314, air outlet 314 is connected to air passage 1A via duct 320.

[0092] 10 and 11, bracket 400 is manufactured by injection molding a resin such as PP (polypropylene), and includes a base 410, a first wall 420, and a second wall 430. The material of bracket 400 is not particularly limited, and bracket 400 may be manufactured from a material other than PP.

[0093] Base 410 is a portion to which blower 300 is fixed, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. Circular hole 411 is formed in base 410 at a position corresponding to suction port 313 of blower 300 (see also FIG. 12(b)). Recess 412, recessed upward from the bottom surface, is formed in the center of the left and right sides of the front end of base 410.

[0094] The first wall 420 protrudes from the base 410 on the side opposite the occupant, i.e., downward, and has a front wall 421 located at the front end of the base 410 and a pair of side walls 422 located at the left and right side ends of the base 410.

[0095] The front wall 421 is formed over the entire left-right range of the front end of the base 410, and the pair of side walls 422 extend in the front-rear direction from both the left and right ends of the front wall 421 and are formed over the entire front-rear range of both the left and right ends of the base 410. The front wall 421 and the pair of side walls 422 are arranged around the hole 411 of the base 410, i.e., around the blower 300.

[0096] The second wall 430 protrudes from the front end of the base 410 toward the occupant, i.e., upward, and is located forward of the hole 411 (see also FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b)). The second wall 430 is formed over the entire range in the left-right direction of the front end of the base 410.

[0097] Base 410 has first boss 416, second boss 417, and third boss 418 that protrude downward from the bottom surface for mounting blower 300. Each boss 416, 417, and 418 is cylindrical, and has holes 416A, 417A, and 418A formed in the bottom surface for engaging tapping bolt B1. Bosses 416, 417, and 418 all have the same shape and are positioned corresponding to first engagement hole 316A, second engagement hole 317A, and third engagement hole 318A, respectively.

[0098] The base 410 is also provided with ribs (reference numerals omitted) that connect the outer circumferential surfaces of the bosses 416, 417, and 418 to the front wall 421 or the side wall 422. Each rib protrudes from the base 410 by the same amount, and the mounting portions 316, 317, and 318 of the blower 300 come into contact with each rib, thereby enabling the position of the blower 300 in the up-down direction to be determined.

[0099] The base 410 also has, at its rear end, a pair of fixing portions 413 that extend outward on the left and right sides beyond the side walls 422. The left fixing portion 413 is provided with an extending portion 414 that extends downward from the left end.

[0100] A first fixing hole 412A is formed in the bottom wall of the recess 412, a second fixing hole 413A is formed in the left fixing part 413, and a third fixing hole 413B is formed in the right fixing part 413. A tapping bolt B2 is inserted into each of the fixing holes 412A, 413A, and 413B to fix the bracket 400 to the pan frame 30.

[0101] The first fixing hole 412A is a circular hole that fits into a boss (not shown) of the pan frame 30 to determine the position of the bracket 400 at the position of the first fixing hole 412A. The second fixing hole 413A is an oval hole that is long in the left-right direction, and by engaging with a boss (not shown) of the pan frame 30, it is possible to determine the position in the front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the oval and to determine the attitude of the bracket 400 relative to the seat cushion frame F1. The third fixing hole 413B is an oval hole that is larger than the first fixing hole 412A and the second fixing hole 413A, and is designed to engage with a boss (not shown) of the pan frame 30 with some play in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions.

[0102] Furthermore, holes 440 penetrating laterally are formed in first wall 420 and extension 414. Holes 440 are holes that can be used to fasten clips that support harness members of blower 300 and other electrical components.

[0103] Next, a method for attaching the blower 300 and the bracket 400 will be described. 10, first, the fixing holes 412A, 413A, 413B of the bracket 400 are engaged with the bosses corresponding to the holes of the pan frame 30, and the tapping bolts B2 are inserted into the boss holes corresponding to the holes of the pan frame 30. This fixes the bracket 400 to the pan frame 30.

[0104] 9 and 12(a), fitting portion 321A of duct 320 is fitted into air outlet 314 of blower 300, and the upper end of second extension portion 322 is inserted into the opening connected to air passage 1A. Then, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, engagement holes 316A, 317A, and 318A of blower 300 are engaged with bosses 416, 417, and 418 of bracket 400, and tapping bolts B1 are inserted into the holes of bosses 416, 417, and 418 of bracket 400. This completes the attachment of blower 300 to bracket 400.

[0105] As described above, the following advantageous effects can be obtained in this embodiment. Since first wall 420 is disposed around blower 300, blower 300 can be protected by first wall 420. Furthermore, since bracket 400 is made of resin, the weight of bracket 400 can be reduced and the degree of freedom in design can be improved.

[0106] Because the hole 411 is formed at a position corresponding to the suction port 313 of the base 410, air can be sucked into the suction port 313 from the upper side of the base 410. Furthermore, because the second wall 430 is located around the hole 411, i.e., the suction port 313, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the air around the bracket 400 flows upward once, approaches the seat cushion pad 1, and then flows downward toward the suction port 313. In other words, the air around the bracket 400 passes over the second wall 430 and enters the suction port 313. The presence of the second wall 430 narrows the path through which foreign matter can enter between the bracket 400 and the seat cushion pad 1, and therefore foreign matter can be prevented from entering the suction port 313 compared to a configuration without the second wall.

[0107] Holes 440 are formed in bracket 400, which makes it easy to fix harness members to bracket 400. Furthermore, because bracket 400, which fixes harness members, is made of resin, problems such as disconnection or short circuit of the harness members can be suppressed even if the harness members rub against the bracket.

[0108] The position of blower 300 relative to bracket 400 can be determined by fitting first boss 416 into first engagement hole 316A, and the orientation of blower 300 relative to bracket 400 can be determined by fitting second boss 417 into second engagement hole 317A. Furthermore, because second engagement hole 317A is oval and third engagement hole 318A engages with third boss 418 with some play, blower 300 can be easily assembled in the correct position even if there is a manufacturing error in the positions of bosses 416, 417, 418 on bracket 400.

[0109] Here, a vehicle motor drive device 500 for driving the motor 120 of the blowers 100, 300 of the first and second embodiments (only the first embodiment is shown) will be described.

[0110] 13, vehicle motor drive device 500 is supplied with power from a battery power source VB, which is an example of a power source mounted on a vehicle, and includes motor 120, input voltage generation unit 520, and drive unit 530. Motor 120 and drive unit 530 are provided inside blower 100.

[0111] The motor 120 is a drive source for driving the fan 130 to rotate, such as a DC (Direct Current) brushless motor.

[0112] The input voltage generating section 520 is a section that generates an input voltage V11 to be input to the driving section 530, and includes a resistor string 521 and a switch section 522.

[0113] The resistor string 521 is configured by connecting three resistors 521A, 521B, and 521C in series in order from the battery power supply VB side between the battery power supply VB and ground. The resistors 521A, 521B, and 521C may have the same resistance value or different resistance values.

[0114] Switch unit 522 allows the occupant to switch blower 100 between ON and OFF and to switch the airflow rate when blower 100 is ON between Hi, Mid, and Low levels. Switch unit 522 is configured to selectively connect one of connection point P1 on the battery power supply VB side of resistor string 521, connection point P2 between resistors 521A and 521B, connection point P3 between resistors 521B and 521C, and connection point P4 on the ground side of resistor string 521 to output unit 523 of input voltage generating unit 520. The voltage at each connection point selected by switch unit 522 in this manner is output from output unit 523 to drive unit 530 as input voltage V11 for drive unit 530.

[0115] In this embodiment, when switch unit 522 is connected to connection part P1, the airflow rate of blower 100 is set to high, when connected to connection part P2, the airflow rate of blower 100 is set to medium, and when connected to connection part P3, the airflow rate of blower 100 is set to low. When switch unit 522 is connected to connection part P4, blower 100 is turned off.

[0116] The driving unit 530 is a part that receives the input voltage V11 directly from the input voltage generating unit 520 and drives the motor 120 at a rotation speed according to the magnitude of the input voltage V11. The driving unit 530 has a reference voltage generating unit 531, a triangular wave generating unit 532, a buffer unit 533, a comparing unit 534, and a driving signal output unit 535.

[0117] The reference voltage generating unit 531 generates the reference voltage V21 and is composed of two resistors 531A and 531B connected in series between the battery power supply VB and the ground. The reference voltage generating unit 531 is configured to output the voltage between the resistors 531A and 531B as the reference voltage V21 to the triangular wave generating unit 532. The resistors 531A and 531B may have the same resistance value or different resistance values.

[0118] Here, the input voltage generating unit 520 and the reference voltage generating unit 531 generate the input voltage V11 and the reference voltage V21 by dividing the voltage between the battery power supply VB and the ground using a plurality of resistors connected in series. Therefore, when the voltage of the battery power supply VB fluctuates, the input voltage V11 and the reference voltage V21 also fluctuate in conjunction with the voltage fluctuation of the battery power supply VB.

[0119] The triangular wave generating section 532 is a section that generates a triangular wave V22 having an amplitude corresponding to the reference voltage V21, and is configured to output the triangular wave V22 to the comparing section 534 (see FIG. 14(a)).

[0120] Buffer unit 533 is a part that adjusts input voltage V11 to buffer voltage V12 and outputs it to comparison unit 534, and is composed of amplifier 533A to which input voltage V11 is input, and two resistors 533B and 533C connected in series between the output of amplifier 533A and ground. Buffer unit 533 is configured to output the voltage between resistors 533B and 533C to comparison unit 534 as buffer voltage V12.

[0121] The comparison unit 534 is configured to compare the magnitude relationship between the input voltage V11 and the reference voltage V21, more specifically, the buffer voltage V12 and the triangular wave V22, and output a pulse signal Vp having a pulse width according to the magnitude of the input voltage V11 to the drive signal output unit 535. Note that the comparison unit 534 in this embodiment is configured to output a high voltage when it determines that the buffer voltage V12 is high, and to output a low voltage when it determines that the triangular wave V22 is high (see FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b)), but may also be configured to output the opposite voltages.

[0122] The drive signal output unit 535 is configured to output to the motor 120 a drive signal for driving the motor 120 at a rotation speed according to the duty ratio of the pulse signal Vp.

[0123] The operation and effect of the vehicle motor drive device 500 in this embodiment configured as above will be described. When the battery power supply VB is not fluctuating, a connection of one of the resistor strings 521 in the input voltage generating unit 520 is selected by the switch unit 522. For example, when the switch unit 522 selects the connection P1, an input voltage V11 corresponding to the voltage at the connection P1 is input to the buffer unit 533, and as shown in FIG. 14(a), a buffer voltage V12 (shown by a broken line) is input to the comparing unit 534. The comparing unit 534 compares the magnitude relationship between the triangular wave V22 (shown by a broken line) generated by the triangular wave generating unit 532 from the reference voltage V21 and the buffer voltage V12, and outputs a pulse signal Vp as shown in FIG. 14(b) to the driving signal output unit 535.

[0124] Then, the motor 120 rotates in response to a drive signal from the drive signal output unit 535 corresponding to the pulse signal Vp, which in turn rotates the fan 130, and air is sent from the blower 100 to the air passage 1A. By selecting the connection point P2 or P3 using the switch unit 522, the comparator 534 outputs a pulse signal Vp having a pulse width corresponding to the respective input voltage V11, and the motor 120 is driven at a rotation speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the pulse signal Vp. In other words, by switching between the connection points P1, P2, and P3 using the switch unit 522, the rotation speed of the motor 120 can be varied by so-called PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, which controls the pulse width of the pulse signal Vp.

[0125] In this way, the rotation speed of motor 120 can be determined by switching input voltage V11 between multiple stages using switch unit 522, so the air volume of blower 100 can be adjusted with a simple configuration using only analog circuits. This eliminates the need to provide an ECU for digital control, allowing the number of parts in vehicle seat S and vehicle motor drive device 500 to be reduced.

[0126] The voltage of the battery power supply VB drops depending on the usage conditions, etc. For this reason, for example, in a configuration having a standard voltage generation unit 540 instead of the reference voltage generation unit 531 in Fig. 13 as shown in Fig. 15, even if the voltage of the battery power supply VB fluctuates, the reference voltage V23 output from the reference voltage generation unit 540 remains constant, and the triangular wave V22 of the triangular wave generation unit 532 remains constant, just as it was before the voltage fluctuation of the battery power supply VB (see the dashed line in Fig. 14(a)).

[0127] Specifically, reference voltage generating unit 540 is composed of resistor 541 having one end connected to battery power supply VB, and Zener diode 542 having a cathode connected to the other end of resistor 541 and an anode connected to ground. In reference voltage generating unit 540, the voltage at the connection point between resistor 541 and Zener diode 542 is input as reference voltage V23 to triangular wave generating unit 532. Even if the voltage of battery power supply VB fluctuates, reference voltage generating unit 540 outputs a constant reference voltage V23 by applying a voltage equal to or greater than the Zener voltage to the cathode side of Zener diode 542, thereby causing a current to flow from the cathode to the anode, a so-called Zener effect.

[0128] Even if the triangular wave V22 is constant, the input voltage V11 fluctuates due to voltage fluctuations in the battery power supply VB, and the buffer voltage V12 drops (see the solid line in FIG. 14(a)). Then, as shown in FIG. 14(c), the comparator 534 outputs a pulse signal Vp with a pulse width smaller than that of FIG. 14(b), which reduces the rotational speed of the motor 120 and causes the airflow of the blower 100 to become smaller than the Hi setting.

[0129] However, in this embodiment, when the voltage of battery power supply VB fluctuates, input voltage V11 and reference voltage V21 fluctuate in response to the voltage fluctuations of battery power supply VB, causing buffer voltage V12 and triangular wave V22 to fluctuate from the state indicated by the dashed line in Figure 14(a) to the state indicated by the solid line. At this time, the output of comparator 534 remains substantially the same as the output before the fluctuations in battery power supply VB, as shown in Figure 14(b). This suppresses the effects of voltage fluctuations in battery power supply VB, thereby reducing the effect of voltage fluctuations in battery power supply VB on the rotation speed of motor 120.

[0130] Although one embodiment of the vehicle motor drive device 500 has been described above, the specific configuration of the vehicle motor drive device 500 can be modified as appropriate.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the buffer voltage V12 from the buffer unit 533 is directly input to the comparison unit 534. However, as shown in FIG. 16, a capacitor 550 may be provided between the buffer unit 533 and the comparison unit 534.

[0132] Specifically, one end of capacitor 550 is connected between buffer unit 533 and comparison unit 534, and the other end is connected to ground. Note that it is sufficient that one end of capacitor 550 is connected between input voltage generation unit 520 and comparison unit 534, and for example, one end may be connected between input voltage generation unit 520 and buffer unit 533.

[0133] Here, for example, when the air volume of the blower 100 is switched from Hi to Low in the switch unit 522 of the input voltage generating unit 520 and the rotation speed of the motor 120 is low, if the air volume of the blower 100 is switched back to Hi, as shown in FIG. 17, the input voltage (buffer voltage V12) to the comparing unit 534 becomes V L (Input voltage when the airflow of Blower 100 is Low) to V H16, however, the input voltage to comparison unit 534 can be changed so as to gradually increase by capacitor 550, thereby preventing the rotation speed of motor 120 from fluctuating so suddenly as to increase.

[0134] Furthermore, since the input voltage to comparison unit 534 varies gradually, the rotation speed of motor 120 also varies gradually. Therefore, the air volume of blower 100 also varies gradually, which can prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the input voltage generating unit 520 has a resistor string 521 consisting of three resistors, but the present invention is not limited to this and may also be a resistor string consisting of two resistors, or a resistor string consisting of four or more resistors.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the vehicle motor drive device 500 is applied to the motor 120 for driving the fan 130, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a motor for driving a device other than a fan.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the seat cushion S1 is used as an example of the seat body, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the seat body may be the seat back S2. In this case, a blower is provided behind the seat back S2. The suction port of the blower faces the seat back S2 (front side).

[0138] In the above embodiment, the bracket faces the suction port, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the bracket does not have to face the suction port.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the blower was fixed to a bracket, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the blower may be fixed directly to the pan frame 30, or may be fixed to a member other than the bracket.

[0140] In the first embodiment, the bracket 200 has the recess 240, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the recess 240 may not be provided.

[0141] In the first embodiment, the recess 240 is configured to be open on both sides, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the recess 240 may be configured not to be open on both sides.

[0142] In the first embodiment, the connection portion 230 extends to the left and right outer sides of the suction port 113, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it does not have to extend to the left and right outer sides.

[0143] In the first embodiment, the front connecting pipe 40 is configured to fit into the recess 240, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the front connecting pipe 40 may not fit into the recess 240.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the bracket is attached to the pan frame 30, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the bracket may be attached to a part other than the pan frame 30, such as the S spring 20, for example.

[0145] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat S used in an automobile is used as an example of a vehicle seat, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to other vehicle seats, such as seats used in railway vehicles, ships, aircraft, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1 seat cushion pad 1A Ventilation channel 10 Side frame 30 Pan Frame 40 Connecting pipe 100 Blower 113 Intake 114 Air outlet 130 fans 200 bracket 210 Base 220 Opposite part 230 Connection 240 recess S1 seat cushion S vehicle seat

Claims

1. A sheet body having a ventilation channel, A blower having an intake port and sending air drawn in from the intake port into the ventilation passage, A duct connecting the blower outlet and the ventilation passage, A bracket for fixing the blower to the seat body, Equipped with, The aforementioned bracket is A first plate having an opening facing the aforementioned suction port, A seat for a vehicle, characterized by having a second plate positioned away from the first plate in a direction opposite to the direction in which the intake port and the opening face each other, and in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the direction in which the two faces each other, the second plate being positioned closer to the air outlet than the first plate in the front-rear direction.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the first plate and the second plate are connected by a connecting plate.

3. The vehicle seat according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first plate and the second plate do not overlap each other when the vehicle seat is viewed from the front, from the side, or from above.

4. The blower has a housing, The aforementioned enclosure is The upper surface on which the aforementioned suction port is formed, The lower surface opposite to the upper surface, It has a side surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the bracket has a first wall portion that extends from the first plate in the opposing direction and covers at least a portion of the side surface.

5. The blower has a housing, The aforementioned enclosure is The upper surface on which the aforementioned suction port is formed, The lower surface opposite to the upper surface, It has a side surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the bracket has a second wall portion that extends from the second plate in the opposing direction and covers at least a part of the side surface.

6. The bracket is A first wall portion extending from the first plate in the opposite direction and covering at least a portion of the side surface of the blower, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising: a second wall portion extending from the second plate in the opposite direction and covering at least a portion of the side surface of the blower.

7. The bracket is A first boss, a second boss, and a third boss for mounting the blower, each having a hole formed therein for engaging a fastening member that secures the blower to the bracket, A first rib connecting the outer surface of the first boss and the first plate, It has a second rib connecting the outer surface of the second boss and the second plate, The aforementioned blower, A circular first engagement hole that engages with the first boss to determine its position relative to the bracket, A second engagement hole that is elongated in the longitudinal direction, which engages with the second boss to determine the position of the bracket in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, It has a third engagement hole that engages with the third boss with play, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first boss, the second boss, and the third boss is located on the first plate.

8. The bracket is A first wall portion extending from the first plate in the opposite direction and covering at least a portion of the side surface of the blower, It has a second wall portion that extends from the second plate in the opposite direction and covers at least a portion of the side surface of the blower, The height of the first boss is lower than the height of the first wall in the opposing direction. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, characterized in that the height of the second boss is lower than the height of the second wall in the opposing direction.

9. The first plate, the second plate, the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the first boss, the second boss, the third boss, the first rib, and the second rib are integrally molded, The vehicle seat according to claim 8, characterized in that the first boss is located at the left or right end of the first plate.

10. The sheet body is Seat cushion and, The seat back connected to the seat cushion, The headrest attached to the seatback, Equipped with a seat frame, The aforementioned seat frame is The seat cushion frame, which makes up the frame of the seat cushion, It has a seat back frame which constitutes the frame of the seat back, The aforementioned seat cushion is constructed by covering the seat cushion frame with a seat cushion pad and a surface material. The aforementioned seat cushion frame is A pair of side frames, A pan frame connecting the front parts of the pair of side frames, A vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it includes a connecting member that connects the front end and rear end of the pair of side frames.

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