Seat heater device

Abstract

To provide a seat heater device capable of enhancing the heating effect. [Solution] The seat heater device 30 is a seat heater device provided inside the cover body (first cover body 16) of the seat 1. The seat heater device 30 comprises a first heating element 312 located in a first area 41 that supports the user on the seat 1, a second heating element 322 located in a second area 42 separate from the first area 41 on the seat 1, a base material (first base material 311, second base material 321) that supports the first heating element 312 and the second heating element 322, and a heat transfer sheet 324 located in the second area 42 and interposed between the cover body and the second heating element 322.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat heater device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seat heater disposed on a seating surface portion. In this seat heater, it is possible to separately heat a central portion and a bolster portion in the seat width direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for a seat heater device that enhances the thermal effect on users.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a seat heater device capable of enhancing the thermal effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A seat heater device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a seat heater device provided in a cover body of a seat, including a first heating element disposed in a first region that supports a user on the seat, a second heating element disposed in a second region different from the first region on the seat, a base material that supports the first heating element and the second heating element, and a heat transfer sheet disposed in the second region and intervening between the cover body and the second heating element.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, a seat heater device capable of enhancing the heating effect can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat equipped with a seat heater device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the first part of a sheet heater device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the second part of the sheet heater device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a top view showing the first and second parts arranged on the seat in the seat heater device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat equipped with a seat heater device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the second region according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing another example of the second region according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a seat heater device according to Embodiment 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (1) A sheet heater device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a sheet heater device provided inside a sheet cover, comprising: a first heating element disposed in a first region of the sheet that supports a user; a second heating element disposed in a second region of the sheet separate from the first region; a base material that supports the first heating element and the second heating element; and a heat transfer sheet disposed in the second region and interposed between the cover and the second heating element.

[0010] According to the sheet heater device described in (1), in the second region, a heat transfer sheet is interposed between the cover body and the second heating element, so that the heat from the second heating element can be spread out in a planar manner and efficiently transferred to the cover body by this heat transfer sheet. Here, the second region is a region that the user does not come into contact with as much as the first region, but the heat from the second heating element is efficiently transferred to the cover body by the heat transfer sheet and radiated from the second region as radiant heat. For this reason, even in the second region, which is difficult for the user to come into contact with, it is possible to enhance the thermal effect by radiant heat.

[0011] (2) In the sheet heater device described in (1) above, the heat transfer sheet may have a higher thermal conductivity than the base material.

[0012] According to the sheet heater device described in (2), since the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer sheet is higher than that of the substrate, heat from the second heating element is more easily transferred to the heat transfer sheet than to the substrate. Therefore, it is possible to increase the radiant heat emitted from the second region.

[0013] (3) In the sheet heater device described in (1) or (2) above, the heat transfer sheet may be made of a metal material.

[0014] (3) According to the sheet heater device described above, since the heat transfer sheet is made of a metal material, it is possible to easily increase the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer sheet.

[0015] (4) In the sheet heater device described in (1) or (2) above, the heat transfer sheet may be made of a non-metallic material.

[0016] According to the sheet heater device described in (4), since the heat transfer sheet is made of a non-metallic material, the generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed more effectively than when it is made of a metallic material.

[0017] (5) In the seat heater device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the heating temperature of the second heating element may be higher than the heating temperature of the first heating element.

[0018] According to the seat heater device described in (5), since the heating temperature of the second heating element is higher than the heating temperature of the first heating element, it is possible to further increase the radiant heat radiated from the second region.

[0019] (6) In the seat heater device described in (5) above, the heating density of the second heating element may be higher than the heating density of the first heating element.

[0020] According to the seat heater device described in (6), since the heating density of the second heating element is higher than the heating density of the first heating element, it is possible to increase the skin temperature directly above the second heating element and further increase the radiant heat radiated from the second region.

[0021] (7) In the seat heater device described in (5) above, it may be provided with a control unit that independently controls the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0022] According to the seat heater device described in (7), since the control unit independently controls the first heating element and the second heating element, it is easy to control the first heating element and the second heating element to appropriate temperatures respectively.

[0023] (8) In the seat heater device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, it may be provided with an insulating layer disposed between the second heating element and the heat transfer sheet.

[0024] According to the seat heater device described in (8), since an insulating layer is disposed between the second heating element and the heat transfer sheet, the insulating layer can insulate the second heating element and the heat transfer sheet, and suppress their short circuit.

[0025] (9) In the seat heater device described in any one of (1) to (8) above, the heat transfer sheet placed on the seat portion of the seat may have a first slit formed along the front-rear direction.

[0026] In the seat heater device described in (9), a first slit is formed in the heat transfer sheet along the front-rear direction, so that deformation of the heat transfer sheet is permitted to some extent by the first slit. For this reason, the first slit suppresses the abnormal noise that occurs when the user comes into contact with the second area and the heat transfer sheet deforms.

[0027] (10) In the seat heater device described in any one of (1) to (9) above, the heat transfer sheet placed on the seat portion of the seat may have a plurality of second slits arranged radially when viewed from above.

[0028] According to the sheet heater device described in (10), since a plurality of radially arranged second slits are formed in the heat transfer sheet, deformation of the heat transfer sheet is permitted to a certain extent due to the second slits. For this reason, abnormal noises that occur when the heat transfer sheet deforms due to contact by the user in the second region are suppressed by the second slits.

[0029] (11) In the sheet heater device described in any one of (1) to (10) above, the heat transfer sheet may be in contact with the cover body.

[0030] According to the sheet heater device described in (11), since the heat transfer sheet is in contact with the cover body, heat can be transferred from the heat transfer sheet to the cover body with minimal thermal loss. This makes it possible to increase the radiant heat from the second region.

[0031] (12) In the seat heater device described in any one of (1) to (11) above, ventilation holes may be provided in the seat back of the seat, and the heat transfer sheet may be arranged to avoid the ventilation holes.

[0032] According to the sheet heater device described in (12), the heat transfer sheet is positioned to avoid the ventilation holes, so that the cooling effect using the ventilation holes is not hindered by the heat transfer sheet.

[0033] (13) In the seat heater device described in any one of (1) to (12) above, the second region may be at least one of the cushion bolster, back bolster, upper back main, ottoman, seat back, and side of the armrest in the seat.

[0034] According to the seat heater device described in (13), the second region is at least one of the cushion bolster, back bolster, upper back main, ottoman, seat back, and side of the armrest in the seat, so that radiant heat can be emitted from these parts that are difficult for the user to touch.

[0035] (14) In the seat heater device described in any one of (1) to (13) above, the second region is the side of the armrest, the second heating element comprises a first heating circuit and a second heating circuit located behind the first heating circuit in parallel, and the seat heater device comprises a control unit that controls the first heating circuit and the second heating circuit.

[0036] According to the seat heater device described in (14), the second heating element on the side of the armrest is equipped with a first heating circuit and a second heating circuit in parallel, so the temperature of the first heating circuit and the second heating circuit can be independently controlled by the control unit.

[0037] (15) In the seat heater device described in (14) above, the control unit may control the first heating circuit and the second heating circuit such that the heating temperature of the first heating circuit is higher than the heating temperature of the second heating circuit.

[0038] According to the seat heater device described in (15), the heating temperature of the first heating circuit is higher than that of the second heating circuit, so that parts of the user's body that are far from their torso can be efficiently warmed by the high-temperature radiant heat from the first heating circuit.

[0039] (16) In the seat heater device described in (14) above, the control unit may control the first heating circuit and the second heating circuit so that the heating temperature of the second heating circuit is higher than the heating temperature of the first heating circuit.

[0040] According to the seat heater device described in (16), the heating temperature of the second heating circuit is higher than that of the first heating circuit, so the user's torso can be efficiently warmed by the high-temperature radiant heat from the second heating circuit.

[0041] [Embodiment] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept will be described as optional components.

[0042] Furthermore, expressions indicating relative directions or orientations, such as parallel and orthogonal, technically include cases where the directions or orientations are not exactly as described. For example, saying that two directions are orthogonal does not only mean that the two directions are perfectly orthogonal, but also that they are substantially orthogonal, meaning that there may be a difference of, for example, a few percent. This is also true for expressions comparing objects, such as "equal."

[0043] In the following explanation, the front-to-back direction of the seat is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the up-to-down direction of the seat is referred to as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the left-to-right direction of the seat, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis directions, is referred to as the Y-axis direction. The XY plane is a horizontal plane. Also, the front side of the seat is referred to as the positive X-axis direction, and the rear side of the seat is referred to as the negative X-axis direction. The left side of the seat (the front right side in Figure 1) is referred to as the positive Y-axis direction, and the opposite side is referred to as the negative Y-axis direction. The right side is the right side of the user relative to the direction of vehicle travel when the user is seated in the seat, and is the negative Y-axis direction. The left side is the left side of the user relative to the direction of vehicle travel when the user is seated in the seat, and is the positive Y-axis direction. The top side of the seat is referred to as the positive Z-axis direction, and the bottom side of the seat is referred to as the negative Z-axis direction. The same applies in Figure 2 and beyond.

[0044] <Embodiment 1> <Sheet> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a seat 1 equipped with a seat heater device 30 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the seat 1 is, for example, a seat installed in a vehicle, and comprises a seat portion 10, a seat back 20, and a seat heater device 30.

[0045] The seat portion 10 is a seat cushion that supports the buttocks and thighs of a user sitting on the seat 1. The seat portion 10 comprises a seat portion 11 that supports the user while seated, and a pair of cushion bolsters 12 and 13 positioned in the positive and negative Y-axis directions of the seat portion 11. Each cushion bolster 12 and 13 is an elongated portion in the X-axis direction and protrudes further in the positive Z-axis direction than the seat portion 11. When the user is seated, the contact area between each cushion bolster 12 and 13 and the user is smaller than the contact area between the seat portion 11 and the user. When the user gets into the vehicle, the user may come into contact with each cushion bolster 12 and 13.

[0046] The seat portion 10 includes a first seat pad 15 which corresponds to a cushioning material, and a first cover body 16 which covers the first seat pad 15, such as a leather cover or a fiber cover. A part of the seat heater device 30 is positioned between the first seat pad 15 and the first cover body 16.

[0047] The seat back 20 is a backrest that supports the acromion, back, and lumbar region of the user seated on the seat 1. The seat back 20 is elongated along the Z-axis and is positioned to rise up relative to the seat 10. On the surface of the seat back 20 in the positive X-axis direction, there is a lower back main 21, an upper back main 22, and a pair of back bolsters 23 and 24.

[0048] The lower back main section 21 is the part that supports the user's lower back and other parts while seated. It is located in the center of the Y-axis direction at the bottom of the seat back 20. The upper back main section 22 is located above the lower back main section 21 and is the part that comes into contact with or separates from the user's back depending on the user's posture.

[0049] A pair of back bolsters 23 and 24 are positioned in the positive and negative Y-axis directions between the lower back main 21 and the upper back main 22. Each back bolster 23 and 24 is an elongated portion in the Z-axis direction and protrudes in the positive X-axis direction from the lower back main 21 and the upper back main 22. When the user is seated, the contact area between each back bolster 23 and 24 and the user is smaller than the contact area between the lower back main 21 and the user. When the user gets into the vehicle, the user may come into contact with each back bolster 23 and 24.

[0050] The seat back 20 has a second seat pad 25 which corresponds to a cushioning material, and a second cover body 26 which covers the second seat pad 25, for example, a leather cover or a textile cover. A part of the seat heater device 30 is positioned between the second seat pad 25 and the second cover body 26.

[0051] Here, the seating area 11 and the lower back main 21, which have a large contact area with the user when seated, are referred to as the first region 41, and the cushion bolsters 12, 13, the upper back main 22, and the back bolsters 23, 24, which have a small contact area with the user when seated, are referred to as the second region 42. The second region 42 is a separate region that does not overlap with the first region 41.

[0052] <Seat heater device> Next, the seat heater device 30 will be described. In Figure 1, the installation area of ​​the seat heater device 30 is shown with dot hatching. The seat heater device 30 comprises a first part 31 (the lightly dotted area in Figure 1) located in the first area 41 and a second part 32 (the darkly dotted area in Figure 1) located in the second area 42.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the first part 31 of the seat heater device 30 according to an embodiment. Here, the first part 31 provided on the seat portion 10 is shown as an example, but the basic structure is the same for the first part 31 provided on the seat back 20. As shown in Figure 2, the first part 31 comprises a first base material 311 and a first heating element 312.

[0054] The first base material 311 is an example of a base material. The first base material 311 completely covers the area constituting the seating area 11 (first region 41) of the first seat pad 15. The first base material 311 is, for example, an insulating sheet such as nonwoven fabric or urethane.

[0055] The first heating element 312 is, for example, a heater wire such as a cord heater. The first heating element 312 is positioned on the upper surface of the first base material 311. Specifically, the first heating element 312 is bonded and fixed to the upper surface of the first base material 311 in a pattern that covers the entire upper surface of the first base material 311. The first heating element 312 is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) and generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit. The first heating element 312 has a metal core wire and an insulating material covering the core wire. The core wire is formed from, for example, a Cu-Ag alloy or a Cu-Mg alloy. This allows for effective heating. The first heating element 312 does not necessarily have an insulating material. Furthermore, the first heating element 312 is not limited to being bonded and fixed to the upper surface of the first base material 311, but may also be fixed by sewing.

[0056] In the first heating element 312 and the first base material 311, a first cover body 16 is positioned on the opposite side of the first seat pad 15, and this first cover body 16 covers the first heating element 312 and the first base material 311. The first cover body 16 is in contact with the first heating element 312. Therefore, heat from the first heating element 312 is conducted to the seated user via the first cover body 16. Although Figure 2 shows a case where a gap is formed between the first cover body 16 and the first base material 311, there is no gap between the first cover body 16 and the first base material 311. This gap may be filled with adhesive.

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the second part 32 of the seat heater device 30 according to an embodiment. Here, the second part 32 provided on the seat portion 10 is illustrated, but the basic structure is the same for the second part 32 provided on the seat back 20. As shown in Figure 3, the second part 32 comprises a second base material 321, a second heating element 322, an insulating layer 323, and a heat transfer sheet 324.

[0058] The second base material 321 is an example of a base material. The second base material 321 may be integrally formed with the first base material 311 or it may be a separate component. In the first sheet pad 15, the second base material 321 completely covers the areas constituting each cushion bolster 12, 13 (second region 42). The second base material 321 is, for example, an insulating sheet such as nonwoven fabric or urethane.

[0059] The second heating element 322 is, for example, a heater wire such as a cord-type heater. The second heating element 322 is arranged on the surface (the surface in the positive Z-axis direction) of the second base material 321. Specifically, the second heating element 322 is bonded and fixed to the surface of the second base material 321 in a pattern that covers the entire surface of the second base material 321. The second heating element 322 is arranged in a denser pattern than the first heating element 312. As a result, the heat generation density of the second heating element 322 is higher than that of the first heating element 312. The second heating element 322 may also be fixed to the surface of the second base material 321 by sewing. The second heating element 322 is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) and generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit. The second heating element 322 has a metal core wire and an insulating material covering the core wire. The core wire is formed from, for example, a Cu-Ag alloy or a Cu-Mg alloy. Therefore, effective heat generation is possible. The second heating element 322 does not necessarily have an insulating material. Furthermore, at least one of the first heating element 312 and the second heating element 322 may be a film-type heater.

[0060] The insulating layer 323 is positioned on the opposite side of the second heating element 322 and the second substrate 321 from the first sheet pad 15, and covers them. The insulating layer 323 is formed of, for example, an insulating resin. Preferably, the insulating layer 323 has higher thermal conductivity than the second substrate 321. The insulating layer 323 is bonded and fixed to at least one of the second heating element 322 and the second substrate 321. Although Figure 3 shows a case where a gap is formed between the insulating layer 323 and the second substrate 321, there may be no gap between the insulating layer 323 and the second substrate 321. This gap may be filled with adhesive.

[0061] The heat transfer sheet 324 is positioned on the opposite side of the insulating layer 323 from the second heating element 322 and covers the insulating layer 323. The heat transfer sheet 324 is laminated on the surface of the insulating layer 323. The heat transfer sheet 324 is a sheet made of a metallic material. Any metallic material with a higher thermal conductivity than the second substrate 321 can be used, but examples include copper and aluminum. The heat transfer sheet 324 is bonded and fixed to the insulating layer 323.

[0062] In the heat transfer sheet 324, a first cover body 16 is positioned on the opposite side of the insulating layer 323, and the heat transfer sheet 324 is covered by this first cover body 16. The first cover body 16 is in contact with the heat transfer sheet 324. Heat from the second heating element 322 is transferred to the heat transfer sheet 324 via the insulating layer 323, and spreads out in a planar manner by the heat transfer sheet 324. Furthermore, the heat that has spread out in a planar manner is radiated as radiant heat from the first cover body 16. In other words, even in the second region 42, which is difficult for the user to touch, it is possible to warm the user with radiant heat. To further increase the radiant heat radiated from the second region 42, the heating temperature of the second heating element 322 should be made higher than the heating temperature of the first heating element 312.

[0063] (effect) As described above, with the seat heater device 30 according to this disclosure, in the second region 42, a heat transfer sheet 324 is interposed between the first cover body 16 and the second heating element 322. This heat transfer sheet 324 spreads the heat from the second heating element 322 in a planar manner and efficiently transfers it to the first cover body 16. Here, the second region 42 is a region that the user does not come into contact with as much as the first region 41, but the heat from the second heating element 322 is efficiently transferred to the first cover body 16 by the heat transfer sheet 324 and radiated as radiant heat from the second region 42. For this reason, even in the second region 42, which is difficult for the user to come into contact with, it is possible to enhance the warming effect by radiant heat. Furthermore, conventionally, only the area directly above the second heating element 322 was heated, and there was little radiant heat from the non-contact area with the second heating element 322. However, because the heat transfer sheet 324 causes planar heating, the area heated by the first cover body 16 increases. As a result, the amount of radiation increases, making it possible to improve comfort.

[0064] Since the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer sheet 324 is higher than that of the second substrate 321, heat from the second heating element 322 is more easily transferred to the heat transfer sheet 324 than to the second substrate 321. Therefore, it is possible to increase the radiant heat emitted from the second region 42.

[0065] Furthermore, since the heat transfer sheet 324 is made of a metal material, it is possible to easily increase the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer sheet 324.

[0066] Furthermore, since the heating temperature of the second heating element 322 is higher than that of the first heating element 312, it is possible to further increase the radiant heat emitted from the second region 42.

[0067] Furthermore, since the heat generation density of the second heat-generating element 322 is higher than that of the first heat-generating element 312, the skin temperature directly above the second heat-generating element 322 can be increased, making it possible to further increase the radiant heat emitted from the second region 42.

[0068] Furthermore, since the insulating layer 323 is placed between the second heating element 322 and the heat transfer sheet 324, the insulating layer 323 can insulate the second heating element 322 and the heat transfer sheet 324, thereby suppressing short circuits between them.

[0069] Furthermore, since the heat transfer sheet 324 is in contact with the first cover body 16, heat can be transferred from the heat transfer sheet 324 to the first cover body 16 with minimal thermal loss. This increases the radiant heat from the second region 42.

[0070] Furthermore, in the seat portion 10, since the second region 42 consists of cushion bolsters 12 and 13, radiant heat can be emitted from the cushion bolsters 12 and 13, which are difficult for the user to come into contact with, in the seat portion 10. In this case, it is possible to warm the user's thighs, which are positioned near the cushion bolsters 12 and 13, with radiant heat.

[0071] On the other hand, in the seat back 20, the second region 42 is the upper part of the back main 22 and each back bolster 23, 24, so even in the seat back 20, radiant heat can be emitted from the upper part of the back main 22 and each back bolster 23, 24, which are difficult for the user to touch. In this case, the area around the user's shoulders, which is located near the upper part of the back main 22, can be warmed. Furthermore, the user's sides, upper arms, etc., located near each back bolster 23, 24 can be warmed.

[0072] <Embodiment 2> Next, the seat heater device 30A according to Embodiment 2 will be described. In the following description, parts equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 or other embodiments may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0073] Figure 4 is a top view showing the first part 31 and the second part 32a arranged on the seat portion 10 in the seat heater device 30A according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 4, the area where the heat transfer sheet 324a is placed is shown with dark dot hatching, and the area where the heat transfer sheet 324a is not placed is shown with light dot hatching. Also in Figure 4, the area where the load of a user seated on the seat portion 10 is concentrated (load area Ga) is enclosed by a dashed line. The load area Ga is the central part of the first part 31 in a top view.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4, the heat transfer sheet 324a in the second section 32a has one first slit 51a along the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) in each cushion bolster 12, 13. In this way, the first slit 51a along the front-to-back direction is formed in the heat transfer sheet 324a, so that deformation of the heat transfer sheet 324a is permitted to a certain extent by the first slit 51a.

[0075] Furthermore, in the second section 32a, the heat transfer sheet 324a has multiple second slits 52a extending radially from the load region Ga, provided in each cushion bolster 12, 13. In this way, multiple radially arranged second slits 52a are formed in the heat transfer sheet 324a, so that deformation of the heat transfer sheet 324a is permitted to a certain extent by the second slits 52a.

[0076] Thus, the first slit 51a and the second slit 52a allow for a certain degree of deformation of the heat transfer sheet 324a. As a result, when a user gets into the vehicle, the abnormal noise generated when the user comes into contact with the second region 42 and the heat transfer sheet 324a deforms is suppressed by the first slit 51a and the second slit 52a. This is particularly suitable for the heat transfer sheet 324, which is made of a metal material that is prone to generating abnormal noise. Note that the seat portion 10 only needs to be provided with at least one of the first slit 51a and the second slit 52a.

[0077] <Embodiment 3> Next, a seat heater device 30B according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat 1b equipped with the seat heater device 30B according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 5, in the seat 1b, a plurality of ventilation holes 221b are formed in the upper back main 22b of the seat back 20b. The ventilation holes 221b may be exhaust passages that release heat from the user while seated, or they may be air passages that supply cool air from a fan provided in the seat 1b to the user while seated. In the seat 1b according to Embodiment 3, the lower back main 21 and the upper back main 22b constitute the first region 41b. That is, in the seat back 20b of the seat heater device 30B according to Embodiment 3, the first part 31b is arranged in the lower back main 21 and the upper back main 22b, which constitute the first region 41b, and the second part 32 is arranged in the back bolsters 23 and 24, which constitute the second region 42. Therefore, the heat transfer sheet 324 is not placed on the upper back main section 22b where multiple ventilation holes 221b are located. In this way, since the heat transfer sheet 324 is positioned to avoid the ventilation holes 221b, it is possible to prevent the cooling effect using the ventilation holes 221b from being hindered by the heat transfer sheet 324.

[0078] <Embodiment 4> Here, the second part 32c may be placed in any area that is less likely to be touched by the user than the first area 41. Embodiment 4 provides examples of other locations for the second part 32c (second areas 42c, 42d1, and 42d2).

[0079] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the second region according to Embodiment 4. The second region 42c shown in Figure 6 includes the back of the seat back 20c of the seat 1c. Specifically, the second region 42c is the region corresponding to the knees of a user sitting in the rear seat of the seat 1c. Since the second part 32c is positioned in this second region 42c, it is possible to warm the area around the knees of the user in the rear seat with radiant heat from the second part 32c.

[0080] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing another example of the second region according to Embodiment 4. Figure 7 shows a seat 1d equipped with an armrest 61d and an ottoman 62d. In this seat 1d, the side of the armrest 61d is the second region 42d1, and the front of the ottoman 62d is the second region 42d2.

[0081] The second region 42d1 is the side of the armrest 61d facing the seated user. A second part 32d1 equipped with a heat transfer sheet (not shown) is positioned in the second region 42d1, making it possible to warm the user's thighs, buttocks, and sides with radiant heat from the second part 32d1. In particular, since the second region 42d1 is the side of the armrest 61d close to the seated user, it is possible to efficiently warm the user without raising the temperature of the second part 32d1. In other words, it is effective in reducing power consumption.

[0082] On the other hand, since a second part 32d2 equipped with a heat transfer sheet (not shown) is placed in the second region 42d2, it is possible to warm the area near the user's calf with radiant heat from the second part 32d2. Note that the second part only needs to be placed in at least one of the second regions 42, 42c, 42d1, and 42d2 described above, but from the viewpoint of thermal effect, it is preferable to have the second part placed in all of the second regions 42, 42c, 42d1, and 42d2.

[0083] <Embodiment 5> A seat heater device 30E according to Embodiment 5 will now be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the seat heater device 30E according to Embodiment 5. As shown in Figure 8, in the seat heater device 30E according to Embodiment 5, the second part 32e1 is arranged on the side of the armrest 61d (second region 42d1). The second heating element 322e of the second part 32e1 includes a first heating circuit 71e and a second heating circuit 72e. The second heating circuit 72e is arranged behind the first heating circuit 71e. The heater wires of the first heating circuit 71e and the second heating circuit 72e are each patterned in a planar manner and are electrically connected in parallel to the control unit 90e. The temperature of the first heating circuit 71e and the second heating circuit 72e is independently controlled by this control unit 90e. The control unit 90e may be a control unit provided in the seat heater device 30E (e.g., a microcomputer, etc.) or an ECU provided in the vehicle.

[0084] The control unit 90e may control the first heating circuit 71e and the second heating circuit 72e so that the heating temperature of the first heating circuit 71e is higher than the heating temperature of the second heating circuit 72e. This allows parts of the user's body that are away from their torso while seated to be efficiently warmed by the high-temperature radiant heat from the first heating circuit 71e.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 90e may control the first heating circuit 71e and the second heating circuit 72e so that the heating temperature of the second heating circuit 72e is higher than the heating temperature of the first heating circuit 71e. This allows the torso of the seated user to be efficiently warmed by the high-temperature radiant heat from the second heating circuit 72e.

[0086] [others] The seat heater device relating to this disclosure has been described above based on embodiments, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments, may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the example shown is that the heat transfer sheet 324 is formed from a metallic material, but the heat transfer sheet may also be formed from a non-metallic material. In this case, a non-metallic material with a higher thermal conductivity than the second substrate 321 is used. Specific examples of non-metallic materials include carbon and graphite. When the heat transfer sheet is formed from a non-metallic material, the generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed more effectively than when it is formed from a metallic material. Furthermore, in the case of an insulating non-metallic material, the insulating layer 323 can be omitted.

[0088] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a case where the heat transfer sheet 324 is in contact with the first cover body 16, the heat transfer sheet and the first cover body do not necessarily have to be in contact. In other words, there may be an intervening material between the heat transfer sheet and the first cover body.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit may control the first heating element and the second heating element independently. Since the control unit controls the first heating element and the second heating element independently, it is easier to control each of them to an appropriate temperature. [Industrial applicability]

[0090] This disclosure is applicable to a seat heater device provided on a seat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] Sheets 1, 1b, 1c, and 1d 10 Seat 11. Seating area 12, 13 Cushion bolster 15 First Seat Pad 16 First Cover Body 20, 20b, 20c seatback 21 Back Main Lower 22, 22b Back main upper 23, 24 Back bolster 25 Second seat pad 26 Second Cover Body 30, 30A, 30B, 30E Seat heater device 31, 31b Part 1 32, 32a, 32c, 32d1, 32d2, 32e1 Part 2 41, 41b First area 42, 42c, 42d1, 42d2 Second area 51a First Slit 52a Second slit 61d Armrest 62d Ottoman 71e First heating circuit 72e Second heating circuit 90e Control Unit 221b Ventilation holes 311 First base material 312 First heating element 321 Second base material 322, 322e Second heating element 323 Insulating layer 324, 324a Heat transfer sheet Ga Loading Region

Claims

1. A seat heater device installed inside the seat cover, The first heating element is positioned in the first area of ​​the sheet that supports the user, The sheet includes a second heating element located in a second region separate from the first region, A substrate supporting the first heating element and the second heating element, The system comprises a heat transfer sheet positioned in the second region and interposed between the cover body and the second heating element, Seat heater device.

2. The heat transfer sheet has a higher thermal conductivity than the substrate. The seat heater device according to claim 1.

3. The heat transfer sheet is formed of a metal material. The seat heater device according to claim 2.

4. The heat transfer sheet is formed of a non-metallic material. The seat heater device according to claim 2.

5. The heating temperature of the second heating element is higher than that of the first heating element. The seat heater device according to claim 1.

6. The heat generation density of the second heating element is higher than that of the first heating element. The seat heater device according to claim 5.

7. The system includes a control unit that independently controls the first heating element and the second heating element. The seat heater device according to claim 5.

8. The system includes an insulating layer disposed between the second heating element and the heat transfer sheet. The seat heater device according to claim 1.

9. The heat transfer sheet, which is positioned on the seat portion of the aforementioned seat, has a first slit formed along the front-to-back direction. The seat heater device according to claim 1.

10. The heat transfer sheet, which is placed on the seat portion of the aforementioned sheet, has a plurality of second slits arranged radially when viewed from above. The seat heater device according to claim 1.

11. The heat transfer sheet is in contact with the cover body. The seat heater device according to claim 1.

12. The seat back of the aforementioned seat is provided with ventilation holes. The heat transfer sheet is positioned to avoid the ventilation holes. The seat heater device according to claim 1.

13. The second region is at least one of the cushion bolster, back bolster, upper back main, ottoman, seat back, and armrest side of the seat. The seat heater device according to claim 1.

14. The second region is the side of the armrest, The second heating element comprises a first heating circuit and a second heating circuit located behind the first heating circuit, arranged in parallel. The seat heater device includes a control unit that controls the first heating circuit and the second heating circuit. The seat heater device according to claim 13.

15. The control unit controls the first heating circuit and the second heating circuit so that the heating temperature of the first heating circuit is higher than the heating temperature of the second heating circuit. The seat heater device according to claim 14.

16. The control unit controls the first heating circuit and the second heating circuit so that the heating temperature of the second heating circuit is higher than the heating temperature of the first heating circuit. The seat heater device according to claim 14.

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