Temperature control devices and vehicle seats

Abstract

A temperature control device for vehicle seats provides a more comfortable environment for the occupant. [Solution] In the temperature control device 1 described above, the first flow path section 40 forms a flow path for supply air from the first inlet section 21A through the adjustment section 22A to the first outlet section 33B. The second flow path section 50 forms a flow path for heat exchange air from the second inlet section 23A through the heat dissipation section 22B to the second outlet section 33D. The control unit 10 is configured to operate the electric heating module 22, the first blower 21 that circulates supply air to the first flow path section 40, and the SVS 23 that circulates heat exchange air to the second flow path section 50 independently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature adjusting device for a vehicle seat and a vehicle seat.

Background Art

[0002] As the above-mentioned temperature adjusting device, a seat ventilation system (hereinafter referred to as SVS: Seat Ventilation System) is widely known. For example, the following Patent Document 1 proposes a technology in which an electric heating module for temperature adjustment is provided, and supply air temperature-adjusted by the electric heating module and exhaust heat air used in SVS are circulated by a single blower.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, as a result of detailed studies by the inventor, it has been found that in a configuration in which supply air and exhaust heat air are circulated by a single blower, air that has not been sufficiently temperature-adjusted immediately after the start of the electric heating module is supplied to the seated occupant, which may make the seated occupant uncomfortable.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a more comfortable environment for a seated occupant in a temperature adjusting device for a vehicle seat.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure desirably includes at least one of the following constituent features, for example. Also, as far as possible, any combination of a plurality of the following constituent features may be applied.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a temperature control device (1) for a vehicle seat (3). The temperature control device (1) comprises an electric heating module (22), a first flow path section (40), a second flow path section (50), a first blower (21), a second blower (23), and a control unit (10).

[0008] The electric heating module (22) has a control section (22A) having a surface to be heated or cooled, and a heat dissipation section (22B) which is the back side of the control section (22A). The first flow path section (40) has a first inlet (21A) into which supply air is introduced, and a first outlet (33B) into which the supply air is discharged toward the person sitting on the vehicle seat (3). The first flow path section (40) forms a flow path for supply air from the first inlet (21A) through the control section (22A) to the first outlet (33B).

[0009] The second flow path section (50) includes a second inlet (23A) into which heat exchange air is introduced, and a second outlet (33D) into which the heat exchange air is discharged so as not to be directed towards the seated person. The second flow path section (50) forms a flow path for heat exchange air from the second inlet (23A) through the heat exhaust section (22B) to the second outlet (33D).

[0010] The first blower circulates supply air in the first flow path section (40). The second blower circulates heat exchange air in the second flow path section (50). The control unit (10) is configured to operate the electric heating module (22), the first blower (21), and the second blower (23) independently.

[0011] With this configuration, the first blower (21) can be operated under appropriate conditions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the supply of air that is not sufficiently temperature-controlled to the seated person. As a result, a more comfortable environment can be provided for the seated person.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a predetermined temperature determination unit (S40) that acquires the temperature of the adjustment unit (22A) and determines whether or not the temperature of the adjustment unit (22A) has reached a predetermined temperature. The control unit (10) may be configured to operate the electric heating module (22) and the second blower (23), and then, if the predetermined temperature determination unit (S40) determines that the temperature of the adjustment unit (22A) has reached a predetermined temperature, to operate the first blower (21) (S60).

[0013] With this configuration, the first blower (21) starts operating after the electric heating module (22) reaches a predetermined temperature, and the system can be automated to prevent the supply of air that is not sufficiently temperature-controlled to the seated person.

[0014] In one aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle seat (3) may be equipped with a seat ventilation system (hereinafter referred to as SVS) (23) configured to draw air from the surface of the vehicle seat (3). The drawn-in air may be introduced into a second introduction section (23A) as heat exchange air. A second blower (23) may have a function of drawing air into the SVS (23).

[0015] With this configuration, the second blower (23) can be used interchangeably with the blower used in the SVS (23). Therefore, the configuration of the vehicle seat (3) including the SVS (23) can be simplified.

[0016] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a target temperature determination unit (S110) that acquires the temperature of the room in which the vehicle seat (3) is installed and determines whether or not the room temperature has reached a preset target temperature. The control unit (10) may be configured to reduce the airflow rate of the second blower (23) (S120) when the target temperature determination unit (S110) determines that the room temperature has reached the target temperature.

[0017] With this configuration, reducing the airflow of the second blower (23) suppresses heat exchange in the heat exhaust section (22B), thus suppressing heat exchange in the adjustment section (22A). In other words, the amount of heat exchanged in the adjustment section (22A) can be adjusted without adjusting the airflow of the first blower (21).

[0018] In one aspect of this disclosure, the adjustment section (22A) may be a part of the heating module (22) that is cooled. The heat dissipation section (22B) may be a part of the heating module (22) that is heated. Such a configuration makes it possible to provide cool air to the seated person.

[0019] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a communication section (35) that connects the first flow path section (40) and the second flow path section (50) in the region from the first introduction section (21A) to the adjustment section (22A) in the first flow path section (40).

[0020] With this configuration, a portion of the supplied air can be guided to the heat dissipation section (22B) via the communication section (35). Therefore, the operating efficiency of the electric heating module (22) can be improved.

[0021] One aspect of the present disclosure may be configured as a vehicle seat (3). The vehicle seat (3) may include a seat cushion (9), a seat back (5), and a temperature control unit (20). The temperature control unit (20) may include an electric heating module (22), a first flow path section (40), a second flow path section (50), a first blower (21), and a second blower (23).

[0022] Even with this configuration, the first blower (21) can be operated under appropriate conditions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the supply of air that is not sufficiently temperature-controlled to the seated person. As a result, a more comfortable environment can be provided for the seated person.

[0023] It should be noted that the reference signs in each of the above parentheses are only examples showing the correspondence with specific configurations and the like described in the embodiments described later, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations and the like indicated by the reference signs in the above parentheses. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a central cross-sectional view showing a vehicle seat. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of start-up processing. [Figure 5] FIG. 5A is a graph showing an example of control of an SVS unit at startup, and FIG. 5B is a graph showing an example of control when reducing output. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of output reduction processing. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0025] The following "embodiments of the invention" show examples of embodiments that belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the invention-specifying matters and the like recited in the claims are not limited to the specific configurations, structures, and the like shown in the embodiments below.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Embodiment] [1-1. Correspondence with Configuration of the Present Disclosure] In the embodiment, an SVS (Seat Ventilation System) 23 corresponds to the second blower of the present disclosure, and an SVS unit 20 corresponds to the temperature adjustment unit of the present disclosure. Further, among the processes executed by the control unit 10 in the embodiment, the process of S40 corresponds to the function of the predetermined temperature determination unit of the present disclosure, and the process of S110 corresponds to the function of the target temperature determination unit of the present disclosure.

[0027] [1-2. Configuration] The temperature control device 1 shown in Figure 1 is a device for a vehicle seat 3 and has the function of providing a comfortable temperature environment to the person sitting in the vehicle seat 3. The temperature control device 1 is installed in, for example, a passenger car. The temperature control device 1 can be installed in any vehicle, such as a railway car, aircraft, or ship.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the temperature control device 1 comprises a control unit 10 and an SVS unit 20. The temperature control device 1 may also include at least one of the following: an indoor temperature sensor 16, an air conditioning switch 17, a device temperature sensor 18, and an air conditioner 19.

[0029] The indoor temperature sensor 16 is a well-known sensor that detects the temperature of the room in which the vehicle seat 3 is located. The indoor temperature sensor 16 is, for example, a sensor used for temperature control of the air conditioner 19.

[0030] The air conditioning switch 17 is an interface for inputting commands by the occupant. By operating the air conditioning switch 17, the occupant can set the ON / OFF status of the air conditioner 19 and SVS23, the airflow, the target temperature, etc.

[0031] The device temperature sensor 18 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the SVS unit 20. The device temperature sensor 18 is configured to detect, for example, the temperature of the adjustment unit 22A (see Figure 3) in the electric heating module 22, and is placed on the surface of the adjustment unit 22A or the like.

[0032] The air conditioner 19 is a well-known configuration for regulating the temperature of the air inside the cabin where the passenger seat 3 is located. The air conditioner 19 is configured, for example, as a car air conditioner. The SVS unit 20 has the functions of a well-known SVS. Specifically, the SVS unit 20 has the function of suppressing stuffiness in the lower back and back of the occupant by drawing in or expelling air from the surface of the vehicle seat 3. In this embodiment, the SVS unit 20 employs a method of drawing in air from the surface of the vehicle seat 3. The SVS unit 20 also has the function of providing temperature-controlled air to the occupant's neck.

[0033] The SVS unit 20 is positioned inside the seat back 5, as shown in Figure 2. In Figures 2 and 3, the left side of the paper is the front of the vehicle seat 3, and the right side of the paper is the rear of the vehicle seat 3.

[0034] Here, the vehicle seat 3 comprises a seat cushion 9 and a seat back 5. The seat cushion 9 is the part that supports the seated person's buttocks. The seat back 5 is the part that supports the seated person's lower back and upper back. Inside the seat back 5 is a frame 7. The frame 7 extends in the longitudinal direction of the seat back 5 (approximately vertically in the example of Figure 2) and is a metal member that constitutes the skeleton of the seat back 5. The SVS unit 20 is fixed to the top of this frame 7.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the SVS unit 20 comprises a first blower 21, an electric heating module 22, and an SVS 23. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the SVS unit 20 also comprises a connection section 32 and a flow path forming section 33.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the SVS23 comprises a second inlet 23A, a fan (not shown), an outlet 23B, and a cover 23C. The second inlet section 23A is an opening provided on the front side of the SVS 23, through which heat exchange air is introduced. The heat exchange air is air drawn in by the vehicle seat 3 and is used for heat exchange in the electric heating module 22. The outlet section 23B is an opening provided in the peripheral wall between the front and rear sides of the SVS 23, and is the part through which the heat exchange air is discharged.

[0037] The cover portion 23C covers the entire outlet portion 23B with a gap portion 31 formed between it and the outlet portion 23B. The upper rear side of the cover portion 23C is configured to communicate with the connecting portion 32. The connecting portion 32 is a tubular member that connects the cover portion 23C to the second inlet portion 33C of the flow path forming portion 33 so that they are in communication.

[0038] In this type of SVS23, when the fan is activated, heat exchange air is introduced from the second inlet 23A and discharged from the outlet 23B. However, since the rear side of the SVS23 is covered by the cover 23C, the heat exchange air discharged from the outlet 23B is guided to the second inlet 33C of the flow path forming section 33 via the connection section 32.

[0039] The flow path forming section 33 is a box-shaped member with multiple flow paths formed inside. The flow path forming section 33 includes a first inlet section 33A, a first discharge section 33B, a second inlet section 33C, and a second discharge section 33D.

[0040] The first inlet 33A is located approximately in the upper center of the flow path forming section 33 in the front-to-back direction, and is an open section on the rear side. The flow path forming section 33 has a shape that is cut out on the rear side of the first inlet 33A. The first blower 21 is positioned in this cut-out section of the flow path forming section 33.

[0041] The first discharge section 33B is a part that forms an opening at the front upper part of the flow path forming section 33. The second inlet section 33C is a part that forms an opening downward at the rear lower part of the flow path forming section 33. The second discharge section 33D is a part that forms an opening downward at the front lower part of the flow path forming section 33. Although heat exchange air is discharged from the second discharge section 33D, care is taken to ensure that the heat exchange air is not discharged towards the seated person. In the example shown in Figure 3, the air is discharged downward, not forward where the seated person is located. However, a guide (not shown) may be provided for the second discharge section 33D to discharge the heat exchange air, for example, towards the rear of the vehicle seat 3.

[0042] The first blower 21 comprises a first inlet 21A and a fan (not shown). When the fan of the first blower 21 is operated, supply air is introduced into the first inlet 21A and the supply air is discharged toward the first inlet 33A.

[0043] In the flow path forming section 33, an electric heating module 22 is arranged in the region between the first inlet section 33A and the first discharge section 33B. The electric heating module 22 is configured as a plate-shaped Peltier element. That is, the electric heating module 22 has a control section 22A which has a surface that is heated or cooled when power is supplied, and a heat dissipation section 22B which is the back side of the control section 22A. In the configuration of this embodiment, the electric heating module 22 is arranged so as to divide the internal space of the flow path forming section 33 vertically along a substantially horizontal direction. In other words, the electric heating module 22 divides the internal space of the flow path forming section 33 into a lower heat dissipation area 36 and an upper supply area 37.

[0044] Furthermore, the upper surface of the heating module 22 is the adjustment section 22A, and the lower surface on the opposite side is the heat dissipation section 22B. The adjustment section 22A is the part of the heating module 22 that is cooled, and the heat dissipation section 22B is the part of the heating module 22 that is heated. Alternatively, the adjustment section 22A may be used as the heated part and the heat dissipation section 22B as the cooled part.

[0045] The flow path forming section 33 constitutes a part of the first flow path section 40 and the second flow path section 50. The first flow path section 40 forms a flow path for supplying air. The supplying air is air that is temperature-controlled and provided to the seated person. More specifically, the first flow path section 40 forms a flow path from the first inlet section 21A of the first blower 21, through the fan of the first blower 21, the first inlet section 33A of the flow path forming section 33, the supply area 37, to the first discharge section 33B. In other words, the first blower 21 and the flow path forming section 33 constitute the first flow path section 40.

[0046] In the first flow path section 40, the supply air is introduced into the SVS unit 20 as airflow IN1 as shown in Figure 3, and is properly temperature-controlled as airflow F1 as it passes through the supply area 37. It is then provided to the seated person as airflow S.

[0047] Furthermore, the second flow path section 50 forms a flow path through which heat exchange air flows. The heat exchange air is the air used for heat exchange in the electric heating module 22. More specifically, the second flow path section 50 forms a flow path from the second inlet section 23A of the SVS23, through the fan of the SVS23, the gap section 31, the connection section 32, the second inlet section 33C of the flow path forming section 33, and the heat exhaust region 36, to the second discharge section 33D. In other words, the SVS23, the connection section 32, and the flow path forming section 33 constitute the second flow path section 50.

[0048] In the second flow path section 50, the heat exchange air is introduced into the SVS unit 20 as airflow IN2 as shown in Figure 3 and used for the function of the SVS 23. The heat exchange air then moves to the flow path forming section 33 and passes through the heat exhaust area 36 as airflow F3, where it is used for heat exchange in the electric heating module 22. Finally, it is discharged as airflow OUT2.

[0049] Here, a communication section 35 is formed in the flow path forming section 33. The communication section 35 is a part configured to connect the first flow path section 40 and the second flow path section 50 in the region from the first introduction section 21A to the adjustment section 22A in the first flow path section 40. More specifically, the communication section 35 is a space provided between the first introduction section 21A and the electric heating module 22.

[0050] The electric heating module 22 divides the internal space of the flow path forming section 33 into a heat dissipation area 36 and a supply area 37, with the heat dissipation area 36 being larger than the supply area 37. As shown in Figure 3, the vertical height of the heat dissipation area 36 is D2, while the vertical height of the supply area 37 is D3, which is less than half of D2. With this configuration, the supply air introduced into the first inlet 21A of the first blower 21 flows not only into the supply area 37 as airflow F1, but also into the heat dissipation area 36 as airflow F2. Airflow F2 is used as heat exchange air and is mixed with airflow F3 introduced from the second inlet 33C.

[0051] Here, in the flow path forming section 33, the vertical height D1 of the region through which the air introduced from the second inlet section 33C flows is less than half of D2. Therefore, since airflow F3 and airflow F1 are sufficiently separated, airflow F3, which is the heat exchange air, does not easily mix with airflow F1, which is the supply air.

[0052] The control unit 10 comprises a microcomputer having a CPU 11 and, for example, a semiconductor memory such as RAM or ROM (hereinafter referred to as memory 12). Each function of the control unit 10 is realized by the CPU 11 executing a program stored in a non-transitional physical recording medium. In this example, memory 12 corresponds to the non-transitional physical recording medium storing the program. Furthermore, when this program is executed, a method corresponding to the program is executed. The control unit 10 may also comprise one microcomputer or multiple microcomputers. The microcomputer may be one or more electronic control units (ECUs).

[0053] The control unit 10 implements various pre-set functions. For example, the control unit 10 acquires detection results from the indoor temperature sensor 16 and the device temperature sensor 18 in response to commands from the air conditioning switch 17, and implements the function of operating the air conditioner 19 and the SVS unit 20. The control unit 10 also performs the startup process (see Figure 4) and output reduction process (see Figure 6), which will be described later. In these processes, the control unit 10 is configured to operate the first blower 21, the electric heating module 22, and the SVS 23 independently.

[0054] The method for realizing each function included in the control unit 10 is not limited to software; some or all of the functions may be realized using one or more hardware components. For example, if the above functions are realized by an electronic circuit, which is hardware, that electronic circuit may be a digital circuit, an analog circuit, or a combination thereof.

[0055] [1-3. Processing] Next, the startup process executed by the CPU 11 of the control unit 10 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4. The startup process is initiated when the air conditioning switch 17 is operated by an occupant, such as a seated person, and some kind of command is received.

[0056] In the startup process, the control unit 10 first determines in S10 whether a command to turn on the air conditioner 19 and the SVS unit 20 has been input. If a command to turn them on has been input, the process proceeds to S20 and S30. If no command to turn them on has been input, the startup process ends.

[0057] Next, in S20, the control unit 10 starts the operation of the SVS23, that is, it switches the SVS23 to the ON state. Also, in S30, the control unit 10 starts the operation of the electric heating module 22, that is, it switches the electric heating module 22 to the ON state. Note that the processes in S20 and S30 may be performed in parallel or sequentially.

[0058] Next, in S40, the control unit 10 determines whether the device temperature is below a predetermined temperature. That is, the control unit 10 obtains the detection result from the device temperature sensor 18, compares the temperature indicated by the detection result with a preset predetermined temperature, and makes a determination. The predetermined temperature is set to a temperature low enough for the electric heating module 22 to blow out cool air when generating cool air.

[0059] If the device temperature is above a predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to S50. If the device temperature is below the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to S60. Next, in S50, the control unit 10 maintains the OFF state of the first blower 21 without starting its operation. In other words, because the cooling of the adjustment unit 22A is insufficient, the control unit 10 continues to dissipate heat from the electric heating module 22 using the SVS 23. When the process in S50 is completed, the process returns to S40.

[0060] Meanwhile, in S60, the control unit 10 starts operating the first blower 21. That is, it switches the first blower 21 to the ON state. In this case, since the adjustment unit 22A is sufficiently cooled, it starts supplying cool air to the seated person. Next, in S70, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a command has been input to turn off the air conditioning switch 17 and the air conditioner 19 and SVS unit 20. If no command to turn them off has been input, the process in S70 is repeated. In other words, in this case, the operation of the first blower 21, the electric heating module 22, and the SVS 23 continues.

[0061] Furthermore, if a command to turn OFF is input, the processes of S80, S90, and S100 are performed. Specifically, in S80, the control unit 10 transitions the SVS23 to the OFF state. Also, in S90, the control unit 10 transitions the electric heating module 22 to the OFF state. Also, in S100, the control unit 10 transitions the first blower 21 to the OFF state.

[0062] The processes S80, S90, and S100 may be performed in parallel or sequentially. Once these processes are completed, the startup process will terminate.

[0063] According to the startup process, for example, the temperature control device 1 is controlled as shown in Figure 5A. That is, when the air conditioning switch 17 is operated and a command is input to turn on the air conditioner 19 and the SVS unit 20, if the expected cold air temperature (i.e., the detection result of the device temperature sensor 18) is above a predetermined temperature, the first blower 21 is not operated. Subsequently, when the temperature of the adjustment unit 22A of the electric heating module 22 decreases and falls below a predetermined temperature, the first blower 21 is activated. In this configuration, sufficiently cooled air is provided to the seated person.

[0064] Next, the output reduction process performed by the CPU 11 of the control unit 10 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6. The output reduction process is performed repeatedly when the air conditioner 19 and the SVS unit 20 are operating. At the start of this process, the SVS 23 is assumed to be operating at Hi, which has a relatively high airflow.

[0065] Next, in S110, the control unit 10 determines whether the room temperature has reached the target temperature. That is, it determines whether the detection result of the indoor temperature sensor 16 has fallen below the target temperature. If the detection result of the indoor temperature sensor 16 is above the target temperature, this process repeats S110. If the detection result of the indoor temperature sensor 16 is below the target temperature, the process proceeds to S120.

[0066] Next, in S120, the control unit 10 reduces the airflow of the SVS23. For example, it sets the airflow to a relatively low level, Lo. Once the process in S120 is completed, the output reduction process is finished. According to the output reduction process, for example, the temperature control device 1 is controlled as shown in Figure 5B. That is, when the airflow rate is operating at Hi and the detection result of the indoor temperature sensor 16 drops to the target temperature, the airflow rate of the SVS 23 is changed to Lo. As a result, heat exchange at the heat exhaust section 22B of the heating module 22 is suppressed, and the temperature of the adjustment section 22A rises. In this case, the temperature of the air supplied to the seated person can be changed simply by adjusting the airflow rate of the SVS 23, without changing the output of the heating module 22.

[0067] [1-4. Effects] The embodiments described in detail above produce the following effects. (1a) In the temperature control device 1 described above, the electric heating module 22 has a control section 22A having a surface to be heated or cooled, and a heat dissipation section 22B which is the back side of the control section 22A. The first flow path section 40 has a first inlet section 21A into which supply air is introduced, and a first outlet section 33B into which the supply air is discharged toward the person sitting in the vehicle seat 3. The first flow path section 40 forms a flow path for supply air from the first inlet section 21A through the control section 22A to the first outlet section 33B.

[0068] The second flow path section 50 includes a second inlet section 23A into which heat exchange air is introduced, and a second outlet section 33D into which the heat exchange air is discharged so as not to be directed towards the seated person. The second flow path section 50 forms a flow path for heat exchange air from the second inlet section 23A through the heat exhaust section 22B to the second outlet section 33D.

[0069] The first blower 21 circulates supply air in the first flow path section 40. The SVS 23 circulates heat exchange air in the second flow path section 50. The control unit 10 is configured to operate the first blower 21, the electric heating module 22, and the SVS 23 independently.

[0070] With this configuration, the first blower 21 can be operated under appropriate conditions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the supply of air that is not sufficiently temperature-controlled to the seated person. As a result, a more comfortable environment can be provided for the seated person.

[0071] (1b) The temperature control device 1 described above includes a device temperature sensor 18 that detects the temperature of the adjustment unit 22A. The control unit 10 is configured to obtain the temperature of the adjustment unit 22A from the device temperature sensor 18 in S40 and to determine whether the temperature of the adjustment unit 22A has reached a predetermined temperature. The control unit 10 is also configured to activate the electric heating module 22 and the SVS 23, and then, if it is determined that the temperature of the adjustment unit 22A has reached a predetermined temperature, to activate the first blower 21 in S60.

[0072] With this configuration, the first blower 21 starts operating only after the electric heating module 22 reaches a predetermined temperature, and the system can be automated to prevent the supply of air that is not sufficiently temperature-controlled to the seated person.

[0073] (1c) In the temperature control device 1 described above, the SVS23 is configured to draw air from the surface of the vehicle seat 3. The air drawn in by the SVS23 is introduced into the second introduction section 23A as heat exchange air. With this configuration, the SVS23 can be used as both the blower and the fan used in the SVS23. Therefore, the configuration of the vehicle seat 3, including the SVS23, can be simplified.

[0074] (1d) The temperature control device 1 described above is equipped with an indoor temperature sensor 16 that detects the temperature of the room in which the vehicle seat 3 is installed. The control unit 10 is configured to acquire the temperature of the room in which the vehicle seat 3 is installed in S110 and to determine whether or not the indoor temperature has reached a preset target temperature. If the control unit 10 determines that the indoor temperature has reached the target temperature, it is configured to reduce the airflow rate of the SVS 23 in S120.

[0075] With this configuration, reducing the airflow of the SVS23 suppresses heat exchange in the heat exhaust section 22B, and therefore also suppresses heat exchange in the adjustment section 22A. In other words, the amount of heat exchanged in the adjustment section 22A can be adjusted without adjusting the airflow of the first blower 21.

[0076] (1e) In the temperature control device 1 described above, the adjustment unit 22A is the part of the electric heating module 22 that is cooled, and the heat dissipation unit 22B is the part of the electric heating module 22 that is heated. With this configuration, it is possible to provide cool air to the seated person.

[0077] (1f) The temperature control device 1 described above further includes a communication section 35 that connects the first flow path section 40 and the second flow path section 50 in the region from the first introduction section 21A to the adjustment section 22A in the first flow path section 40.

[0078] With this configuration, a portion of the supply air can be guided to the heat exhaust section 22B via the communication section 35. Therefore, heat exchange in the heat exhaust section 22B can be promoted, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the electric heating module 22.

[0079] (1g) The above vehicle seat 3 comprises a seat cushion 9, a seat back 5, and an SVS unit 20. The SVS unit 20 comprises an electric heating module 22, a first flow path section 40, a second flow path section 50, a first blower 21, and an SVS 23.

[0080] Even with this configuration, the first blower 21 can be operated under appropriate conditions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the supply of air with insufficient temperature control to the seated person. As a result, a more comfortable environment can be provided for the seated person.

[0081] [2. Other Embodiments] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0082] (2a) In the above embodiment, the first blower 21 is configured to circulate air to both the adjustment section 22A and the heat dissipation section 22B, but it is not limited to this. For example, the first blower 21 may be configured to circulate air only to the adjustment section 22A.

[0083] (2b) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the temperature control device 1 provides cold air was illustrated, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the temperature control device 1 may be configured to provide warm air.

[0084] (2c) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Furthermore, some of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Furthermore, at least some of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of other above embodiments.

[0085] (2d) In addition to the temperature control device 1 described above, this disclosure can also be realized in various forms, such as a system comprising the temperature control device 1, a program for causing a computer to function as the temperature control device, a non-transitional physical recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which this program is recorded, and a blower control method.

[0086] (2e) Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is limited to those embodiments described above, provided that it is consistent with the intent of the disclosure described above. Accordingly, there may be configurations that combine at least two of the embodiments described above, or configurations in which any of the illustrated components or components described with reference numerals in the embodiments described above are omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1...Temperature control device, 3...Vehicle seat, 5...Seat back, 7...Frame, 9...Seat cushion, 10...Control unit, 11...CPU, 12...Memory, 16...Room temperature sensor, 17...Air conditioning switch, 18...Device temperature sensor, 19...Air conditioner, 20...SVS unit, 21...First blower, 21A...First introduction section, 22...Electric heating module, 22A...Adjustment section, 22B...Heat exhaust section, 23A...Second introduction section, 32...Connection section, 33...Flow path forming section, 33B...First discharge section, 33D...Second discharge section, 35...Communication section, 36...Heat exhaust area, 37...Supply area, 40...First flow path section, 50...Second flow path section.

Claims

1. A temperature control device for vehicle seats, An electric heating module having an adjustment section having a surface to be heated or cooled, and a heat dissipation section which is the back side of the adjustment section, A first flow path section has a first introduction section into which supply air is introduced, and a first discharge section into which the supply air is discharged toward the person seated in the vehicle seat, and the first flow path section forms a flow path for the supply air from the first introduction section through the adjustment section to the first discharge section, A second flow path section has a second inlet into which heat exchange air is introduced, and a second outlet into which the heat exchange air is discharged so as not to be directed toward the seated person, and the second flow path section forms a flow path for the heat exchange air from the second inlet through the heat exhaust section to the second outlet, A first blower that circulates the supply air in the first flow path section, A second blower for circulating the heat exchange air in the second flow path section, A control unit configured to operate the electric heating module, the first blower, and the second blower independently, A temperature control device equipped with the following features.

2. A temperature control device according to claim 1, The system further includes a predetermined temperature determination unit that acquires the temperature of the adjustment unit and determines whether or not the temperature of the adjustment unit has reached a predetermined temperature set in advance, The control unit is configured to operate the electric heating module and the second blower, and then, when the predetermined temperature determination unit determines that the temperature of the adjustment unit has reached the predetermined temperature, it operates the first blower. Temperature control device.

3. A temperature control device according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned vehicle seat is equipped with a seat ventilation system configured to draw air from the surface of the vehicle seat. The air that has been drawn in is introduced into the second inlet as the heat exchange air. The second blower has the function of suction in the seat ventilation system. Temperature control device.

4. A temperature control device according to claim 1 or claim 2, The vehicle further comprises a target temperature determination unit that acquires the temperature of the room in which the vehicle seat is installed and determines whether or not the temperature of the room has reached a preset target temperature, The control unit is configured to reduce the airflow from the second blower when the target temperature determination unit determines that the room temperature has reached the target temperature. Temperature control device.

5. A temperature control device according to claim 1 or claim 2, The adjustment unit is a part of the electric heating module that is cooled. The heat dissipation section is the part of the electric heating module that is heated. Temperature control device.

6. A temperature control device according to claim 1 or claim 2, In the region of the first flow path from the first introduction section to the adjustment section, a communication section connects the first flow path and the second flow path, A temperature control device that also includes additional features.

7. A vehicle seat comprising a seat cushion, a seat back, and a temperature control unit, The aforementioned temperature control unit is An electric heating module having an adjustment section having a surface to be heated or cooled, and a heat dissipation section which is the back side of the adjustment section, A first flow path section has a first introduction section into which supply air is introduced, and a first discharge section into which the supply air is discharged toward the person seated in the vehicle seat, and the first flow path section forms a flow path for the supply air from the first introduction section through the adjustment section to the first discharge section, A second flow path section has a second inlet into which heat exchange air is introduced, and a second outlet into which the heat exchange air is discharged so as not to be directed toward the seated person, and the second flow path section forms a flow path for the heat exchange air from the second inlet through the heat exhaust section to the second outlet, A first blower that circulates the supply air in the first flow path section, A second blower, which can operate independently of the first blower, circulates the heat exchange air in the second flow path section, A vehicle seat equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

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