Vehicle seat air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat air conditioner suppressing complication of a structure in a vehicle and giving a comfortable air-conditioning environment to a person seated on a seat.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat air conditioner 3 is such that at least a first air intake port 31a, a second air intake port 32a and a discharge port 33a are provide on a seat 1, and a first ventilation passage 31, a part of a second ventilation passage 32, a ventilation passage selecting / switching part 35, a blower 34 and a third ventilation passage 33 are built in the seat 1. The ventilation passage selecting / switching part 35 includes: a first mode for connecting the first ventilation passage 31 to the third ventilation passage 33 to guide air to the third ventilation passage 33; a second mode for connecting the second ventilation passage 32 to the third ventilation passage 33; and a third mode for connecting the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32 to the third ventilation passage 33. A control part 60 switches the mode of the ventilation passage selecting / switching part 35 by selecting either of the first mode, the second mode or the third mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat air-conditioning device that blows air to a person seated in a seat. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for providing a comfortable air-conditioned environment to occupants of seats.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner for a vehicle that includes an air conditioner main body that is mounted on a vehicle and generates conditioned air, a first duct that is connected at one end to the air conditioner main body and through which the conditioned air sent from the air conditioner main body flows, a second duct that has one end provided inside the seat and whose one end draws air from the occupant side of the seat to the inside by air being sucked in at the other end, a third duct that has one end provided inside the seat, a blower that supplies the conditioned air and air sucked in from the first duct and the second duct to the third duct, and a blowing section that can blow the conditioned air and air that flow from the other end side of the third duct to the one end side to the outside of the seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-131144 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in a conventional vehicle seat air conditioner, the structure of the vehicle becomes complicated due to the first duct connecting the vehicle air conditioner main body and the vehicle seat air conditioner. In addition, the conditioned air temperature is determined by the conditioned air from the vehicle air conditioner main body, and the ratio of the intake and exhaust air volumes is also fixed, making it difficult to adjust the temperature of the air discharged from the exhaust section. For this reason, it may not be possible to provide a comfortable environment for the person sitting in the seat.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a vehicle seat air-conditioning device that can suppress the complexity of the vehicle structure and provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment to the person seated in the seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat air-conditioning device used in a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device including a blower, an air-flow path selection switching unit, a control unit for controlling the air-flow path selection switching unit, a first air-flow path that guides air sucked by the blower from a first air-intake port provided on a seat surface, which is a surface of the seat on which a person sits, to the air-flow path selection switching unit, a second air-flow path that guides air sucked by the blower from a second air-intake port that is an air-intake port different from the first air-intake port and is provided on a portion of the seat other than the seat surface, to the air-flow path selection switching unit, and a third air-flow path that guides air guided by the blower from at least one of the first air-flow path and the second air-flow path from the air-flow path selection switching unit to an outlet port provided on the seat, the first air intake port and the second air intake port are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, at least the first air intake port, the second air intake port, and the exhaust port are provided in the seat, and the first ventilation duct, a part of the second ventilation duct, the ventilation duct selection switching unit, the blower, and the third ventilation duct are built into the seat, and the ventilation duct selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation duct is connected to the third ventilation duct in order to guide air to the third ventilation duct, a second mode in which the second ventilation duct is connected to the third ventilation duct, and a third mode in which the first ventilation duct and the second ventilation duct are connected to the third ventilation duct, and the control unit switches the mode of the ventilation duct selection switching unit by selecting any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. The seat has a seat portion including the seat surface where a person sits, and the second air intake is provided at a location of the seat portion other than the seat surface. do. A vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat air-conditioning device used in a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device including a blower, an air-flow path selection switch, a control unit for controlling the air-flow path selection switch, a first air-flow path that guides air drawn in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface that is a surface of the seat on which a person sits, to the air-flow path selection switch, and a second air-flow path that guides air drawn in by the blower from a second air intake port that is an air intake port different from the first air intake port and that is provided on a portion of the seat other than the seat surface, through the air-flow path. a second ventilation passage that guides the air to a selection switching unit, and a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided from at least one of the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage by the blower from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to a discharge port provided in the seat, the first air intake port is open toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the first air intake port and the second air intake port are disposed vertically below the discharge port, at least the first air intake port, the second air intake port and the discharge port are provided in the seat, and the blower and the third ventilation passage are built into the seat, and the ventilation passage selection switch unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage, and the control unit switches the mode of the ventilation passage selection switch unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, and controls the seat of the vehicle to be in a stable condition. A driver's seat and a passenger seat have a seat back, and the second air intake port is formed in any one of the side portion of the driver's seat facing the passenger seat, the back portion opposite the surface portion that comes into contact with a person sitting in the driver's seat, and a corner portion spanning from the side portion of the driver's seat to the back portion of the seat back, or is formed in any one of the side portion of the passenger seat facing the driver's seat, the back portion opposite the surface portion that comes into contact with a person sitting in the passenger seat, and a corner portion spanning from the side portion of the passenger seat to the back portion of the seat back. Further, a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat air-conditioning device used in a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device including a blower, an air-flow path selection switching unit, a control unit that controls the air-flow path selection switching unit, a first air-flow path that guides air sucked by the blower from a first air-intake port provided on a seat surface that is a surface of the seat on which a person sits, to the air-flow path selection switching unit, a second air-flow path that guides air sucked by the blower from a second air-intake port that is an air-intake port different from the first air-intake port and is provided on a portion of the seat other than the seat surface, to the air-flow path selection switching unit, and a third air-flow path that guides air guided by the blower from at least one of the first air-flow path and the second air-flow path from the air-flow path selection switching unit to an outlet port provided on the seat, the first air-intake port opening toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The first air intake and the second air intake are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, at least the first air intake, the second air intake and the exhaust port are provided in the seat, and the first ventilation duct, a portion of the second ventilation duct, the ventilation duct selection switching unit, the blower and the third ventilation duct are built into the seat, the ventilation duct selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation duct is connected to the third ventilation duct in order to guide air to the third ventilation duct, a second mode in which the second ventilation duct is connected to the third ventilation duct, and a third mode in which the first ventilation duct and the second ventilation duct are connected to the third ventilation duct, and the control unit switches the mode of the ventilation duct selection switching unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode and the third mode, and the first air intake is formed in the center and the outer edge of the seat. Further, a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat air-conditioning device used in a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device including: a blower; an air-flow path selection switching unit; a control unit that controls the air-flow path selection switching unit; a first air-flow path that guides air sucked by the blower through a first air-intake port provided on a seat surface, which is a surface of the seat on which a person sits, to the air-flow path selection switching unit; a second air-flow path that guides air sucked by the blower through a second air-intake port that is an air-intake port different from the first air-intake port and is provided on a portion of the seat other than the seat surface, to the air-flow path selection switching unit; and a third air-flow path that guides air guided by the blower from at least one of the first air-flow path and the second air-flow path from the air-flow path selection switching unit to an outlet port provided on the seat, the first air-intake port opening toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the first ventilation passage, a portion of the second ventilation passage, the ventilation passage selection switching unit, the blower, and the third ventilation passage are built into the sheet, the ventilation passage selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage, and the control unit switches the mode of the ventilation passage selection switching unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, and is provided with a three-dimensional structure arranged in at least one of the first ventilation passage, the second ventilation passage, and the third ventilation passage. A vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat air-conditioning device used in a vehicle seat, and includes a blower, an air-flow path selection switch, a control unit for controlling the air-flow path selection switch, a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a second temperature sensor for detecting a surface temperature of a person seated in the seat, and a third temperature sensor for guiding air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface that is a surface of the seat on which the person sits, to the air-flow path selection switch. a first ventilation passage, a second ventilation passage that guides the air sucked by the blower from a second intake port that is different from the first intake port and is provided at a location other than the seat surface of the seat, to the ventilation passage selection switching unit, and a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided by the blower from at least one of the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to a discharge port provided in the seat, the first intake port being open toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the first air intake port, the second air intake port, and the discharge port are disposed vertically below the discharge port, at least the first air intake port, the second air intake port, and the discharge port are provided on the sheet, and the first ventilation passage, a part of the second ventilation passage, the ventilation passage selection switching unit, the blower, and the third ventilation passage are built into the sheet, and the ventilation passage selection switching unit is configured to switch between a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage, and a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage. and a third mode in which the first ventilation duct and the second ventilation duct are connected to the third ventilation duct, wherein the control unit switches the mode of the ventilation duct selection switching unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, and the control unit causes the ventilation duct selection switching unit to execute the second mode when a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a set cabin temperature and a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first surface temperature. A vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat air-conditioning device used in a vehicle seat, and includes a blower, an air-flow path selection switch, a control unit for controlling the air-flow path selection switch, a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a second temperature sensor for detecting a surface temperature of a person seated in the seat, a first air-flow path for guiding air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface that is a surface of the seat on which the person sits, to the air-flow path selection switch, and a front air-flow path for guiding the air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface that is a surface on which the person sits, to the air-flow path selection switch, a second ventilation passage that guides the air sucked in by the blower from a second air intake port that is different from the first air intake port and is provided at a location other than the seat surface of the seat to the ventilation passage selection switching unit, and a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided from at least one of the first air intake port and the second air intake port by the blower from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to a discharge port provided in the seat, the first air intake port opens toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and the first air intake port and the second air intake port are a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage; and a third mode in which the air passage is connected to a third air passage, and the control unit switches the mode of the air passage selection switching unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, and the control unit causes the air passage selection switching unit to execute the third mode when a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a set cabin temperature and a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is lower than a first surface temperature and equal to or higher than a second surface temperature that is lower than the first surface temperature. A vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat air-conditioning device used in a vehicle seat, and includes a blower, an air-flow path selection switch, a control unit for controlling the air-flow path selection switch, a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a second temperature sensor for detecting a surface temperature of a person seated in the seat, a first air-flow path for guiding air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface that is a surface of the seat on which the person sits, to the air-flow path selection switch, and a front air-flow path for guiding the air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface that is a surface on which the person sits, to the air-flow path selection switch, a second ventilation passage that guides the air sucked in by the blower from a second air intake port that is different from the first air intake port and is provided at a location other than the seat surface of the seat to the ventilation passage selection switching unit, and a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided from at least one of the first air intake port and the second air intake port by the blower from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to a discharge port provided in the seat, the first air intake port opens toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and the first air intake port and the second air intake port are a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage; and a third mode in which the air passage is connected to a third air passage, and the control unit switches the mode of the air passage selection switching unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, and the control unit causes the air passage selection switching unit to execute the first mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is less than a set cabin temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is less than a second surface temperature and is equal to or greater than a third surface temperature that is lower than the second surface temperature.

[0008] It should be noted that this comprehensive or specific aspect may be realized as any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, or the like. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The vehicle seat air-conditioning device of the present disclosure can prevent the structure of the vehicle from becoming complicated, and can provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person seated in the seat. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat equipped with a vehicle seat air-conditioning device in the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] Fig. 2a is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat equipped with a vehicle seat air-conditioning device and a cross-sectional view showing the seat taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 2b is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a frame portion shown by a dashed line in Fig. 2a. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a schematic side view showing air flow paths in the seat when the second mode is executed. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic side view showing the air flow path in the seat when the third mode is executed. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a schematic side view showing the air flow path in the seat when the first mode is executed. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a schematic side view showing air flow paths in the seat when the second mode is executed in the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E is a schematic side view showing air flow paths in the seat when the third mode is executed in the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5F is a schematic side view showing air flow paths in the seat when the first mode is executed in the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a seat provided with a vehicle seat air-conditioning device in the second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air conditioning device in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing mode switching of the air passage selection switcher in accordance with the target discharge temperature. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air conditioning device in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing mode switching of an air-passage path selection switching unit in accordance with a target discharge temperature, and a schematic diagram showing the relationship between elapsed time and estimated temperature. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air conditioning device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle air conditioning unit according to the fifth embodiment, which is disposed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] 19 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional structure. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the results of a simulation of the flow speed of air blown out from the air outlet. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air conditioning device in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a seat provided with a vehicle seat air-conditioning device in a first modification of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a second air intake port formed in a corner of a vehicle seat air conditioning device in a second modification of the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air conditioning device in the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat air-conditioning device used in a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device including a blower, an air-flow path selection switching unit, a control unit for controlling the air-flow path selection switching unit, a first air-flow path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a first air-intake port provided on a seat surface, which is a surface of the seat on which a person sits, to the air-flow path selection switching unit, a second air-flow path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a second air-intake port that is an air-intake port different from the first air-intake port and is provided on a portion of the seat other than the seat surface, to the air-flow path selection switching unit, and a third air-flow path that guides air guided by the blower from at least one of the first air-flow path and the second air-flow path from the air-flow path selection switching unit to an outlet port provided on the seat, the first air intake port and the second air intake port are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, at least the first air intake port, the second air intake port and the exhaust port are provided on the sheet, and the first ventilation duct, a portion of the second ventilation duct, the ventilation duct selection switching unit, the blower and the third ventilation duct are built into the sheet, the ventilation duct selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation duct is connected to the third ventilation duct in order to guide air to the third ventilation duct, a second mode in which the second ventilation duct is connected to the third ventilation duct, and a third mode in which the first ventilation duct and the second ventilation duct are connected to the third ventilation duct, and the control unit switches the mode of the ventilation duct selection switching unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0012] According to this, unlike conventional vehicle seat air conditioners, which have a duct connecting the vehicle air conditioner for conditioning the interior of the vehicle and the vehicle seat air conditioner, the vehicle seat air conditioner of the present disclosure can use a blower to draw in air that is convecting or stagnating around the seat, and then blow the drawn-in air from the outlet toward the person. Therefore, compared to conventional vehicle seat air-conditioning devices, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device of the present disclosure can simplify the structure in the vehicle.

[0013] In addition, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device, the first air intake is provided on the seat surface of the seat, the second air intake is provided on a location other than the seat surface of the seat, and the discharge port is also provided on the seat. In other words, the vehicle seat air conditioning device is configured to take in air that is convecting or stagnating around the seat and to blow the taken in air from the discharge port toward a person. Furthermore, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device, the first ventilation duct, part of the second ventilation duct, the ventilation duct selection switch, the blower, and the third ventilation duct are built into the seat. In other words, all of the components for performing air conditioning suitable for the state of the person sitting in the seat are built into the seat. Therefore, compared to conventional vehicle seat air conditioning devices, the vehicle seat air conditioning device of the present disclosure can have a simpler configuration.

[0014] In addition, the vehicle seat air conditioner can use the ventilation path selection switch to discharge only the air drawn from the first intake port from the outlet port, discharge only the air drawn from the second intake port from the outlet port, or discharge air drawn from both the first intake port and the second intake port simultaneously from the outlet port. In other words, air can be drawn from different intake ports, the first intake port and the second intake port, and each or a mixture of the air drawn from the different intake ports can be discharged individually from the outlet port, so that the temperature of the air discharged from the outlet port can be made different. Therefore, the vehicle seat air conditioner can perform air conditioning suitable for the state of the person sitting in the seat by switching the air discharged from the outlet port of the seat.

[0015] Therefore, this vehicle seat air-conditioning system can prevent the structure of the vehicle from becoming complicated, and can provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person seated in the seat.

[0016] In particular, since the first intake port and the second intake port are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, for example, the first intake port can be provided at a location corresponding to a person's lower limbs, the second intake port can be provided at a location that is less likely to affect the person's body, and the exhaust port can be provided at a location corresponding to the person's upper body. In this case, an airflow can be generated by drawing in air from at least one of the first intake port and the second intake port, and the drawn-in air can be discharged from the exhaust port to blow the air onto the person. This creates an airflow that envelops the person's body, so that the conditioned air can be kept around the person sitting in the seat, and a comfortable conditioned environment can be provided with minimal air conditioning energy.

[0017] Furthermore, the air-passage selection switcher has a first mode in which the first air-passage passage is connected to the third air-passage passage.

[0018] With this, for example, air taken in from the first air intake port can be blown onto the upper body of a person. Also, the air blown onto the upper body of a person by being discharged from the air outlet is taken in from the first air intake port of the seat, that is, the air is taken in from the air outlet through the upper body of a person sitting on the seat to the first air intake port. This makes it possible to generate an airflow that envelops the upper body of a person from the buttocks to the thighs.

[0019] For example, when a person sits in a seat for a long time during cooling operation of a vehicle air conditioner, or during heating operation of the vehicle air conditioner, the person's buttocks and thighs, which are in contact with the seat, may become sweaty and steamy. However, a vehicle seat air conditioner can generate airflow around the person's buttocks and thighs by drawing in surrounding air from the first air intake, thereby preventing the buttocks and thighs from becoming steamy. This makes it possible to provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting in the seat.

[0020] Furthermore, the air-passage selection switcher has a second mode in which the second air-passage passage is connected to the third air-passage passage.

[0021] According to this, for example, air taken in from the second air intake port can be blown onto the upper half of a person's body. Therefore, when the second air intake port is disposed in a position where it can take in air discharged from a vehicle air conditioner (for example, under the seat), it is possible to provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting in the seat by quickly blowing cool air and warm air onto the upper half of the person's body.

[0022] For example, when the outside temperature is high or the amount of solar radiation is high, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin tends to be high immediately after a person gets into the vehicle. According to the vehicle seat air conditioning device of the present disclosure, air taken in from the second air intake port can be blown onto the upper body of a person seated in the seat. In particular, during cooling operation of the vehicle air conditioning device, cooled air can be taken in from the second air intake port, so that the person seated in the seat can be cooled.

[0023] Also, when the outside air temperature is low, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is low immediately after a person gets into the vehicle. According to the vehicle seat air-conditioning device of the present disclosure, air taken in from the second air intake port can be blown onto the upper body of a person seated in the seat. In particular, during heating operation of the vehicle air-conditioning device, heated air can be taken in from the second air intake port, so that the person seated in the seat can be warmed. Therefore, according to this vehicle seat air-conditioning device, a comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided to the person seated in the seat.

[0024] Furthermore, the air-passage selection switcher has a third mode in which the first air-passage and the second air-passage are connected to the third air-passage.

[0025] With this, for example, air taken in from the first air intake port and the second air intake port can be blown onto the upper body of a person. Also, the air blown onto the upper body of a person by being discharged from the air outlet is taken in from the first air intake port of the seat, that is, the air is taken in from the air outlet via the upper body of a person sitting on the seat to the first air intake port. This makes it possible to generate an airflow that envelops the upper body of a person from the buttocks to the thighs.

[0026] For example, during cooling operation of a vehicle air conditioner, the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner may be lowered completely, but the temperature inside the vehicle cabin may not be lowered sufficiently. According to the vehicle seat air conditioner of the present disclosure, the air around the seat sucked in from the first air intake port and the air cooled by the vehicle air conditioner sucked in from the second air intake port can be mixed and the mixed air can be blown onto the upper body of the person seated in the seat. This prevents the upper body of the person seated in the seat from being excessively cooled, and allows for gentle cooling. In addition, by sucking in the surrounding air from the first air intake port, an air flow can be generated around the person's buttocks and thighs, so that stuffiness of the person's buttocks and thighs can be suppressed. Therefore, according to this vehicle seat air conditioner, a comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided to the person seated in the seat.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit switches the mode of the air passage selection switch unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0028] With this, the control unit can select one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, thereby providing an air-conditioning environment that suits the person sitting in the seat.

[0029] In addition, a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure detects a temperature in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The seat is equipped with a first temperature sensor that detects a surface temperature of a person sitting in the seat and a second temperature sensor that detects a surface temperature of a person sitting in the seat, and the control unit switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit based on information indicating a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and information indicating a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

[0030] According to this, it is possible to detect a first temperature, which is the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, and a second temperature, which is the surface temperature of the person sitting in the seat. As a result, the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit can be automatically switched according to the first temperature and the second temperature, so that a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided for the person sitting in the seat.

[0031] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit causes the ventilation path selection switching unit to execute the second mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a set cabin temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first surface temperature.

[0032] For example, when the outside temperature is high or there is a lot of solar radiation, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin tends to be high immediately after a person gets into the vehicle. In this case, the first temperature is equal to or higher than the preset cabin temperature set to a temperature at which the person feels comfortable. Furthermore, when the first surface temperature is set to a temperature at which the person sitting in the seat feels very hot, the second temperature may be equal to or higher than the first surface temperature.

[0033] According to this, in the above case, when the vehicle air conditioner is in cooling operation, the air cooled by the air conditioner can be taken in from the second air intake, so that the person sitting in the seat can be cooled. Therefore, this vehicle seat air conditioner can provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting in the seat.

[0034] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit controls the ventilation path selection switch unit to execute the third mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a set cabin temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is lower than a first surface temperature and equal to or higher than a second surface temperature that is lower than the first surface temperature.

[0035] For example, when the outside temperature is high or the amount of solar radiation is high, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin (first temperature) may still be equal to or higher than the set cabin temperature even though the vehicle air conditioning system has started to cool the cabin. Furthermore, when a temperature range that is lower than the first surface temperature and equal to or higher than the second surface temperature is set as a temperature at which a person sitting in the seat feels hot, the second temperature may be within the above temperature range.

[0036] According to this, in the above case, when the vehicle air conditioner is in cooling operation, the vehicle seat air conditioner can take in air in the vehicle cabin that is not completely cooled (e.g., air at room temperature) and air cooled by the air conditioner. The vehicle seat air conditioner can mix the room temperature air in the vehicle cabin with the cooled air and blow the mixed air toward the person, so that the person sitting in the seat can be cooled moderately without being too cold. Therefore, this vehicle seat air conditioner can provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting in the seat.

[0037] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit controls the ventilation path selection switch unit to execute the first mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is less than a set passenger compartment temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is less than a second surface temperature and is equal to or greater than a third surface temperature that is lower than the second surface temperature.

[0038] For example, when the vehicle air conditioning system is working stably and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin (first temperature) is below the set vehicle cabin temperature, and further, when a temperature range below the second surface temperature and above the third surface temperature is set so that a person sitting in the seat feels slightly hot or comfortable, the second temperature may fall within the above temperature range.

[0039] According to this, in the above case, when the vehicle air conditioner is in cooling operation, the vehicle seat air conditioner can generate an airflow around the person's buttocks and thighs by drawing in surrounding air from the first air intake. In addition, the vehicle seat air conditioner can blow the drawn-in air toward the person, so that the air can be blown toward the person seated in the seat. Therefore, according to this vehicle seat air conditioner, an airflow that envelops the person seated in the seat is generated, so that a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided for the person.

[0040] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first temperature sensor is provided that detects a temperature inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and the control unit acquires information indicating the temperature inside the passenger compartment detected by the first temperature sensor and information indicating a predetermined target temperature, calculates a target discharge temperature based on the difference between the temperature inside the passenger compartment and the target temperature indicated in the information, and switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit according to the calculated target discharge temperature.

[0041] This allows the mode to be switched depending on the target temperature, so that by setting the target temperature to a temperature that is preferred by people, a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided to people sitting in the seat.

[0042] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device relating to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit based on a table showing the correlation between the temperature in the vehicle cabin and the elapsed time during which conditioned air continues to be discharged from the vehicle air conditioning device installed in the vehicle.

[0043] According to this, the mode of the ventilation path selection switch can be automatically switched based on the table, and as a result, the vehicle seat air conditioner can be controlled without relying on the vehicle air conditioner.

[0044] In a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the seat has a seat back, and the outlet port is formed in the seat back.

[0045] According to this, when air is discharged from the outlet, the air can be blown onto the upper half of the person's body. This makes it possible to cool or warm the upper half of the person's body, and in effect, to cool or warm the entire body of the person. This makes it possible to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting in the seat.

[0046] In a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first air intake ports are formed in a central portion and an outer edge portion of the seat surface.

[0047] According to this, by taking in air from the first intake port formed in the center of the seat between the buttocks and thighs and the seat, stuffiness of the buttocks and thighs of the person can be suppressed. Also, since the first intake port formed in the outer edge of the seat is formed in a position that is unlikely to be covered by the buttocks and thighs of the person, it is possible to take in air around the seat. For example, even if air cannot be taken in from the first intake port formed in the center of the seat, air can be taken in from the first intake port formed in the outer edge of the seat, and therefore air can be discharged from the discharge port.

[0048] In a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer edge portion is At least one of the back portion and the front end portion of the surface.

[0049] According to this, the first air intake port provided on the outer edge is less likely to be blocked by the buttocks and thighs of a person when seated on the seat. This makes it possible to more reliably ensure that the first air intake port is not blocked by the buttocks and thighs of a person, further reducing the possibility of being unable to intake air.

[0050] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outlet is arranged at a position corresponding to at least one of a person's head, neck, acromion, back, and lumbar region.

[0051] According to this, when air is discharged from the outlet, the air can be blown onto at least one of the head, neck, acromion, back, and lumbar region of a person. This makes it possible to partially cool or warm the person's body, and can also effectively cool or warm the entire body of the person. This makes it possible to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting in the seat.

[0052] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the seats of the vehicle, that is, the driver's seat and the passenger seat, have seat backs, and the second air intake port is formed in any one of the side portion of the driver's seat facing the passenger seat, the back portion opposite the surface portion that comes into contact with a person sitting in the driver's seat, and a corner portion spanning from the side portion of the driver's seat to the back portion of the seat back, or is formed in any one of the side portion of the passenger seat facing the driver's seat, the back portion opposite the surface portion that comes into contact with a person sitting in the passenger seat, and a corner portion spanning from the side portion of the passenger seat to the back portion of the seat back.

[0053] According to this, the second air intake can be located on the side, back or corner, ensuring the freedom of arrangement of the second air intake. Also, the second air intake can be formed not only on the side of the driver's seat and the passenger seat but also across the back of the driver's seat and the passenger seat, making it possible to maximize the opening area of ​​the second air intake. Therefore, the second air intake can more efficiently draw in the air blown out from the air conditioning unit.

[0054] Furthermore, typically, an outlet of an air conditioning unit for a vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an outlet of the air conditioning unit) installed in a vehicle is provided on the instrument panel of the vehicle. The outlet of the air conditioning unit blows out conditioned air toward the driver's seat, the passenger seat, etc.

[0055] In the vehicle seat air conditioning device of the present disclosure, the second air intake is provided between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, so that the conditioned air blown out from the discharge port of the air conditioning unit is sucked in from the second air intake after conditioning the surroundings, which makes it difficult to reduce the air conditioning efficiency in the vehicle cabin.

[0056] In addition, since the second intake port is positioned at a location where people or the like are unlikely to be present in the space between the exhaust port and the second intake port of the vehicle air conditioning unit, the conditioned air blown out from the exhaust port of the air conditioning unit is unlikely to be obstructed by people sitting in the driver's seat and passenger seat.

[0057] Therefore, the vehicle seat air-conditioning system of the present disclosure can suppress a decrease in air-conditioning efficiency in the vehicle cabin, and can efficiently draw in air blown out from the vehicle air-conditioning unit and blow it out toward people.

[0058] In particular, the second air intake port can take in the surrounding air containing conditioned air, regardless of the influence of disturbances such as differences in physique and seating posture of people. By reusing this, it is possible to reduce the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0059] In addition, since there is no need to provide a duct connecting the vehicle air conditioning unit and the vehicle seat air conditioning device, the manufacturing cost of the vehicle seat air conditioning device is unlikely to increase, and since there is no need to provide a duct, the interior space of the vehicle is unlikely to become narrow.

[0060] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device relating to another aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle has a center console between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and the second air intake is positioned at a higher position than the center console.

[0061] According to this, the second intake port can be positioned at a certain height, so that the space between the exhaust port of the air conditioning unit and the second intake port is less likely to be blocked by obstacles such as a center console, etc. Therefore, the second intake port can efficiently draw in the air blown out from the air conditioning unit.

[0062] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the driver's seat and the passenger seat has a configuration in which a seat frame is built into the seat back, and when viewed along the arrangement direction of the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the second air intake port overlaps with the seat frame or is positioned closer to the back surface side than the seat frame to the opposite side from the front surface side that comes into contact with a person sitting in the driver's seat.

[0063] According to this, when a person sits in the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the cushioning of the driver's seat and the passenger seat can be ensured, so that the person is less likely to feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, the possibility that the intake air is blocked by the movement of the person's hands can be reduced.

[0064] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second ventilation passage is inclined upward vertically from the second air intake port between the second air intake port and the blower.

[0065] With this, even if a person spills a drink, the liquid is less likely to penetrate deeper than the second air intake port, which can prevent breakdowns in electrical devices such as a blower disposed inside the second ventilation passage.

[0066] In addition, in a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a breathable cover is provided on the second air intake port.

[0067] This ensures the intake of air from the second air intake port while preventing the appearance of the driver's seat and passenger's seat where the second air intake port is formed from being marred.

[0068] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second air intake is formed in the corner portion and the cover is provided in the corner portion, and the air permeability of the cover corresponding to the side portion of the corner portion is higher than the air permeability of the cover corresponding to the back portion of the corner portion.

[0069] According to this, by forming the second air intake port at the corner, a sufficient amount of intake air can be ensured. Furthermore, dust stirred up by the feet of a person sitting in the back seat may be sucked in from the back side of the corner. For this reason, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device, the breathability of the back side of the corner can be reduced to suppress the sucking in of dust.

[0070] In addition, the vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is provided with the outlet port, It is equipped with fins that guide the air blown out from the outlet in a specified direction.

[0071] This allows air to be blown to the person in the driver's seat and the passenger seat in a manner that matches the person's posture, providing a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person in the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0072] In a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fin is disposed vertically above the center of the outlet port in a height direction.

[0073] With this, even in a small space such as a vehicle interior, the wind axis of the air blown out from the outlet can be controlled by the Coanda effect. Therefore, air that matches the posture of the person sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat can be blown to the person. Therefore, a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided for the person sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0074] In addition, a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an outlet temperature sensor electrically connected to the control unit and positioned near the outlet, and the control unit controls the blower in accordance with the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor.

[0075] This makes it possible to detect the temperature of the air being blown to the occupants of the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and therefore to appropriately adjust the volume of the air blower according to the temperature, thereby providing a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the occupants of the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0076] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit sets the air volume of the blower to a first air volume if the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value, and sets the air volume of the blower to a second air volume, which is smaller than the first air volume, if the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor is less than the threshold value.

[0077] According to this, for example, during cooling operation, if the temperature of the air blowing toward the people sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat is low, the volume of the blower can be reduced, and if the temperature of the air blowing toward the people sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat is high, the volume of the blower can be increased.

[0078] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit controls the blower based on the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor when the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit is maintained for a first predetermined period.

[0079] According to this, in order to achieve compatibility with the control using the first and second temperature sensors, the control using the first and second temperature sensors is prioritized, and once the temperature is stabilized, the blower control using the outlet temperature sensor is performed. Therefore, the vehicle seat air conditioner can perform more precise temperature and air volume adjustments. As a result, a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided.

[0080] Moreover, a vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a three-dimensional structure disposed in at least one of the first ventilation passage, the second ventilation passage, and the third ventilation passage.

[0081] With this, even if people are seated in the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the second ventilation passage can guide air without being crushed, and the second ventilation passage can guide air from the second intake port to the exhaust port by the blower, thereby providing a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the people seated in the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0082] In addition, in a vehicle seat air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit temporarily switches the ventilation path selection switching unit to the second mode when the ventilation path selection switching unit is in a mode other than the second mode and the temperature change detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor is within a predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined period of time.

[0083] According to this, since only the second mode does not draw air from the seat surface, the airflow that envelops the body temporarily disappears when switching from a mode other than the second mode to the second mode. This makes it easier for the person sitting in the seat to sense the change in airflow. Also, when the temperature remains stable and there is a possibility that the tension of the person sitting in the seat will ease, air with a temperature difference can be blown out from the outlet. This allows the vehicle seat air conditioning device to alert the person sitting in the seat.

[0084] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0085] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. In addition, the same components are given the same reference numerals in each figure. In addition, expressions such as "approximately rectangular" are used in the following embodiments. For example, "approximately rectangular" does not only mean that it is completely rectangular, but also means that it is substantially rectangular, that is, that it includes an error of, for example, about several percent. In addition, "approximately rectangular" means that it is rectangular within the range in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "approximately".

[0086] In the following description, the front-rear direction of the seat is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the up-down direction of the seat is referred to as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the left-right direction of the seat, i.e., the direction perpendicular to each of the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, is referred to as the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the front side of the seat in the X-axis direction is referred to as the positive direction side, and the rear side of the seat is referred to as the negative direction side. Furthermore, the left side of the seat (the right front side as viewed in FIG. 1) in the Y-axis direction is referred to as the positive direction side, and the opposite side is referred to as the negative direction side. Furthermore, the right side is the right side of the person in the traveling direction of the vehicle when a person is seated in the seat, and is the negative direction of the Y-axis. Furthermore, the left side is the left side of the person in the traveling direction of the vehicle when a person is seated in the seat, and is the positive direction of the Y-axis. Furthermore, the upper side of the seat in the Z-axis direction is referred to as the positive direction side, and the lower side of the seat is referred to as the negative direction side. The same applies to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures.

[0087] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0088] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration: Sheet 1> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat 1 equipped with a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 in the first embodiment. In Fig. 1, the solid arrows correspond to air guided to the first ventilation passage 31, the dashed arrows correspond to air guided to the second ventilation passage 32, and the dashed arrows correspond to air guided to the third ventilation passage 33. Fig. 2a is a perspective view showing the appearance of the seat 1 equipped with the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 taken along line II-II in Fig. 1, and a cross-sectional view showing the seat 1. Fig. 2b is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a frame portion indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 2a. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 in the first embodiment.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a seat 1 installed in, for example, a vehicle cools or warms a person sitting in the seat 1 by blowing air onto the upper body of the person. The seat 1 can cool or warm the body of a person by blowing air from the outlets 33a formed in the seat 1 onto the head, neck, acromion, back, waist, etc. of the person sitting on the seat 1. It is also possible to generate an airflow by drawing air into the areas corresponding to the buttocks and thighs, thereby suppressing stuffiness between the buttocks and thighs and the seat 1. Such a seat 1 includes a seat portion 10 for a person to sit on, a seat back 13, a headrest 15, a vehicle seat air conditioner 3, and a power supply unit 70.

[0090] [Seat 10] 1 and 2a, the seat portion 10 is a seat cushion that supports the buttocks, thighs, etc. of a person sitting on the seat 1. The seat portion 10 has a first seat pad 11a that corresponds to a cushioning material, and a first seat cover 11b that covers the first seat pad 11a.

[0091] The first seat pad 11a is made of, for example, urethane foam and constitutes the seat body. The first seat pad 11a is a thick, substantially rectangular plate and is disposed in a position substantially parallel to the XY plane. The first seat pad 11a supports the buttocks, thighs, etc. of a person sitting on it.

[0092] The first seat pad 11a is provided with a first ventilation passage 31 for guiding air taken in through the first ventilation port 12a in the seat surface 11c, which is the surface on the Z-axis positive direction side of the first seat cover 11b.

[0093] In addition, in Fig. 2a, an example in which the first ventilation openings 12a and the first ventilation passages 31 correspond one-to-one is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, in the portion shown by the dashed line in Fig. 2a, as shown in the enlarged view in Fig. 2b, a configuration in which a plurality of first ventilation openings 12a are formed for one first ventilation passage 31 may be used. In the case of Fig. 2b, each of the plurality of first ventilation openings 12a corresponds to one first ventilation passage 31. For example, a sponge-like cushion member 11e may be disposed between the first seat pad 11a and the first seat cover 11b so as to communicate with the plurality of first ventilation openings 12a for one first ventilation passage 31.

[0094] The first air intake port 31a is formed in a seat surface 11c which is a portion of the seat 1 on the side where a person sits on the seat 1. In other words, the first air intake port 31a opens toward the interior of the vehicle cabin.

[0095] In this embodiment, the first air intake 31a is formed in a plurality of portions. Specifically, the first air intake 31a is formed in the center portion 11c1 and the outer edge portion 11c2 of the seat surface 11c, which is the surface on the side where a person sits on the seat 1. In this embodiment, the outer edge portion 11c2 is the outer edge portion 11c2 on the Y-axis positive side of the first seat pad 11a with respect to the center portion 11c1, and the outer edge portion 11c2 on the Y-axis negative side of the first seat pad 11a with respect to the center portion 11c1. The first air intake 31a in the center portion 11c1 is formed in a plurality of portions along the X-axis direction, and the first air intake 31a in the outer edge portion 11c2 is disposed on the Y-axis positive side and the Y-axis negative side, respectively, with respect to the first air intake 31a in the center portion 11c1, and is formed in a plurality of portions along the X-axis direction. That is, on the surface of the first seat pad 11a on the positive side of the Z axis, a plurality of first air intake ports 31a are formed along the X axis direction and are arranged in a plurality of rows aligned in the Y axis direction.

[0096] The first seat pad 11a is also provided with a second ventilation passage 32 for guiding the air taken in through a second air intake port 32a formed on the surface on the negative Z-axis direction side.

[0097] The second air intake 32a is formed in a location other than the seat surface 11c, which is the surface of the seat 1 on which a person sits. In other words, the second air intake 32a opens toward the interior of the vehicle cabin. In this embodiment, the second air intake 32a is formed in a predetermined location on the seat 1 other than the seat surface 11c. In this embodiment, the second air intake 32a is also formed in the vehicle cabin, similar to the first air intake 31a. Although the example in which the second air intake port 32a opens toward the interior of the vehicle has been described, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second air intake port 32a may be configured to be connected to an air conditioner (not shown) mounted on the vehicle.

[0098] In addition to the first and second ventilation passages 31 and 32, which are components of the vehicle seat air conditioner 3, the first seat pad 11a is provided with a part of the third ventilation passage 33, a blower 34, and a ventilation passage selection switcher 35, which are components of the vehicle seat air conditioner 3. When the blower 34 is driven, air flows into at least one of the first and second ventilation passages 31 and 32 in the first seat pad 11a. The first and second ventilation passages 31 and 32 formed in the first seat pad 11a may be simple through holes formed in the first seat pad 11a, or may be formed of ventilation ducts.

[0099] The first seat cover 11b is a cover that covers the first seat pad 11a. The first seat cover 11b is, for example, a leather cover, a fabric cover, or the like.

[0100] The first seat cover 11b is formed with a first ventilation port 12a for taking in air. The first ventilation port 12a is formed in the seat surface 11c, which is the surface on the side where a person sits on the seat portion 10 (the surface on the Z-axis plus side), at a position corresponding to the first intake port 31a of the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3. In this embodiment, the first ventilation port 12a is formed in a plurality of positions along the X-axis direction in the first seat cover 11b, and a plurality of rows are formed aligned in the Y-axis direction. In FIG. 1, the solid arrows correspond to the first ventilation port 12a.

[0101] The air sucked in through the first air vent 12a is guided to the first air intake 31a of the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3, and is sucked in through the first air intake 31a and guided to the first ventilation passage 31. Therefore, the first air vent 12a also serves as an air intake that sucks in air convecting over the seat surface 11c by the suction force from the first air intake 31a caused by the drive of the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3. The first air vent 12a may be part of the first ventilation passage 31. In this case, the first air vent 12a is an example of a first air intake.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first seat cover 11b may cover the second intake port 32a. In this case, a vent corresponding to the second intake port 32a may be formed in the first seat cover 11b, similar to the first ventilation port 12a corresponding to the first intake port 31a. The air taken in through the vent may be guided to the second ventilation passage 32.

[0103] [Seatback 13] The seat back 13 is a backrest portion that supports the acromion, back, and lumbar region of a person sitting on the seat 1. The seat back 13 is long along the Z-axis direction and is disposed so as to rise up from the seat portion 10. The seat back 13 has a second seat pad 13a equivalent to a cushioning material, and a second seat cover 13b that covers the second seat pad 13a.

[0104] The second seat pad 13a is made of, for example, urethane foam, and is arranged in a rotatable position about the Y axis. The second seat pad 13a supports the acromion, back, lumbar region, etc. of a seated person.

[0105] The second seat pad 13a is provided with a part of a third ventilation passage 33 for discharging the air taken in from the first ventilation port 12a. In the second seat pad 13a, at least one of the air flowing into the first ventilation passage 31 in the first seat pad 11a by the drive of the blower 34 and the air flowing into the second ventilation passage 32 in the first seat pad 11a is guided to the third ventilation passage 33 and discharged from the discharge port 33a. The discharge port 33a is formed in the second seat pad 13a of the seat back 13. The third ventilation passage 3 formed in the second seat pad 13a The hole 3 may simply be a through hole formed in the first sheet pad 11a, or may be configured as a ventilation duct.

[0106] The second seat cover 13b is a cover that covers the second seat pad 13a. The second seat cover 13b is, for example, a leather cover, a fabric cover, or the like.

[0107] The second seat cover 13b is formed with a second ventilation port 12b for discharging the intake air. The second ventilation port 12b is formed on a surface (surface on the X-axis plus side) facing a person seated on the seat 10, at a position corresponding to the discharge port 33a of the third ventilation passage 33. The discharge port 33a is disposed vertically above the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 32a, that is, on the Z-axis plus side. In this embodiment, a plurality of second ventilation ports 12b are formed in the second seat cover 13b. The plurality of second ventilation ports 12b are, for example, scattered from the right shoulder to the left shoulder of a person seated on the seat 1. For example, the plurality of second ventilation ports 12b are formed in a portion of the second seat cover 13b corresponding to at least one or more of the person's head, neck, acromion, back, and lumbar region.

[0108] The second ventilation openings 12b are passed by air that has passed through at least one of the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32, and is guided to the third ventilation passage 33 and discharged from the discharge port 33a. That is, when the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 is driven and air that has passed through at least one of the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32 and is guided to the third ventilation passage 33 is discharged from the discharge port 33a, the air is guided to the second ventilation openings 12b. Therefore, the second ventilation openings 12b also serve as discharge ports that discharge air to the outside of the seat 1. The second ventilation openings 12b may be a part of the second ventilation passage 32. In this case, the second ventilation openings 12b are an example of a discharge port.

[0109] [Headrest 15] The headrest 15 is a headrest that supports the head of a person seated in the seat 1. The headrest 15 is fixed to the end of the seat back 13 on the positive side in the Z axis direction.

[0110] The third ventilation port 12c may be formed in the headrest 15. In other words, a part of the third ventilation passage 33 may be provided in the headrest 15.

[0111] [Vehicle seat air conditioning system 3] The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 is an air-conditioning device that is used in a vehicle seat 1 and can blow air toward a person seated in the seat 1 from behind the person. The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 performs air-blowing by drawing in air circulating around the seat 1 and blowing the drawn-in air toward the person. Therefore, if the temperature around the seat 1 is higher than room temperature, hot air is blown, and if it is lower than room temperature, cold air is blown. The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 may be equipped with an air conditioner that can perform both heating and cooling.

[0112] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3 includes a blower 34, a first ventilation path 31, a second ventilation path 32, a ventilation path selection switch unit 35, a third ventilation path 33, a first temperature sensor 51, a second temperature sensor 52, a control unit 60, and an operation unit 65.

[0113] The blower 34 can take in air from at least one of the first ventilation port 12a formed in the first seat cover 11b of the seat 1 and the second intake port 32a formed in the first seat pad 11a, and discharge the taken in air from the second ventilation port 12b formed in the second seat pad 13a. Specifically, the blower 34 is electrically connected to the control unit 60, and is driven and controlled by the control unit 60 to take in air from at least one of the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 32a via the first ventilation port 12a, and discharge the air from the exhaust port 33a via at least one of the first ventilation path 31 and the second ventilation path 32, the ventilation path selection switch unit 35, and the third ventilation path 33. Put out.

[0114] The blower 34 is built into the seat portion 10 of the seat 1. Specifically, the blower 34 is disposed inside the first seat pad 11a. When the blower 34 is driven, air is sucked in through the first air intake port 31a and the second air intake port 32a of the first seat cover 11b.

[0115] Moreover, the blower 34 is disposed downstream of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35. Specifically, in the flow path of air flowing from the first intake port 31a to the discharge port 33a and the flow path of air flowing from the second intake port 32a to the discharge port 33a, the blower 34 is disposed downstream of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35. That is, the blower 34 is disposed between the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 and the discharge port 33a. In this embodiment, the blower 34 is disposed on the third ventilation path 33. Note that, as long as air flows from at least one of the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 32a to the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 and air flows from the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to the discharge port 33a, the blower 34 may be disposed outside the third ventilation path 33. Moreover, the blower 34 may be disposed outside the first sheet pad 11a, and the arrangement position is not particularly limited.

[0116] The first ventilation passage 31 is built into the seat 1. Specifically, the first ventilation passage 31 is disposed inside the seat 10 so as to extend from the seat surface 11c of the seat 10 to the blower .

[0117] The first ventilation passage 31 guides air drawn in from a first air intake port 31a provided in the seat portion 10 of the seat 1 by the blower 34 to the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. When the first ventilation passage 31 is selected by the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35, air flows through the first ventilation passage 31. The first ventilation passage 31 is formed of, for example, a ventilation duct.

[0118] One end of the first ventilation passage 31 forms the first intake port 31a, and the other end is connected to the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. In other words, the first ventilation passage 31 extends from the first intake port 31a to the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35.

[0119] The first air intake port 31a is capable of drawing in air from the surface (seat surface 11c) of the seat 10 on which a person sits, and corresponds to the first air vent 12a of the first seat cover 11b. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the first air intake port 31a overlaps with the first air vent 12a. In this embodiment, the first air intake port 31a draws in air via the first air vent 12a, but may also be configured to draw in air directly.

[0120] The second ventilation passage 32 is built into the seat 1. Specifically, the second ventilation passage 32 is disposed inside the seat 10 so as to reach the blower 34 from a location other than the surface (seat surface 11c) of the seat 10 on which a person sits.

[0121] The second ventilation passage 32 is a ventilation passage different from the first ventilation passage 31. The second ventilation passage 32 guides air taken in from a second air intake port 32a provided in the seat portion 10 of the seat 1 by a blower 34 to a ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. When the second ventilation passage 32 is selected by the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35, air flows through the second ventilation passage 32. The second ventilation passage 32 is formed of, for example, a ventilation duct.

[0122] One end of the second ventilation passage 32 forms the second air intake port 32a, and the other end is connected to the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. That is, the second ventilation passage 32 extends from the second air intake port 32a to the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35.

[0123] The second air intake 32a is an air intake different from the first air intake 31a. The second air intake 32a is formed in a location other than the surface (seat surface 11c) on the side where a person sits on the seat 10. In this embodiment, the second air intake port 32a is formed on the surface opposite the seat surface 11c (the surface on the negative Z-axis side of the seat portion 10) and can draw in air present on the underside of the seat 1 (the negative Z-axis side).

[0124] The ventilation path selection switching unit 35 is built into the seat portion 10 of the seat 1. Specifically, the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 is provided on the first intake port 31a and second intake port 32a side, which is upstream of the blower 34.

[0125] In addition, the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 selects and switches at least one of the first ventilation path 31 and the second ventilation path 32 to guide air to the third ventilation path 33, thereby guiding the air guided to at least one of the switched first ventilation path 31 and the second ventilation path 32 to the third ventilation path 33. The ventilation path selection switching unit 35 is composed of, for example, a damper, and can switch the air flow path, i.e., the ventilation path. The ventilation path selection switching unit 35 can selectively guide any one of air guided only from the first ventilation path 31, air guided only from the second ventilation path 32, and air guided simultaneously to both the first ventilation path 31 and the second ventilation path 32 to the third ventilation path 33.

[0126] Specifically, the ventilation passage selection switcher 35 has a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. The first mode is a mode in which the first ventilation passage 31 and the third ventilation passage 33 are connected. In the first mode, air introduced only from the first ventilation passage 31 is introduced to the third ventilation passage 33, and the air is discharged from the discharge port 33a. The second mode is a mode in which the second ventilation passage 32 and the third ventilation passage 33 are connected. In the second mode, air introduced only from the second ventilation passage 32 is introduced to the third ventilation passage 33, and the air is discharged from the discharge port 33a. In the third mode, the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32 are connected to the third ventilation passage 33. In the third mode, air introduced simultaneously from the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32 is introduced to the third ventilation passage 33 and mixed, and the mixed air is discharged from the discharge port 33a. The airflow path selection switch 35 is electrically connected to the control unit 60, and is driven and controlled by the control unit 60 to select one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0127] The third ventilation passage 33 is a ventilation passage different from the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32. The third ventilation passage 33 guides the air guided by the blower 34 from at least one of the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32 from the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 to the discharge port 33a provided in the sheet 1. Specifically, the third ventilation passage 33 guides only the air drawn from the first intake port 31a and guided to the first ventilation passage 31 to the discharge port 33a, or guides only the air drawn from the second intake port 32a and guided to the second ventilation passage 32 to the discharge port 33a. The third ventilation passage 33 also mixes the air drawn from the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 32a at the same time and guides the air to the discharge port 33a. The third ventilation passage 33 is formed of, for example, a ventilation duct. One end of the third ventilation passage 33 forms an outlet 33a, and the other end is connected to the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35. The third ventilation passage 33 may be connected to the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 via a blower 34. The outlet 33a corresponds to the second ventilation port 12b of the second sheet cover 13b. When viewed along the X-axis direction, the outlet 33a overlaps with the second ventilation port 12b. In this embodiment, the outlet 33a discharges air through the second ventilation port 12b, but may be configured to discharge air directly.

[0128] The third ventilation passage 33 is built into the seat 1. Specifically, a portion of the third ventilation passage 33 is disposed inside the seat portion 10, and the remaining portion of the third ventilation passage 33 is disposed inside the seat back 13.

[0129] The third ventilation passage 33 extends from the ventilation passage selection switching portion 35 to the outlet 33a. In the present embodiment, the third ventilation passage 33 extends from the ventilation passage selection switching portion 35 in the first seat pad 11a to the outlet 33a. The third ventilation passage 33 extends to the seat pad 13a. In this embodiment, the third ventilation passage 33 extends to the vicinity of the headrest 15 in the second seat cover 13b. The outlet port 33a, which is one end of the third ventilation passage 33, is disposed at a position corresponding to at least one of the head, neck, acromion, back, and lumbar region of a person.

[0130] Due to the configuration of the first ventilation passage 31, the second ventilation passage 32, and the third ventilation passage 33, the first intake port 31a, the second intake port 32a, and the exhaust port 33a have the following relationship. The first intake port 31a and the second intake port 32a are disposed vertically below the exhaust port 33a. The second intake port 32a is disposed vertically below the first intake port 31a. As a result, air is taken in from the areas corresponding to the buttocks and thighs of a person and the areas other than the seat surface 11c of the seat 1, and exhausted from the areas corresponding to the head, neck, acromion, back, and waist of the person, thereby generating an airflow that envelops the person seated on the seat 1.

[0131] In the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3, the first air intake 31a, the second air intake 32a and the exhaust 33a are provided in the seat 1, and the first ventilation passage 31, the second ventilation passage 32, the third ventilation passage 33, the blower 34 and the ventilation passage selection switcher 35 are built into the seat 1. In other words, all of the components that generate the airflow that envelops the person seated in the seat 1 are provided in the seat 1, so that the configuration of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 can be simplified.

[0132] [First temperature sensor 51, second temperature sensor 52] The first temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature in the vehicle cabin. In the present embodiment, as an example of the temperature in the vehicle cabin detected by the first temperature sensor 51, the first temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature in the vehicle cabin where a person exists. For example, the first temperature sensor 51 may be provided in the seat 1, the first ventilation passage 31, the second ventilation passage 32, or the third ventilation passage 33. In this case, as an example of the temperature in the vehicle cabin detected by the first temperature sensor 51, the first temperature sensor 51 may detect the temperature of the air flowing through the first ventilation passage 31, the second ventilation passage 32, or the third ventilation passage 33. For example, the first temperature sensor 51 may be a temperature sensor provided in advance in an air conditioner for a vehicle. In this case, as an example of the temperature in the vehicle cabin detected by the first temperature sensor 51, the first temperature sensor 51 may detect the temperature of the air outlet of the air conditioner for a vehicle. The first temperature sensor 51 outputs information indicating the first temperature, which is the temperature in the vehicle cabin, to the control unit 60 as a result of detection.

[0133] The second temperature sensor 52 detects the surface temperature of a person sitting in the seat 1. In this embodiment, the second temperature sensor 52 is disposed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle at a position where the person sitting in the seat 1 can be observed. For example, the second temperature sensor 52 is an imaging device or the like that captures an image of the person sitting in the seat 1. The second temperature sensor 52 outputs information indicating the second temperature, which is the surface temperature, to the control unit 60 as a detection result. Note that the second temperature sensor 52 is not limited to one that detects the second temperature by an imaging device or the like, and may be configured to indirectly detect the second temperature from information of a temperature sensor disposed on the surface of the seat 1, for example.

[0134] The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 may be provided with sensors such as an outside air temperature sensor that detects the temperature outside the vehicle, a solar radiation amount sensor that detects the amount of solar radiation irradiated to the vehicle, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air at the first air intake 31a, a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the air at the first air intake 31a, a skin temperature sensor that detects the skin temperature of a person sitting in the seat 1, and a temperature sensor that detects the surface temperature of the seat 1. These sensors may output information indicating the detected temperature or humidity to the control unit 60.

[0135] The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 may be provided with a sensor that detects the state of the person. The state of the person may be the person's sweating state, the period of sitting, etc. For example, the sensor may include a sensor that detects the period of sitting of the person sitting in the seat 1, or may include an imaging device that captures an image of the person. The sensor that detects the seating period may detect the seating period based on the activation period of the vehicle, for example, or may detect the seating period as a period during which the presence of a person is continuously detected. The sensor may output information indicating the seating period as a detection result to the control unit 60. The sensor may also detect the person's sweating state by capturing an image of the person. The sensor may output information indicating the person's sweating state as a detection result to the control unit 60.

[0136] [Control unit 60] The control unit 60 controls the blower 34 and the ventilation path selection switching unit 35. The control unit 60 is a microcomputer that controls the output of the blower 34 by turning on and off the current flowing to the blower 34 and the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 and by changing the current value.

[0137] The control unit 60 switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. The control unit 60 also switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 based on information indicating the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 and information indicating the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52. Note that, although an example in which both the first temperature sensor 51 and the second temperature sensor 52 are used is shown in the present embodiment, the second temperature sensor 52 may be omitted.

[0138] Specifically, the control unit 60 executes control to switch the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 based on the temperature in the vehicle interior detected by the first temperature sensor 51 and the surface temperature of the person seated in the seat 1 detected by the second temperature sensor 52. More specifically, when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is equal to or higher than the set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is equal to or higher than the first surface temperature, the control unit 60 causes the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to execute the second mode. Also, when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is equal to or higher than the set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the first surface temperature and equal to or higher than the second surface temperature, the control unit 60 causes the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to execute the third mode. The second surface temperature is a temperature lower than the first surface temperature. Furthermore, when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is lower than the set cabin temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the second surface temperature and equal to or higher than the third surface temperature, the control unit 60 causes the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to execute the first mode. The third surface temperature is lower than the second surface temperature. The set cabin temperature, the first surface temperature, and the second surface temperature are each a preset temperature (threshold value) and can be arbitrarily changed.

[0139] In addition, when a person is seated in seat 1, the control unit 60 may execute control to switch the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 and control to adjust the air volume of the blower 34 based on the temperature outside the vehicle, the amount of solar radiation irradiating the vehicle, the temperature of the air at the first air intake 31a, the humidity of the air at the first air intake 31a, the skin temperature of the person sitting in seat 1, the surface temperature of seat 1, etc.

[0140] [Operation unit 65] The operation unit 65 is an input interface mounted on the vehicle, and outputs setting instructions such as the temperature and air volume of an air conditioner for the vehicle to the control unit 60 by receiving operational input from a person. For example, the operation unit 65 can output a mode switching instruction to the control unit 60 by receiving operational input from a person. The operation unit 65 is a vehicle control panel, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. The operation unit 65 may also be configured to output setting instructions for the above-mentioned set cabin temperature, first surface temperature, and second surface temperature to the control unit 60.

[0141] [Power supply section 70] The power supply unit 70 supplies power to the blower 34 and the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 via the control unit 60 and the like. The power supply unit 70 is a power supply circuit that supplies a direct current (DC) to the air blower 34 and the air passage selection switch unit 35. The power supply unit 70 is controlled by the control unit 60 to adjust the current supplied to the air blower 34 and the air passage selection switch unit 35.

[0142] <Processing> Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 in the first embodiment. Fig. 5A is a schematic side view showing the air flow path in the seat 1 when the second mode is executed. Fig. 5B is a schematic side view showing the air flow path in the seat 1 when the third mode is executed. Fig. 5C is a schematic side view showing the air flow path in the seat 1 when the first mode is executed.

[0143] The control of the control unit 60 shown in FIG. 4 will be described as an example during cooling.

[0144] First, as shown in Fig. 4, the first temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature (first temperature) inside the vehicle cabin. The second temperature sensor 52 detects the surface temperature (second temperature) of a person seated in the seat 1. As a result of detection by the first temperature sensor 51, the first temperature sensor 51 outputs information indicating the first temperature, which is the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, to the control unit 60. As a result of detection by the second temperature sensor 52, the second temperature sensor 52 outputs information indicating the second temperature, which is the surface temperature of the person seated in the seat 1, to the control unit 60.

[0145] The control unit 60 acquires information indicating the first temperature from the first temperature sensor 51 and information indicating the second temperature from the second temperature sensor 52 (S11). The control unit 60 switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 based on the acquired information indicating the first temperature and information indicating the second temperature.

[0146] Specifically, the control unit 60 determines whether the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is equal to or higher than the set cabin temperature and whether the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is equal to or higher than the first surface temperature (S12).

[0147] If the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is equal to or higher than the set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is equal to or higher than the first surface temperature (YES in S12), the control unit 60 causes the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 to execute the second mode (S13). Then, the control unit 60 ends the process, and returns to step S11 to repeat the process.

[0148] For example, when the outside air temperature is high or when the amount of solar radiation is high, the temperature (first temperature) in the vehicle cabin tends to be equal to or higher than the set vehicle cabin temperature immediately after a person gets into the vehicle. Furthermore, if the second temperature is equal to or higher than the first surface temperature, the person sitting in the seat 1 may feel very hot. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5A, the air in the vehicle cabin cooled by the vehicle air conditioner is sucked in through the second air intake 32a and the sucked air is discharged from the discharge port 33a, so that the air can be blown onto the person sitting in the seat 1. As a result, the surface temperature of the person sitting in the seat 1 can be lowered. In FIG. 5A, the air guided to the second ventilation passage 32 is indicated by a solid line, and the air guided to the third ventilation passage 33 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0149] If the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is lower than the set cabin temperature, or the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the first surface temperature (NO in S12), the control unit 60 determines whether the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is higher than the set cabin temperature and whether the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the first surface temperature and higher than the second surface temperature (within the first temperature range) (S14).

[0150] The control unit 60 detects that the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is equal to or higher than the preset vehicle interior temperature, and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the first surface temperature and equal to or higher than the second surface temperature. If there is (YES in S14), the control unit 60 causes the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 to execute the third mode (S15). Then, the control unit 60 ends the process, and returns to step S11 to repeat the process.

[0151] For example, when the outside air temperature is high or the amount of sunlight is high, the temperature in the vehicle cabin (first temperature) may still be equal to or higher than the set vehicle cabin temperature even though the air conditioning system for the vehicle has started to cool the vehicle. Furthermore, if the second temperature is lower than the first surface temperature and equal to or higher than the second surface temperature, the temperature in the vehicle cabin is still high, and the person sitting in the seat 1 may feel hot. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5B, the air in the vehicle cabin cooled by the air conditioning system for the vehicle is taken in through the second air intake 32a, and air is also taken in through the first air intake 31a on the seat surface 11c side of the seat 1, and the air taken in simultaneously through the first air intake 31a and the second air intake 32a is mixed in the third ventilation passage 33. The mixed air can be blown to the person sitting in the seat 1 by discharging the air from the discharge port 33a. The temperature of the air discharged from the outlet 33a in the third mode tends to be higher than the temperature of the air discharged from the outlet 33a in the second mode. In this way, by mixing these airs, the air becomes slightly less cold, so that it is possible to prevent the person seated in the seat 1 from being too cold. In Fig. 5B, the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32 is shown by a solid line, and the air guided to the third ventilation passage 33 is shown by a dashed line.

[0152] If the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is lower than the set vehicle interior temperature, or if the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the first surface temperature and outside the range of the second surface temperature or higher (NO in S14), the control unit 60 determines whether the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is lower than the set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the second surface temperature and is higher than the third surface temperature (within the second temperature range) (S16). If the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is lower than the set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the second surface temperature and is higher than the third surface temperature (YES in S16), the control unit 60 causes the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to execute the first mode (S17). Then, the control unit 60 ends the process, returns to step S11, and repeats the process.

[0153] For example, when the cooling by the air conditioner for the vehicle is stable and the temperature in the vehicle interior (first temperature) is lower than the set vehicle interior temperature, and further, if the second temperature is lower than the second surface temperature and equal to or higher than the third surface temperature, the temperature in the vehicle interior is appropriate if it is slightly lower than the set vehicle interior temperature, but the person sitting in the seat 1 feels it is moderate or slightly hot. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5C, air is sucked in from the first intake port 31a on the seat surface 11c side of the seat 1, and the sucked air is discharged from the discharge port 33a, so that it can be blown to the person sitting in the seat 1. The temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 33a in the first mode tends to be higher than the temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 33a in the second mode and the third mode. For this reason, the sensible temperature of the person sitting in the seat 1 can be lowered so as not to be too cold. In FIG. 5C, the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 is indicated by a solid line, and the air guided to the third ventilation passage 33 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0154] In addition, if the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is equal to or higher than the set cabin temperature, or if the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the third surface temperature (NO in S16), the control unit 60 returns to step S11 and repeats the processing.

[0155] In this process, the order of the determination processes in steps S12, S14, and S16 may be changed as appropriate.

[0156] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effect of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 in this embodiment will be described.

[0157] As described above, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 of the present embodiment is a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 used in a vehicle seat 1, and includes the blower 34, the ventilation path selection switcher 35, the control unit 60 that controls the ventilation path selection switcher 35, the first ventilation path 31 that guides air sucked in by the blower 34 from the first air intake port 31a provided in the seat surface 11c that is the surface of the seat 1 on which a person sits, to the ventilation path selection switcher 35, and the ventilation path 31 that guides the air sucked in by the blower 34 from the first air intake port 31a provided in the seat surface 11c that is the surface of the seat 1 on which a person sits, to the ventilation path selection switcher 35. The seat 1 is provided with a second ventilation passage 32 that guides the air drawn in from a second ventilation passage 32a, which is an intake port different from the first ventilation passage 31a and is provided at a location other than the seat surface 11c of the seat 1, to a ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 by the blower 34, and a third ventilation passage 33 that guides the air guided from at least one of the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32 by the blower 34 from the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 to a discharge port 33a provided in the seat 1. The first ventilation passage 31a opens toward the interior of the vehicle. The first ventilation passage 31a and the second ventilation passage 32a are disposed vertically below the discharge port 33a. At least the first intake port 31a, the second intake port 32a, and the exhaust port 33a are provided in the seat 1, and the first ventilation passage 31, a part of the second ventilation passage 32, the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35, the blower 34, and the third ventilation passage 33 are built into the seat 1. In order to guide air to the third ventilation passage 33, the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 has a first mode in which the first ventilation passage 31 is connected to the third ventilation passage 33, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage 32 is connected to the third ventilation passage 33, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 32 are connected to the third ventilation passage 33. The control unit 60 switches the mode of the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35 by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0158] According to this, unlike the conventional vehicle seat air-conditioning devices, which have a duct connecting the vehicle air-conditioning device for air-conditioning the interior of the vehicle and the vehicle seat air-conditioning device, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 of this embodiment can use the blower 34 to draw in air that is convecting or stagnating around the seat 1 and blow the drawn-in air towards the person from the outlet 33a. Therefore, compared to the conventional vehicle seat air-conditioning devices, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 of this embodiment can simplify the structure in the vehicle.

[0159] In addition, in the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3, the first air intake 31a is provided on the seat surface 11c of the seat 1, the second air intake 32a is provided on a portion of the seat 1 other than the seat surface 11c, and the discharge port 33a is also provided on the seat 1. In other words, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 is configured to take in air that is convecting or stagnating around the seat 1 and to blow the taken-in air from the discharge port 33a to a person. Furthermore, in the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3, the first ventilation passage 31, a part of the second ventilation passage 32, the ventilation passage selection switch unit 35, the blower 34, and the third ventilation passage 33 are built into the seat 1. In other words, all of the components for performing air conditioning suitable for the state of the person seated in the seat 1 are built into the seat 1. Therefore, compared with the conventional vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 of the present disclosure can have a simpler configuration.

[0160] In addition, in the vehicle seat air conditioner 3, the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 can discharge only the air drawn from the first intake port 31a from the outlet port 33a, discharge only the air drawn from the second intake port 32a from the outlet port 33a, or discharge air drawn from both the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 32a simultaneously from the outlet port 33a. In other words, air can be drawn from different intake ports, the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 32a, and each or a mixture of the air drawn from the different intake ports can be discharged individually from the outlet port 33a, so that the temperature of the air discharged from the outlet port 33a can be made different. Therefore, according to the vehicle seat air conditioner 3, air conditioning suitable for the state of the person sitting in the seat 1 can be performed by switching the air discharged from the outlet port 33a of the seat 1.

[0161] Therefore, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 can provide a comfortable air-conditioning environment to the person sitting in the seat 1 while preventing the structure of the vehicle from becoming complicated.

[0162] In particular, since the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 32a are disposed vertically below the exhaust port 33a, for example, the first intake port 31a can be provided at a position corresponding to the lower legs of a person, the second intake port 32a can be provided at a position that is unlikely to affect the body of the person, and the exhaust port 33a can be provided at a position corresponding to the upper body of the person. In this case, air is sucked in from at least one of the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 32a to generate an airflow, and the sucked air can be discharged from the exhaust port 33a to blow the air to the person. This makes it possible to generate an airflow that envelops the body of the person, so that the conditioned air can be kept around the person sitting in the seat 1, and a comfortable conditioned environment can be provided with minimal air conditioning energy.

[0163] Furthermore, air-passage passage selection switch 35 has a first mode in which first air-passage passage 31 is connected to third air-passage passage 33.

[0164] According to this, for example, air taken in from the first air intake port 31a can be blown onto the upper body of a person. Also, the air blown onto the upper body of a person by being discharged from the air outlet 33a is taken in from the first air intake port 31a of the seat surface 11c, that is, the air is taken in from the air outlet 33a through the upper body of a person seated on the seat 1 to the first air intake port 31a. Therefore, an air flow that envelops the upper body of a person from the buttocks to the thighs can be generated.

[0165] For example, when a person sits on the seat 1 for a long time during cooling operation of the vehicle air conditioner, or during heating operation of the vehicle air conditioner, the buttocks and thighs of the person in contact with the seat surface 11c may become steamy due to sweating. However, the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 can generate airflow around the buttocks and thighs of the person by drawing in ambient air from the first air intake 31a, thereby suppressing the steaming of the buttocks and thighs of the person. This makes it possible to provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting on the seat 1.

[0166] Furthermore, air-passage selection switch 35 has a second mode in which second air passage 32 is connected to third air passage 33.

[0167] According to this, for example, air taken in from the second air intake port 32a can be blown onto the upper half of a person's body. Therefore, when the second air intake port 32a is disposed in a position where it can take in air discharged from a vehicle air conditioner (for example, below the seat 1), it is possible to provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting in the seat 1 by quickly blowing cool air and warm air onto the upper half of the person's body.

[0168] For example, when the outside temperature is high or when there is a lot of solar radiation, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin tends to be high immediately after a person gets into the vehicle. According to the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 of this embodiment, air taken in from the second air intake 32a can be blown onto the upper body of a person seated in the seat 1. In particular, during cooling operation of the vehicle air-conditioning device, cooled air can be taken in from the second air intake 32a, so that the person seated in the seat 1 can be cooled.

[0169] Also, when the outside air temperature is low, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is low immediately after a person gets into the vehicle. According to the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 of this embodiment, air taken in from the second air intake 32a can be blown onto the upper body of a person seated in the seat 1. In particular, during heating operation of the vehicle air-conditioning device, heated air can be taken in from the second air intake 32a, so that the person seated in the seat 1 can be warmed. Therefore, according to this vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3, a comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided to the person seated in the seat 1.

[0170] Furthermore, air-passage selection switcher 35 has a third mode in which first air passage 31 and second air passage 32 are connected to third air passage 33.

[0171] According to this, for example, air taken in from the first intake port 31a and the second intake port 32a can be blown onto the upper body of a person. Also, the air blown onto the upper body of a person by being discharged from the discharge port 33a is taken in from the first intake port 31a of the seat surface 11c, that is, the air is taken in from the discharge port 33a through the upper body of a person seated on the seat 1 to the first intake port 31a. Therefore, an air flow that envelops the upper body of a person from the buttocks to the thighs can be generated.

[0172] For example, during cooling operation of a vehicle air conditioner, the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner may be lowered completely, but the temperature inside the vehicle cabin may not be lowered sufficiently. According to the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 of this embodiment, the air around the seat 1 sucked in from the first air intake 31a and the air cooled by the vehicle air conditioner sucked in from the second air intake 32a can be mixed and the mixed air can be blown onto the upper body of the person sitting in the seat 1. This prevents the upper body of the person sitting in the seat 1 from being excessively cooled, and allows for gentle cooling. In addition, by sucking in the surrounding air from the first air intake 31a, an air flow can be generated around the person's buttocks and thighs, so that stuffiness of the person's buttocks and thighs can be suppressed. Therefore, according to this vehicle seat air conditioner 3, a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided to the person sitting in the seat 1.

[0173] Furthermore, the control unit 60 switches the mode of the air passage selection switch unit 35 by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0174] According to this, the control unit 60 can select one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, and therefore can provide an air conditioning environment that suits the person sitting in the seat 1.

[0175] The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 according to this embodiment also includes a first temperature sensor 51 that detects the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, and a second temperature sensor 52 that detects the surface temperature of a person seated in the seat 1. The control unit 60 switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switcher 35 based on information indicating the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 and information indicating the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52.

[0176] This makes it possible to detect a first temperature, which is the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, and a second temperature, which is the surface temperature of a person sitting in the seat 1. This makes it possible to automatically switch the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 in response to the first temperature and the second temperature, thereby making it possible to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting in the seat 1.

[0177] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3 of this embodiment, when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is equal to or higher than the set cabin temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is equal to or higher than the first surface temperature, the control unit 60 causes the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 to execute the second mode.

[0178] According to this, for example, when the outside temperature is high or the amount of solar radiation is high, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin tends to be high immediately after a person gets into the vehicle. In this case, the first temperature is equal to or higher than the preset cabin temperature set to a temperature at which the person feels comfortable. Furthermore, when the first surface temperature is set to a temperature at which the person sitting in the seat 1 feels very hot, the second temperature may be equal to or higher than the first surface temperature.

[0179] According to this, in the above case, when the vehicle air conditioner is in cooling operation, air cooled by the air conditioner can be taken in from the second air intake 32a, thereby cooling the person seated in the seat 1. Therefore, the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 can provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person seated in the seat 1.

[0180] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 60 causes the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 to execute the third mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 is equal to or higher than the set passenger compartment temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the first surface temperature and equal to or higher than the second surface temperature, which is lower than the first surface temperature.

[0181] For example, when the outside temperature is high or when there is a lot of solar radiation, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin (first temperature) may still be equal to or higher than the set cabin temperature even though the air conditioning system for the vehicle has started to cool the cabin. Furthermore, when a temperature range that is lower than the first surface temperature and equal to or higher than the second surface temperature is set as a temperature at which a person sitting in seat 1 feels hot, the second temperature may be within the above temperature range.

[0182] According to this, in the above case, when the vehicle air conditioner is in cooling operation, the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 can take in air in the vehicle cabin that is not completely cooled (e.g., air at room temperature) and air cooled by the air conditioner. The vehicle seat air conditioner 3 can mix the room temperature air in the vehicle cabin with the cooled air and blow the mixed air toward the person, so that the person seated in the seat 1 can be cooled moderately without being too cold. Therefore, the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 can provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person seated in the seat 1.

[0183] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 60 causes the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 to execute the first mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is lower than the set passenger compartment temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the second surface temperature and equal to or higher than a third surface temperature that is lower than the second surface temperature.

[0184] For example, when the vehicle air conditioning system is working stably and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin (first temperature) is below the set vehicle cabin temperature, and further, when a temperature range below the second surface temperature and above the third surface temperature is set to a temperature that a person sitting in seat 1 feels is slightly hot or comfortable, the second temperature may fall within the above temperature range.

[0185] According to this, in the above case, when the vehicle air conditioner is in cooling operation, the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 can generate an airflow around the person's buttocks and thighs by drawing in surrounding air from the first air intake port 31a. In addition, the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 can blow out the drawn-in air toward the person, so that air can be blown toward the person seated in the seat 1. Therefore, the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 generates an airflow that envelops the person seated in the seat 1, so that a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided for the person.

[0186] In the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 according to this embodiment, the seat 1 has a seat back 13. The outlet port 33a is formed in the seat back 13.

[0187] According to this, when air is discharged from the outlet 33a, the air can be blown onto the upper half of the person's body. This makes it possible to cool or warm the upper half of the person's body, and in effect, to cool or warm the entire body of the person. This makes it possible to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting in the seat 1.

[0188] In the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 according to this embodiment, the first air intake ports 31a are formed in the central portion 11c1 and the outer edge portion 11c2 of the seat surface 11c.

[0189] According to this, by taking in air from the first intake port 31a formed in the center 11c1 of the seat surface 11c between the buttocks and thighs and the seat surface 11c, it is possible to suppress stuffiness of the buttocks and thighs of a person. In addition, the first intake port 31a formed in the outer edge portion 11c2 of the seat surface 11c is formed in a position that is unlikely to be covered by the buttocks and thighs of a person, so that it is possible to take in air around the seat 1. For example, even if air cannot be taken in from the first intake port 31a formed in the center portion 11c1 of the seat surface 11c, air can be taken in from the first intake port 31a formed in the outer edge portion 11c2 of the seat surface 11c, so that air can be discharged from the discharge port 33a.

[0190] In the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 according to this embodiment, the outlet port 33a is disposed at a position corresponding to at least one of the head, neck, acromion, back, and lumbar region of a person.

[0191] According to this, when air is discharged from the outlet 33a, the air can be blown onto at least one of the head, neck, acromion, back, and lumbar region of a person. This makes it possible to partially cool or warm the person's body, and it is also possible to substantially cool or warm the entire body of the person. This makes it possible to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person sitting in the seat 1.

[0192] (First Modification of First Embodiment) This modified example differs from the vehicle seat air-conditioning device of the first embodiment in that the second air intake 132a is provided in the seat back 13. Other configurations of this modified example are similar to those of the first embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions of the configurations and functions are omitted.

[0193] Fig. 5D is a schematic side view showing the air flow path in the seat 1 when the second mode is executed in the first variation of the first embodiment. Fig. 5E is a schematic side view showing the air flow path in the seat 1 when the third mode is executed in the first variation of the first embodiment. Fig. 5F is a schematic side view showing the air flow path in the seat 1 when the first mode is executed in the first variation of the first embodiment.

[0194] In this modification, the second ventilation passage 132 of the vehicle seat air conditioner 3a guides air taken in from a second air intake port 132a provided in the second seat cover 13b of the seat back 13 by the blower 34 to the ventilation passage selection switcher 35. When selected by the ventilation passage selection switcher 35, air flows in the second ventilation passage 132.

[0195] In this modified example, the second intake port 132a is formed on a side surface of the seat back 13. Also, in this modified example, the height at which the second intake port 132a is disposed relative to the floor surface of the vehicle compartment is lower than the height at which the exhaust port 33a is disposed relative to the floor surface of the vehicle compartment.

[0196] The air flow in the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3a of this modified example will be described with reference to Figs. 5D to 5F.

[0197] For example, when the outside temperature is high or the amount of solar radiation is high, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin (first temperature) tends to be equal to or higher than the set cabin temperature immediately after a person gets into the vehicle. Furthermore, if the second temperature is equal to or higher than the first surface temperature, the person sitting in the seat 1 may feel very hot. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5D, the cabin temperature cooled by the vehicle air conditioning system may be increased. This air is drawn in through the second air intake 132a and discharged from the discharge port 33a, so that it can be blown onto the person sitting in the seat 1. As a result, it is possible to lower the surface temperature of the person sitting in the seat 1. In Fig. 5D, the air guided to the second ventilation passage 132 is indicated by a solid line, and the air guided to the third ventilation passage 33 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0198] For example, when the outside air temperature is high or when the amount of sunlight is high, the temperature in the vehicle cabin (first temperature) may still be equal to or higher than the set vehicle cabin temperature even though the air conditioning system for the vehicle has started to cool the vehicle. Furthermore, if the second temperature is lower than the first surface temperature and equal to or higher than the second surface temperature, the temperature in the vehicle cabin is still high, and the person sitting in the seat 1 may feel hot. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5E, the air in the vehicle cabin cooled by the air conditioning system for the vehicle is taken in from the second air intake 132a, and air is also taken in from the first air intake 31a on the seat surface 11c side of the seat 1, and the air taken in simultaneously from the first air intake 31a and the second air intake 132a is mixed in the third ventilation passage 33. The mixed air can be blown to the person sitting in the seat 1 by discharging the air from the discharge port 33a. The temperature of the air discharged from the outlet 33a in the third mode tends to be higher than the temperature of the air discharged from the outlet 33a in the second mode. In this way, by mixing these airs, the air becomes slightly less cold, so that it is possible to prevent the person seated in the seat 1 from being too cold. In Fig. 5E, the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 and the second ventilation passage 132 is shown by a solid line, and the air guided to the third ventilation passage 33 is shown by a dashed line.

[0199] For example, when the cooling by the air conditioner for the vehicle is stable and the temperature in the vehicle interior (first temperature) is lower than the set vehicle interior temperature, and further, if the second temperature is lower than the second surface temperature and equal to or higher than the third surface temperature, the temperature in the vehicle interior is appropriate if it is slightly lower than the set vehicle interior temperature, but the person sitting in the seat 1 feels it is moderate or slightly hot. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5F, air is sucked in from the first intake port 31a on the seat surface 11c side of the seat 1, and the sucked air is discharged from the discharge port 33a, so that it can be blown to the person sitting in the seat 1. The temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 33a in the first mode tends to be higher than the temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 33a in the second mode and the third mode. For this reason, the sensible temperature of the person sitting in the seat 1 can be lowered so as not to be too cold. In FIG. 5F, the air guided to the first ventilation passage 31 is indicated by a solid line, and the air guided to the third ventilation passage 33 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0200] (Modification 2 of the First Embodiment) This modified example differs from the vehicle seat air conditioning device of the first embodiment in that first air intakes 31a are provided at the front end E1, the back part E2, the right end E3, and the left end E4 of the seat surface 11c of the seat 1. Other configurations in this modified example are similar to those in the first embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

[0201] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat 1 equipped with a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3b in the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0202] As shown in Fig. 6, the first air intake port 31a is formed in the center 11c1 and the outer edge 11c2 of the seating surface 11c. The outer edge 11c2 is at least one of the back E2 and the front end E1 of the seating surface 11c. Therefore, the first air intake port 31a is provided in the center 11c1 of the seating surface 11c, and further provided in at least one of the back E2 and the front end E1 of the seating surface 11c. Moreover, the outer edge 11c2 may further include at least one of the right end E3 and the left end E4.

[0203] In this modification, the first air intake ports 31a are provided at the front end E1, the back portion E2, the right end E3, and the left end E4 of the seat surface 11c. The right end E3 of the seating surface 11c is on the right side of the center portion 11c1 of the seating surface 11c. The left end E4 of the seating surface 11c is on the left side of the center portion 11c1 of the seating surface 11c. The right end E3 and the left end E4 are both ridges of the seat portion 10.

[0204] The first air intake ports 31a formed in the rear portion E2, the front end portion E1, the right end portion E3 and the left end portion E4 are positioned so as to be unlikely to be blocked by the buttocks and thighs when a person is seated on the seat 1.

[0205] In such a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3b according to this modified example, the outer edge portion 11c2 is at least one of the innermost portion E2 and the front end portion E1 of the seat surface 11c.

[0206] According to this, the first air intake port 31a provided in the outer edge portion 11c2 is less likely to be blocked by the buttocks and thighs of a person even when the person is seated on the seat 1. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably ensure that the first air intake port 31a is not blocked by the buttocks and thighs of a person, and it is possible to further reduce the possibility that air intake will become impossible.

[0207] (Embodiment 2) This embodiment differs from the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 of embodiment 1 in that the mode is switched according to the target discharge temperature. Other configurations of this embodiment are similar to those of embodiment 1, and the same configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions is omitted.

[0208] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 according to the second embodiment.

[0209] 7, in this embodiment, the control unit 60 outputs an instruction to the vehicle air conditioner 90 to adjust at least one of the temperature and the air volume of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet of the vehicle air conditioner 90. The vehicle air conditioner 90 may or may not be included in the configuration requirements of the vehicle seat air conditioner 3.

[0210] In this embodiment, the second temperature sensor of the first embodiment does not necessarily have to be provided in the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3, and is not an essential component of the present embodiment.

[0211] <Processing> Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 in embodiment 2. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing mode switching of the ventilation path selection switcher 35 in accordance with the target discharge temperature.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 8, the first temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature inside the vehicle cabin. As a detection result detected by the first temperature sensor 51, the first temperature sensor 51 outputs information indicating a first temperature, which is the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 acquires information indicating the first temperature from the first temperature sensor 51. The control unit 60 also acquires information indicating a target temperature from the vehicle air conditioner 90, an operation unit 65 that accepts a human operation input, and the like. The control unit 60 calculates a difference between the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and the target temperature based on each of the acquired information (S21). The target temperature is a temperature set in advance, for example, a set temperature set in the vehicle air conditioner 90, a set temperature desired by a person, or the like.

[0213] The control unit 60 calculates a target discharge temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 33a based on the calculated difference so as to set the temperature inside the vehicle compartment to the target temperature (S22).

[0214] The control unit 60 selects a mode according to the calculated target discharge temperature (S23). The mode determined by the control unit 60 is selected according to the target discharge temperature, for example, as shown in Fig. 9. Specifically, the control unit 60 selects the first mode if the calculated target discharge temperature is equal to or higher than temperature Xb, selects the third mode if the calculated target discharge temperature is equal to or higher than temperature Xa that is lower than temperature Xb, and selects the second mode if the calculated target discharge temperature is lower than temperature Xa.

[0215] In addition, the switching between modes may be reversed due to changes in the vehicle surroundings while the vehicle is running. In this case, in order to suppress frequent switching between modes, the switching is performed with hysteresis as shown in FIG.

[0216] In addition, the mode selection may use FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0217] The control unit 60 determines the output (i.e., the amount of air blown) of the blower 34 according to the calculated target discharge temperature (S24). For example, when the target temperature is about 25° C. during cooling, the control unit 60 may increase the amount of air blown by the blower 34 as the target discharge temperature decreases, or may obtain information indicating the surface temperature of a person and increase the amount of air blown by the blower 34 if the surface temperature of the person is high.

[0218] The control unit 60 determines whether or not the mode selected in step S23 is the third mode (S25).

[0219] When the mode selected in step S23 is the third mode (YES in S25), the control unit 60 adjusts the mixing ratio of the air sucked from the first intake port 31a and the air sucked from the second intake port 32a in the third mode (S26). The higher the target discharge temperature, the higher the ratio of the air sucked from the second intake port 32a compared to the air sucked from the first intake port 31a. The control unit 60 can adjust the mixing ratio of the amount of air sucked from the first intake port 31a that flows into the third ventilation passage 33 and the amount of air sucked from the second intake port 32a that flows into the third ventilation passage 33 by controlling the opening degree (air inflow amount) of the ventilation passage selection switching unit 35.

[0220] If the mode selected in step S23 is not the third mode (NO in S25), and if the process goes through step S26, the control unit 60 executes the mode selected in step S23 (S27). Then, the control unit 60 ends the process.

[0221] The control unit 60 may also perform the following control. The control described below will be centered on an example during cooling.

[0222] When the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the temperature outside the vehicle from an outside air temperature sensor that detects the temperature outside the vehicle, the control unit 60 may correct the calculated target discharge temperature based on the information. For example, the higher the temperature outside the vehicle indicated by the information, the lower the calculated target discharge temperature may be corrected to.

[0223] When the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the amount of solar radiation from a solar radiation sensor that detects the amount of solar radiation irradiating the vehicle, the control unit 60 may correct the calculated target discharge temperature based on the information. For example, the calculated target discharge temperature may be corrected to a lower temperature as the amount of solar radiation indicated by the information increases.

[0224] When the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the intake temperature of the air from a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air at the first intake port 31a, the control unit 60 calculates the target discharge amount based on the information. For example, the calculated target discharge temperature may be corrected to a lower temperature as the intake air temperature indicated in the information increases.

[0225] When the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the intake humidity of the air from a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the air at the first intake port 31a, the control unit 60 may correct the calculated target discharge temperature based on the information. For example, the higher the intake humidity indicated by the information, the higher the calculated target discharge temperature may be corrected to.

[0226] The control unit 60 may correct the calculated target discharge temperature based on information obtained from a skin temperature sensor that detects the skin temperature of a person seated on the seat 1. For example, the higher the surface temperature indicated by the information, the lower the calculated target discharge temperature may be corrected to.

[0227] When the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the surface temperature of the sheet 1 from a sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor) that detects the surface temperature of the sheet 1, the control unit 60 may correct the calculated target discharge temperature based on the information. For example, the higher the surface temperature indicated by the information, the lower the calculated target discharge temperature may be corrected to.

[0228] In addition, when the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the characteristics of a person by capturing an image of the person sitting on the seat 1 from the imaging device, the control unit 60 may correct the calculated target discharge temperature based on the information. The characteristics of a person include the person's posture, sex, physique, race, and level of alertness. The control unit 60 may determine whether the person is sensitive to heat or cold according to the characteristics of the person, and correct the target discharge temperature to a higher temperature or a lower temperature based on the result of the determination. Also, the control unit 60 may determine whether the person is sensitive to heat or cold based on input information input by operating the vehicle air conditioner via the operation unit 65, and correct the target discharge temperature based on the result of the determination. For example, if the person is sensitive to heat, the control unit 60 corrects the target discharge temperature to a lower temperature. Also, if the person feels drowsy (if the level of alertness is low), the control unit 60 corrects the target discharge temperature to a lower temperature. In this way, the target discharge temperature may be corrected according to the characteristics and preferences of the person.

[0229] In addition, when the control unit 60 acquires sensing information from a heartbeat sensor mounted on the vehicle, the control unit 60 may correct the calculated target discharge temperature based on the sensing information. For example, when it is determined that the person is cold-tired based on the sensing information, the control unit 60 may correct the temperature to a higher temperature. The heartbeat sensor may be realized, for example, by using a seat heater built into the seat, a steering heater, or the like.

[0230] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effect of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 in this embodiment will be described.

[0231] As described above, the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3 according to this embodiment is provided with the first temperature sensor 51 that detects the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, and the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the temperature inside the vehicle cabin detected by the first temperature sensor 51 and information indicating a preset target temperature, calculates a target discharge temperature based on the difference between the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and the target temperature indicated in the information, and switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 according to the calculated target discharge temperature.

[0232] According to this, the mode can be switched according to the target temperature, so that by setting the target temperature to a temperature that is preferred by people, a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided to the person sitting in the seat 1.

[0233] This embodiment also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0234] (Embodiment 3) This embodiment differs from the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 of the second embodiment in that the mode is automatically switched based on a table showing the correlation between the temperature in the vehicle cabin and the elapsed time. Other configurations of this embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

[0235] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 according to the third embodiment.

[0236] As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 60 has a storage unit 61. The storage unit 61 stores a table showing a correlation between the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and the elapsed time during which conditioned air continues to be discharged from an air conditioner for a vehicle mounted on the vehicle. The table is shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later. The control unit 60 reads the table from the storage unit 61, and automatically switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 over time according to the temperature inside the vehicle cabin using the read table. In addition, the control unit 60 can change the mode switching of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to automatic mode switching or manual mode switching by acquiring an instruction from the operation unit 65.

[0237] In the third embodiment, the correlation between the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and the elapsed time during which the conditioned air continues to be discharged from the vehicle air conditioner is stored as a table, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an approximation formula showing the correlation between the two may be obtained in advance and stored in the storage unit 61. Then, the control unit 60 may calculate the temperature inside the vehicle cabin by substituting the elapsed time into the approximation formula.

[0238] The control unit 60 can measure the elapsed time by using a timing unit such as a timer. The timing unit may be mounted on the control unit 60, or may be provided separately from the control unit 60.

[0239] Furthermore, the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the temperature around the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the initial vehicle ambient temperature) and estimates the temperature inside the vehicle cabin based on the acquired information. That is, the control unit 60 estimates an estimated temperature (hereinafter referred to as the estimated initial cabin temperature) which is the temperature inside the vehicle cabin based on the initial vehicle ambient temperature. The initial vehicle ambient temperature may be acquired from a temperature sensor mounted on the vehicle, a device outside the vehicle, etc.

[0240] The storage unit 61 is a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory. The control unit 60 does not need to have the storage unit 61, and the storage unit 61 may be provided outside the control unit 60 and connected to the control unit 60 so as to be able to communicate information.

[0241] The storage unit 61 stores a table indicating, for each estimated initial indoor temperature, a correlation between the current indoor temperature and the elapsed time during which conditioned air continues to be discharged from the vehicle air conditioner.

[0242] <Processing> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which the vehicle air conditioner is in cooling operation. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing mode switching by the ventilation path selection switcher 35 according to the target discharge temperature, and a schematic diagram showing the relationship between elapsed time and estimated temperature. In the following, an example is shown in which the mode is automatically switched in this order of the second mode, the third mode, and the first mode. In FIG. 11, the same processes as those in the flowchart of FIG. 8 explained in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0243] As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 60 first obtains information indicating the initial vehicle ambient temperature (S31).

[0244] Next, the control unit 60 calculates an estimated initial indoor temperature based on the acquired information (S32). For example, in FIG. 12, the control unit 60 calculates an estimated initial indoor temperature Tr0 by acquiring information indicating the initial vehicle ambient temperature.

[0245] The control unit 60 may correct the estimated initial interior temperature Tr0 based on information obtained from a solar radiation sensor, a temperature sensor in the vehicle interior, a humidity sensor in the vehicle interior, a skin temperature sensor, a temperature sensor that detects the surface temperature of the seat 1, etc. This process is not performed in the flowchart of FIG.

[0246] The control unit 60 reads out from the storage unit 61 a table showing the correlation between the current indoor temperature Tr and elapsed time in Fig. 12. The control unit 60 calculates the current indoor temperature Tr according to the elapsed time based on the table read out from the storage unit 61 (S33). That is, the control unit 60 calculates the current indoor temperature Tr that changes over time when the vehicle air conditioner is driven, starting from the estimated initial indoor temperature Tr0, based on the table. For example, in Fig. 12, by continuing to drive the vehicle air conditioner, the control unit 60 calculates based on the table that the current indoor temperature has become Tr1 when the elapsed time t1 has elapsed.

[0247] Thereafter, the control unit 60 determines the target discharge temperature (S22), selects a mode (S23), determines the airflow rate (S24), and, if the third mode is selected (YES in S25), adjusts the mixing ratio for the third mode (S26), and executes the selected mode (S27). Since these operations are the same as those in FIG. 8, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0248] Next, the control unit 60 judges whether the current room temperature Tr has reached the target temperature (S34). If the current room temperature Tr has reached the target temperature (YES in S34), the control unit 60 ends the processing in Fig. 11. On the other hand, if the current room temperature Tr has not reached the target temperature (NO in S34), the control unit 60 returns to step S33 and repeats the processing from step S33 onwards until the current room temperature Tr reaches the target temperature.

[0249] Through this process, the mode is automatically switched in the order of the second mode, the third mode, and the first mode, as shown in Fig. 12. That is, the control unit 60 switches from the second mode to the third mode when the current room temperature Tr becomes Tr1, and switches from the third mode to the first mode when the current room temperature Tr becomes Tr2.

[0250] In addition, in the above process, the control unit 60 may change to manual mode switching when there is an instruction to end the automatic mode switching from the operation unit 65. In this case, the control unit 60 may continue to execute the switched mode as it is.

[0251] In addition, due to changes in the environment around the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling, the mode may be switched in the reverse order of the second mode, the third mode, and the first mode, and the above description is not limited to this. When the order is switched in the reverse direction, the mode is switched with hysteresis as shown in FIG. 12 in order to suppress frequent switching between the modes.

[0252] In addition, even in the case of heating operation, the order of switching the modes is the same as above. In this case, the relationship between the elapsed time and the current room temperature Tr in Fig. 12 is upside down with respect to the elapsed time axis direction. In other words, in the case of heating operation, the relationship between the elapsed time and the current room temperature Tr converges to be constant after the current room temperature Tr rises with the passage of time.

[0253] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effect of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 in this embodiment will be described.

[0254] As described above, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3 according to this embodiment, the control unit 60 switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 based on a table showing the correlation between the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and the elapsed time during which conditioned air continues to be discharged from the vehicle air conditioning device mounted on the vehicle.

[0255] According to this, the mode of the ventilation path selection switcher 35 can be automatically switched based on the table. As a result, the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 can be controlled without relying on the vehicle air conditioner.

[0256] This embodiment also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0257] (Embodiment 4) This embodiment differs from the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 of the second embodiment in that the control unit 60 temporarily switches to the second mode in response to a temperature change. Other configurations of this embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions of the configurations and functions are omitted.

[0258] When the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 is in a mode other than the second mode and the temperature change detected by the first temperature sensor 51 and the second temperature sensor 52 is within a predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined period, the control unit 60 temporarily switches the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to the second mode. Here, the second predetermined period is about several tens of minutes during which tension is expected to be interrupted. As a specific example, the second predetermined period is about 30 minutes. Note that this is merely an example, and the second predetermined period is not limited to 30 minutes. Here, the predetermined temperature range is a range of about several degrees Celsius during which the temperature is expected to be stable. As a specific example, the predetermined temperature range is about 1 or 2 degrees Celsius. Note that this is merely an example, and the predetermined temperature range is not limited to 1 or 2 degrees Celsius.

[0259] <Processing> FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3 in the fourth embodiment.

[0260] The control unit 60 determines whether or not the ventilation path selection switcher 35 currently selects a mode other than the second mode (S41).

[0261] If the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 currently selects the second mode and has not selected any mode other than the second mode (NO in S41), the control unit 60 ends the flow chart.

[0262] On the other hand, if the ventilation path selection switch 35 currently selects a mode other than the second mode (YES in S41), the control unit 60 determines whether the temperature change detected by each of the first temperature sensor 51 and the second temperature sensor 52 is within a predetermined temperature range.

[0263] When the control unit 60 determines that the temperature change is not within the predetermined temperature range (NO in S42), the flow chart ends.

[0264] On the other hand, when the control unit 60 determines that the temperature change is within the predetermined temperature range (YES in S42), it determines whether the temperature change has continued for a second predetermined period (S43).

[0265] When the control unit 60 determines that the temperature change has not occurred for the second predetermined period (NO in S43), the control unit 60 returns the process to step S41.

[0266] On the other hand, when the control unit 60 determines that the temperature change has elapsed for the second predetermined period (YES in S43), it controls the air-passage path selection switching unit 35 to temporarily select the second mode, thereby switching the air-passage path selection switching unit 35 from the currently selected mode to the second mode (S44).

[0267] The control unit 60 determines whether or not a third predetermined period has elapsed since the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 temporarily selected the second mode (S45).

[0268] When the control unit 60 determines that the third predetermined period has not elapsed since the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 temporarily selected the second mode (NO in S45), the control unit 60 returns the process to step S44.

[0269] On the other hand, when the control unit 60 determines that the third predetermined period has elapsed since the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 temporarily selected the second mode (YES in S45), it controls the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to select the mode immediately before selecting the second mode. As a result, the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 switches from the second mode to the mode immediately before switching. The mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 returns to the selected mode. Then, the control unit 60 ends the flowchart.

[0270] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effect of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 in this embodiment will be described.

[0271] As described above, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 60 temporarily switches the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 to the second mode when the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 is in a mode other than the second mode and the temperature changes detected by the first temperature sensor 51 and the second temperature sensor 52 are within a predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined period of time.

[0272] According to this, since only the second mode does not draw air from the seat surface 11c, the airflow enveloping the body temporarily disappears when switching from a mode other than the second mode to the second mode. This makes it easier for a person sitting in the seat 1 to sense the change in airflow. Also, when the temperature remains stable and there is a possibility that the tension of the person sitting in the seat 1 will ease, air with a temperature difference can be blown out from the outlet. This allows the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 to alert the person sitting in the seat 1.

[0273] This embodiment also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0274] (Embodiment 5) This embodiment differs from the vehicle seat air-conditioning device of embodiment 1 etc. in terms of a configuration in which air is drawn in from the side of the seat 1. Other configurations in this embodiment are similar to those in embodiment 1 etc., and the same configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions of the configurations and functions are omitted.

[0275] <Configuration> Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle air conditioning unit 2b in the fifth embodiment arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle seat air conditioning device 3c in the fifth embodiment.

[0276] As shown in FIG. 14, a vehicle 100 is provided with a driver's seat, a passenger seat, a center console 2a, and an air conditioning unit 2b.

[0277] The driver's seat and the passenger seat are seats 1 for a person to sit on, and are arranged side by side along the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 100. The center console 2a is provided in the center part of the vehicle 100 between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and separates the driver's seat from the passenger seat. Note that "between the driver's seat and the passenger seat" does not only mean the space between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, but also means the space from the driver's seat to the passenger seat including the driver's seat and the passenger seat. The center console 2a is provided in the vehicle 100. The center console 2a is long along the length direction of the vehicle 100, and is connected to the instrument panel of the vehicle 100. The air conditioning unit 2b is an air conditioning device for air conditioning the interior of the vehicle. Specifically, the air conditioning unit 2b is mounted on the body of the vehicle 100 and is covered by the instrument panel of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, an outlet 2c of the air conditioning unit 2b such as an air conditioner arranged in the center part of the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 100 is illustrated.

[0278] As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the seat 1 installed in the vehicle 100 or the like cools or warms the person sitting on the seat 1 by blowing air onto the upper body of the person. Specifically, the seat 1 can cool or warm the body of the person sitting on the seat 1 by blowing air onto the head, neck, acromion, back, waist, buttocks, thighs, etc. of the person sitting on the seat 1. In addition, the seat 1 can also air-condition the interior of the vehicle 100 by sucking in air from a second air intake 532a provided on the side of the seat 1 and generating an air flow between the second air intake 532a and the outlet 2c of the air conditioning unit 2b for the vehicle 100. The seat 1 is a general term for the driver's seat and the passenger seat. In this embodiment, the driver's seat will be used as an example of the seat 1 for explanation.

[0279] Such a vehicle 100 includes a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c having a seat 1, and a power supply unit .

[0280] [Vehicle seat air conditioning device 3c] The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c is an air-conditioning device that conditions the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100. The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c can blow air toward the person sitting in the seat 1 from behind the person. The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c blows air by sucking in air stagnating around the seat 1 and expelling the sucked in air. Therefore, if the temperature around the seat 1 is higher than room temperature, hot air is blown, and if the temperature is lower than room temperature, cold air is blown. The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c may be equipped with an air conditioner that can perform both heating and cooling.

[0281] Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c in the fifth embodiment. Fig. 17 is a side view showing the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c in the fifth embodiment. Figs. 16 and 17 show the interior of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c in an exposed state. Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c in the fifth embodiment.

[0282] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c includes a seat 1, a blower , a second ventilation passage 532, an outlet temperature sensor 50, and a control unit 60. The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c includes a seat 1, a blower , a second ventilation passage 532, an outlet temperature sensor 50, and a control unit 60.

[0283] 15 to 17, the second sheet pad 13a is provided with a second ventilation passage 532 for blowing air taken in through the second intake port 532a out of the exhaust port 33a, and a blower 34 for guiding air from the second intake port 532a to the exhaust port 33a in the second ventilation passage 532. When the blower 34 is driven, air flows into the second intake port 532a provided in the second sheet pad 13a, and the air that has flowed in is guided to the second ventilation passage 532 and blown out of the exhaust port 33a.

[0284] As shown in FIG. 17, the seat frame 13c is built into the seat back 13. The seat frame 13c is a framework member to which the second seat pad 13a is attached, and is capable of supporting the second seat pad 13a in a predetermined position. The seat frame 13c is supported by the first seat pad 11a so as to be rotatable about the Y axis with respect to the seat portion 10.

[0285] The second seat cover 13b is formed with a first ventilation port 12a for taking in air and a second ventilation port 12b for blowing out the taken in air.

[0286] The first ventilation opening 12a is formed in a side surface portion 13a1 on the positive side of the Y axis (the left side surface portion 13a1 when a person is seated in the seat 1), facing the passenger seat of the vehicle 100, and in a position corresponding to the second intake opening 532a. In this embodiment, a plurality of first ventilation openings 12a are formed in the second seat cover 13b.

[0287] The first ventilation opening 12a passes through the air to be sucked in. That is, the air around the first ventilation opening 12a is guided to the second ventilation passage 532 via the first ventilation opening 12a and the second intake port 532a by the driving of the blower 34. Therefore, the first ventilation opening 12a also serves as a second intake port that sucks in the air around the first ventilation opening 12a by the suction force from the second intake port 532a. The first ventilation opening 12a may be a part of the second ventilation passage 532. In this case, the first ventilation opening 12a is an example of the second intake port 532a.

[0288] The second ventilation opening 12b is on the surface (the surface on the positive side of the X-axis) facing a person seated on the seat 1, and is formed at a position corresponding to the outlet 33a of the second ventilation passage 532. The second ventilation opening 12b is disposed at a higher position than the first ventilation opening 12a, that is, disposed vertically upward or on the positive side of the Z-axis. In this embodiment, a plurality of second ventilation openings 12b are formed in the second seat cover 13b.

[0289] Air that is guided to the second ventilation passage 532 and discharged from the second intake port 532a passes through the second ventilation port 12b. That is, when the air that is guided to the second ventilation passage 532 by the drive of the blower 34 is discharged from the discharge port 33a, the air is guided to the second ventilation port 12b. Therefore, the second ventilation port 12b also serves as a discharge port that blows air out of the sheet 1. The second ventilation port 12b may be a part of the second ventilation passage 532. In this case, the second ventilation port 12b is an example of the discharge port 33a.

[0290] In the present embodiment, as described above, the driver's seat is used as an example of the seat 1, but the same applies when the passenger seat is an example of the seat 1. When the passenger seat is an example of the seat 1, the seat is configured symmetrically with respect to the XZ plane as the driver's seat.

[0291] The headrest 15 is a headrest that supports the head of a person seated in the seat 1. The headrest 15 is fixed to the end of the seat back 13 on the positive side in the Z axis direction.

[0292] The second ventilation port 12b may be formed in the headrest 15. In other words, a part of the second ventilation passage 532 may be provided in the headrest 15.

[0293] [Blower 34] As shown in Figs. 16 to 18, the blower 34 sends air from the second intake port 532a to the exhaust port 33a. The blower 34 can draw air from the first ventilation port 12a formed in the second seat pad 13a of the seat 1 and blow the drawn air out from the second ventilation port 12b formed in the second seat pad 13a. Specifically, the blower 34 is electrically connected to the control unit 60 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 60 to draw air from the second intake port 532a via the first ventilation port 12a, and the drawn air is guided to the second ventilation path 532 and blown out from the exhaust port 33a. Blow it out from a.

[0294] The blower 34 is provided in the second ventilation passage 532 to draw air directly or indirectly from the second air intake 532a, that is, is disposed inside the second seat pad 13a. The blower 34 may be fixed to the seat frame 13c, for example. In the present embodiment, the blower 34 is disposed on the second ventilation passage 532, but may be disposed outside the second ventilation passage 532 as long as a flow path through which air flows can be formed in the second ventilation passage 532. The blower 34 may be disposed outside the seat back 13, and the position of the blower 34 is not particularly limited.

[0295] [Second ventilation duct 532] The second ventilation passage 532 guides the air sucked from the second intake port 532a by the blower 34 to the exhaust port 33a. That is, air flows in the second ventilation passage 532. The second ventilation passage 532 blows out the air sucked from the second intake port 532a from the exhaust port 33a provided in the seat back 13 of the seat 1. The second ventilation passage 532 is formed, for example, by a ventilation duct. The second ventilation passage 532 connects the second intake port 532a and the exhaust port 33a. That is, one end of the second ventilation passage 532 forms the second intake port 532a, and the other end forms the exhaust port 33a.

[0296] The second air intake port 532a can take in air from the side surface portion 13a1 of the seat 1. The second air intake port 532a is provided with a breathable second seat cover 13b. Specifically, the first portion of the second seat cover 13b, in which the first ventilation port 12a of the second seat cover 13b is formed, covers the second air intake port 532a, thereby ensuring air intake from the second air intake port 532a. The first portion of the second seat cover 13b is an example of a cover. In this embodiment, the second air intake port 532a takes in air through the first ventilation port 12a, but may take in air directly.

[0297] The configuration of the second intake port 532a will be described with reference to FIG.

[0298] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c taken along line XIX-XIX in Fig. 15. As shown in Fig. 19a, the second air intake 532a is formed only in the side portion 13a1 of the seat 1. Fig. 19a corresponds to Fig. 14 and the like. As shown in Fig. 19b, the second air intake 532a may be formed only in the back portion 13a3 opposite to the front portion 13a2 that comes into contact with a person sitting on the seat 1. As shown in Fig. 19c, the second air intake 532a may be formed in a corner that spans from the side portion 13a1 to the back portion 13a3 of the seat 1.

[0299] As shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 17, the outlet 33a can blow out the air sucked in from the second intake port 532a and guided to the second ventilation passage 532 from the surface portion 13a2 on the X-axis plus direction side of the sheet 1. The outlet 33a is provided with a breathable second sheet cover 13b. Specifically, the second portion of the second sheet cover 13b in which the second ventilation port 12b is formed covers the outlet 33a, thereby ensuring the blowing property from the outlet 33a. The second portion of the second sheet cover 13b is also an example of a cover. In this embodiment, the outlet 33a blows out the air through the second ventilation port 12b, but it may be configured to blow out the air directly.

[0300] Furthermore, the outlet 33a is provided with fins 33b for directing the air blown out from the outlet 33a in a predetermined direction. The fins 33b may be arranged in a position that allows them to rotate around the Y axis. In this case, the direction of the air blown out from the outlet 33a can be changed by tilting the position of the fins 33b. The fins 33b are controlled by the control unit 60 in FIG. Therefore, it may be controlled to be rotatable.

[0301] Furthermore, the fins 33b are disposed vertically above the center of the height direction of the outlet 33a. In other words, the fins 33b are not disposed vertically below the center of the height direction of the outlet 33a. When air is blown out from the outlet 33a provided with the fins 33b, the air as a viscous fluid is attracted to the fins 33b by the Coanda effect, so that the air is blown out from the outlet 33a along the surface of the fins 33b, and a downward air current can be easily generated.

[0302] The fins 33b are provided as components of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c. The fins 33b do not have to be provided at the outlet port 33a, and are not essential components of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c.

[0303] In addition, one or more three-dimensional structures 39 are arranged in the second ventilation passage 532, as shown in Figs. 15, 16, and 20. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the three-dimensional structure 39. The three-dimensional structure 39 has a honeycomb structure in which a plurality of hexagonal tubes 39a are bundled together. The three-dimensional structure 39 has an opening in the length direction so that air can pass through. The three-dimensional structure 39 is provided in a position along the air guided to the second ventilation passage 532, thereby ensuring a certain level of strength in the second ventilation passage 532. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional structure 39 is preferably provided in a portion close to the discharge port 33a of the second ventilation passage 532. Even if a person sits on the seat 1 and leans against the seat back 13, the second ventilation passage 532 is prevented from being crushed by the three-dimensional structure 39, and air conduction can be more ensured. In this embodiment, the tube 39a is hexagonal, but is not limited thereto and may be a polygon having 5 or less and 7 or more sides. The three-dimensional structure 39 may be composed of multiple types of polygonal tubes. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional structure 39 is tubular, but may be a plate-like, i.e., a mesh-like structure with multiple hexagonal openings.

[0304] Such a three-dimensional structure 39 is provided as a component of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c. The three-dimensional structure 39 does not have to be provided in the second ventilation passage 532, and is not an essential component of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c.

[0305] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, second air passage 532 has first air passage 232a and second air passage 232b.

[0306] The first air blowing passage 232a extends from the second air intake port 532a along the negative Y-axis direction to the center of the second sheet pad 13a, and then bends and extends further a predetermined distance along the positive Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 16, the first air blowing passage 232a is L-shaped when viewed along the X-axis direction. One end of the first air blowing passage 232a constitutes the second air intake port 532a, and the other end of the first air blowing passage 232a communicates (connects) with the second air blowing passage 232b. The blower 34 is disposed inside the first air blowing passage 232a.

[0307] The second intake port 532a is disposed at a position higher than the center console 2a. That is, the second intake port 532a is disposed vertically above the center console 2a. As a result, for example, the second intake port 532a is disposed at a height corresponding to the discharge port 2c of the air conditioning unit 2b such as an air conditioner disposed in the central portion of the instrument panel of the vehicle 100, and therefore the second intake port 532a can suck in the air stagnating between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, including the conditioned air blown out from the discharge port 2c of the air conditioning unit 2b.

[0308] In addition, as shown in FIG. 17A, when the seat back 13 is viewed along the direction in which the driver's seat and the passenger seat are arranged (the Y-axis direction), the second air intake port 532a overlaps with the seat frame 13c. 17B, ​​the second air intake 532a is disposed closer to the back surface 13a3 side than the seat frame 13c, which is opposite to the front surface 13a2 that comes into contact with a person sitting in the driver's seat. In this embodiment, when the seat back 13 is viewed along the Y-axis direction, the second air intake 532a overlaps with the seat frame 13c.

[0309] The second air blowing passage 232b further extends from the tip of the first air blowing passage 232a to both sides in the positive and negative Y-axis directions. As shown in Fig. 16, the second air blowing passage 232b is linear when viewed along the X-axis direction. The second air blowing passage 232b essentially constitutes the discharge port 33a. Fins 33b are provided on the second air blowing passage 232b that constitutes the discharge port 33a.

[0310] In addition, the outlet 33a is disposed at a higher position than the second intake port 532a, that is, in the Z-axis plus direction (vertically above) than the second intake port 532a. In addition, the outlet 33a is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 16, but is disposed at a position corresponding to at least one or more of the person's head, neck, acromion, back, waist, buttocks, and thighs.

[0311] 15 and 16, a three-dimensional structure 39 is provided in at least one of the first air blowing passage 232a and the second air blowing passage 232b. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional structure 39 is provided in the first air blowing passage 232a. The three-dimensional structure 39 may be provided in the second air blowing passage 232b as a portion close to the outlet 33a, but is provided so as not to block the outlet 33a.

[0312] With this configuration of the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3c, air stagnating between the driver's seat and the passenger seat is sucked in and then blown out from areas corresponding to the person's head, neck, acromion, back, waist, buttocks and thighs, thereby generating an airflow that envelops the person seated in the seat 1.

[0313] In addition, when air is blown out from the outlet 33a, an airflow is generated between the fin 33b and the inner wall of the second air passage 232b and between two adjacent fins 33b on the vertically upper side of the center of the outlet 33a, and the air moves along the surface of the fin 33b and the inner wall surface of the second air passage 232b, so that the air moves from the outlet 33a on the vertically lower side of the center of the outlet 33a due to the Coanda effect, that is, the air is blown out. Due to the Coanda effect, the air blown out from the outlet 33a flows in the negative Z-axis direction with respect to the X-axis direction. Therefore, an airflow that wraps around the head to the thighs of a person sitting in the seat can be generated. In other words, air that matches the posture of the person sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat can be blown to the person.

[0314] [Outlet temperature sensor 50] As shown in Figs. 16 to 18, the outlet temperature sensor 50 is disposed near the outlet 33a and detects the temperature near the outlet 33a. For example, the outlet temperature sensor 50 can detect the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet 33a. The outlet temperature sensor 50 may be disposed inside the outlet 33a, i.e., in the second air passage 232b, or may be disposed around the outlet 33a, which is outside the second air passage 532. The outlet temperature sensor 50 outputs information indicating the temperature to the control unit 60 as a result of detection.

[0315] [Control unit 60] The control unit 60 controls the blower 34 in accordance with the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50. For example, if the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 is equal to or higher than a threshold, the control unit 60 sets the air volume of the blower 34 to a first air volume. Also, if the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 is less than the threshold, the control unit 60 sets the air volume of the blower 34 to a second air volume, which is smaller than the first air volume. That is, the control unit 60 controls the blower 34 to increase the air volume if the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 is high, and controls the blower 34 to decrease the air volume if the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 is low. Note that the threshold value is, for example, about 18°C, but the temperature can be set appropriately and is not limited to 18°C. For example, the threshold value may be changed depending on the season.

[0316] <Simulation results> FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a simulation result of the flow velocity of air blown out of the outlet. a1 in FIG. 21 shows an outlet without a fin, and a2 in FIG. 21 shows a simulation result showing the flow velocity of air blown out of the outlet of a1 in FIG. 21. b2 in FIG. 21 shows an outlet when a fin is provided at the center of the outlet in the height direction, and b2 in FIG. 21 shows a simulation result showing the flow velocity of air blown out of the outlet of b1 in FIG. 21. c1 in FIG. 21 shows an outlet when one fin is provided vertically above the center of the outlet in the height direction, and c2 in FIG. 21 shows a simulation result showing the flow velocity of air blown out of the outlet of c1 in FIG. 21. d1 in FIG. 21 shows an outlet when one fin is provided at the center of the outlet in the height direction and another fin is provided vertically above the center, and d2 in FIG. 21 shows a simulation result showing the flow velocity of air blown out of the outlet of d1 in FIG. 21. It should be noted that a1, b1, c1, and d1 in FIG. 21 are schematic diagrams of the second ventilation passage when viewed along the Y-axis direction.

[0317] In a2 of Fig. 21, it can be seen that the air blown out of the outlet extends in the normal direction perpendicular to the opening surface of the outlet. In the case of b2 of Fig. 21, there is not much difference from the case of a2 of Fig. 21. On the other hand, in c2 of Fig. 21 and d2 of Fig. 21, it can be seen that the air flows in the negative Z-axis direction with respect to the X-axis direction, drawing an arc, more so than in the cases of a2 of Fig. 21 and b2 of Fig. 21.

[0318] For this reason, in this embodiment, the fins 33b are arranged vertically above the center of the discharge port 33a in the height direction.

[0319] <Processing> FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3c according to the embodiment.

[0320] 22, the outlet temperature sensor 50 detects the temperature near the outlet 33a (S51). The outlet temperature sensor 50 outputs information indicating the temperature as a result of detection to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 acquires the information indicating the temperature from the outlet temperature sensor 50. The control unit 60 controls the blower 34 according to the temperature indicated in the acquired information, i.e., the temperature near the outlet 33a detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50.

[0321] Next, the control unit 60 determines whether the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 is equal to or higher than a threshold value (S52).

[0322] If the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 is equal to or higher than the threshold (YES in S52), the control unit 60 controls the air volume of the blower 34 to be the first air volume (S53). Specifically, if the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 is equal to or higher than the threshold, the control unit 60 increases the air volume of the blower 34 by setting the air volume of the blower 34 to "high."

[0323] When the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 is less than the threshold value (NO in S52), the control unit 60 controls the air volume of the blower 34 to a second air volume that is smaller than the first air volume (S54). If it is less than the threshold value, the air volume of the blower 34 is set to "weak" to increase the air volume of the blower 34. Then, the control unit 60 ends the process.

[0324] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effect of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c according to this embodiment will be described.

[0325] As described above, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3c of this embodiment, the vehicle seats 1, that is, the driver's seat and the passenger seat, have seat backs 13, and the second air intake 532a is formed in any one of the side portion 13a1 of the driver's seat facing the passenger seat, the back surface portion 13a3 opposite the surface portion 13a2 that comes into contact with a person sitting in the driver's seat, and a corner portion spanning from the side portion 13a1 of the driver's seat to the back surface portion 13a3, or is formed in any one of the side portion 13a1 of the passenger seat facing the driver's seat, the back surface portion 13a3 opposite the surface portion 13a2 that comes into contact with a person sitting in the passenger seat, and a corner portion spanning from the side portion 13a1 of the passenger seat to the back surface portion 13a3.

[0326] According to this, the second intake port 532a can be located on the side surface 13a1, the back surface 13a3, or the corner, so that the degree of freedom in arranging the second intake port 532a can be secured. Also, since the second intake port 532a can be formed not only on the side surface 13a1 of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat but also across the back surface 13a3 of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, the opening area of ​​the second intake port 532a can be made as large as possible. Therefore, the second intake port 532a can more efficiently suck in the air blown out from the air conditioning unit.

[0327] Furthermore, typically, an outlet 2c of a vehicle air conditioning unit 2b mounted on the vehicle 100 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the outlet 2c of the air conditioning unit 2b) is provided on an instrument panel of the vehicle 100. The outlet 2c of the air conditioning unit 2b blows out conditioned air toward the driver's seat, the passenger seat, and the like.

[0328] In the vehicle seat air conditioner 3c of this embodiment, the second air intake port 532a is provided between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, so that the conditioned air blown out from the discharge port 2c of the air conditioning unit 2b is sucked in from the second air intake port 532a after conditioning the surroundings. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the air conditioning efficiency in the vehicle cabin.

[0329] In addition, since the second air intake 532a is positioned at a position where people are unlikely to be present in the space between the exhaust port 2c of the vehicle air conditioning unit 2b and the second air intake 532a, the conditioned air blown out from the exhaust port 2c of the air conditioning unit 2b is unlikely to be obstructed by people sitting in the driver's seat and passenger seat.

[0330] Therefore, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c can suppress a decrease in the air-conditioning efficiency in the vehicle compartment, and can efficiently suck in the air blown out from the vehicle air-conditioning unit 2b and blow it out toward the person.

[0331] In particular, the second air intake 532a can take in the surrounding air including the conditioned air, regardless of the influence of disturbances such as differences in physique of people, seated posture, etc. Therefore, the conditioned air of the vehicle air conditioning unit 2b can be reused to reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0332] In addition, since there is no need to provide a duct connecting the vehicle air conditioning unit 2b and the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3c in this configuration, the manufacturing cost of the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3c is unlikely to rise. Also, since there is no need to provide a duct, the interior of the vehicle is unlikely to become narrow.

[0333] In the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3c of the present embodiment, the vehicle 100 has a driver's seat and A center console 2a is provided between the vehicle and the passenger seat. The second air intake port 532a is disposed at a position higher than the center console 2a.

[0334] According to this, since the second intake port 532a can be positioned at a certain height, the space between the exhaust port 2c of the air conditioning unit 2b and the second intake port 532a is less likely to be blocked by obstacles such as the center console 2a. Therefore, the second intake port 532a can efficiently draw in the air blown out from the air conditioning unit 2b.

[0335] In the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c of this embodiment, each of the driver's seat and the passenger seat has a seat frame 13c built into the seat back 13. When viewed along the direction in which the driver's seat and the passenger seat are arranged, the second air intake 532a overlaps with the seat frame 13c, or is disposed closer to the back surface portion 13a3 side of the seat frame 13c, opposite to the front surface portion 13a2 that comes into contact with the person sitting in the driver's seat.

[0336] According to this, when a person sits in the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the cushioning of the driver's seat and the passenger seat can be ensured, so that the person is less likely to feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, the possibility that the intake air is blocked by the movement of the person's hands can be reduced.

[0337] In the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c of the present embodiment, the second air intake port 532a is provided with a breathable cover.

[0338] This ensures that the air can be drawn in through the second air intake port 532a without impairing the appearance of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat where the second air intake port 532a is formed.

[0339] The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c of this embodiment also includes fins 33b that are provided at the outlet 33a and guide the air blown out from the outlet 33a in a predetermined direction.

[0340] This allows air to be blown to the person in the driver's seat and the passenger seat in a manner that matches the person's posture, providing a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person in the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0341] In the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c of this embodiment, the fins 33b are disposed vertically above the center in the height direction of the outlet port 33a.

[0342] With this, even in a small space such as a vehicle interior, the wind axis of the air blown out from the outlet 33a can be controlled by the Coanda effect. Therefore, air that matches the posture of the person sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat can be blown to the person. Therefore, a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided for the person sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0343] The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c of the present embodiment also includes a discharge port temperature sensor 50 that is electrically connected to the control unit 60 and disposed near the discharge port 33a. The control unit 60 controls the blower 34 according to the temperature detected by the discharge port temperature sensor 50.

[0344] This makes it possible to detect the temperature of the air blown to the occupants of the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and therefore to appropriately adjust the air volume of the blower 34 according to the temperature, thereby providing a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for the occupants of the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0345] In the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c of this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 60 sets the air volume of the blower 34 to the first air volume and controls the airflow. If the temperature detected by the mouth temperature sensor 50 is less than the threshold value, the air volume of the blower 34 is set to a second air volume that is smaller than the first air volume.

[0346] According to this, for example, if the temperature of the air blowing toward the people sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat is low, the air volume of the blower 34 can be reduced, and if the temperature of the air blowing toward the people sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat is high, the air volume of the blower 34 can be increased.

[0347] The vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c of the present embodiment further includes a three-dimensional structure 39 disposed in at least one of the first ventilation passage 31, the second ventilation passage 532, and the third ventilation passage 33.

[0348] According to this, even if people are seated in the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the second ventilation passage 532 can guide air without being crushed, and the second ventilation passage 532 can guide air from the second intake port 532a to the discharge port 33a by the blower 34. Therefore, a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided for the people seated in the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0349] (Variation 1 of the fifth embodiment) This modification differs from the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c of the embodiment in that a portion of the second air passage 131 is inclined upward as shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a plan view showing a seat equipped with the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c in the modification 1 of the embodiment 5. Unless otherwise specified, the other configurations in this modification are the same as those in the embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

[0350] The second ventilation passage 131 is inclined upward from the second air intake port 532a to the vertically upward side between the second air intake port 532a and the blower 34. Specifically, the first air blowing passage 232a is inclined upward with respect to the XY plane at least between the second air intake port 532a and the blower 34. Therefore, the blower 34 is disposed at a higher position (vertically above) than the second air intake port 532a.

[0351] In the vehicle seat air conditioner 3c according to this modified example, the second air passage 131 is inclined vertically upward from the second air intake 532a between the second air intake 532a and the blower .

[0352] With this, even if a person spills a drink, the liquid is unlikely to penetrate deeper than second air intake port 532a. Therefore, breakdown of electrical equipment such as blower 34 disposed inside second ventilation passage 131 can be suppressed.

[0353] This modified example also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0354] (Modification 2 of the fifth embodiment) This modification is different from the vehicle seat air conditioning device of the fifth embodiment in that the second air intake 532a is provided at a corner of the seat back 13. Other configurations in this modification are similar to those in the fifth embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

[0355] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a second air intake port 532a formed in a corner of a vehicle seat air conditioning device 3c in a second modification of the fifth embodiment.

[0356] The second air intake 532a is formed in a corner of the seat back 13, which spans from the side surface 13a1 to the back surface 13a3 of the driver's seat. The face portion 13a1 opens toward the vehicle interior, and the back portion 13a3 of the seat 1 opens toward the vehicle interior.

[0357] The cover is provided at the corner, thereby covering the second air intake port 532a.

[0358] The air permeability of the cover corresponding to the side surface portion 13a1 of the corner is higher than that of the cover corresponding to the back surface portion 13a3 of the corner. For example, the cover has a through hole for guiding air to the second ventilation passage 532. Therefore, the opening area of ​​the through hole of the cover corresponding to the back surface portion 13a3 of the corner is smaller than the opening area of ​​the through hole of the cover corresponding to the side surface portion 13a1 of the corner. This makes it possible to adjust the air permeability of the cover corresponding to the side surface portion 13a1 of the corner and the air permeability of the cover corresponding to the back surface portion 13a3 of the corner.

[0359] In this modification, the second air intake 532a of the cover corresponding to the side surface 13a1 of the corner is called the high ventilation section 32a1. The second air intake 532a of the cover corresponding to the back surface 13a3 of the corner is called the low ventilation section 32a2. The cover corresponding to the side surface 13a1 of the corner is made of cloth, for example, and the high ventilation section 32a1 is made of a coarser cloth than the low ventilation section 32a2.

[0360] In this manner, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device of this modified example, the second air intake 532a is formed in the corner, and the cover is provided in the corner. The air permeability of the cover corresponding to the side surface 13a1 of the corner is higher than the air permeability of the cover corresponding to the back surface 13a3 of the corner.

[0361] According to this, by forming the second intake port 532a at the corner, a sufficient intake air volume can be ensured. Furthermore, dust stirred up by the feet of a person sitting in the back seat may be sucked in from the back surface portion 13a3 side of the corner. Therefore, in the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3c, the breathability of the back surface portion 13a3 side of the corner can be reduced to suppress the sucking in of dust.

[0362] (Embodiment 6) This embodiment differs from the vehicle seat air conditioning device of the first embodiment in that the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3d further includes an outlet temperature sensor 50. Other configurations in this embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions of the configurations and functions are omitted.

[0363] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3d according to the sixth embodiment.

[0364] As shown in FIG. 25, the vehicle seat air conditioner 3 includes a blower 34, an air passage selection switch 35, a first temperature sensor 51, a second temperature sensor 52, a control unit 60, an operation unit 65, and also an outlet temperature sensor 50.

[0365] The outlet temperature sensor 50 is electrically connected to the control unit 60 .

[0366] The outlet temperature sensor 50 is disposed, for example, near the outlet 33a and detects the temperature near the outlet 33a. As shown in Fig. 25, the outlet temperature sensor 50 outputs information indicating the temperature to the control unit 60 as a result of detection.

[0367] The control unit 60 controls the blower 34 based on the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 when the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit 35 is maintained for the first predetermined period. The first predetermined period is a few minutes during which the mode is expected to be stable. As a specific example, the first predetermined period is about 5 minutes. Note that this is merely an example, and the first predetermined period is not limited to 5 minutes.

[0368] <Processing> FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the process of the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3d according to the sixth embodiment.

[0369] In FIG. 26, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 and those in FIG. 22 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0370] The control unit 60 proceeds to step S61 if it has gone through the processing of steps S11 to S13, if it has gone through the processing of NO in steps S11 and S12, YES in S14, and S15, or if it has gone through the processing of NO in steps S11 and S12, NO in S14, and S16 and S17.

[0371] Next, the control unit 60 determines whether the mode of the ventilation path selection switcher 35 is maintained for a first predetermined period (S61).

[0372] When the control unit 60 determines that the mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit 35 is not maintained for the first predetermined period (NO in S61), the control unit 60 ends the flow chart of Fig. 26. Then, the control unit 60 repeats the process from step S11.

[0373] On the other hand, when the control unit 60 determines that the mode of the ventilation path selection switcher 35 has been maintained for the first predetermined period (YES in S61), the outlet temperature sensor 50 detects the temperature near the outlet 33a (S62). The outlet temperature sensor 50 outputs information indicating the detected temperature to the control unit 60 as a result of the detection.

[0374] Next, the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the temperature.

[0375] Then, if the determination is YES in step S52 and the process of S53 is performed, or if the determination is NO in step S52 and the process of S54 is performed, the control unit 60 ends the flow chart of Fig. 26. Then, the control unit 60 repeats the process from step S11.

[0376] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effect of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3d according to this embodiment will be described.

[0377] As described above, in the vehicle seat air conditioning device 3d of this embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the blower 34 based on the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 50 when the mode of the ventilation path selection switcher 35 is maintained for a first predetermined period.

[0378] According to this, in order to achieve compatibility with the control by the first temperature sensor 51 and the second temperature sensor 52, the control by the first temperature sensor 51 and the second temperature sensor 52 is given priority, and once the control is stabilized, the blower 34 is controlled by the outlet temperature sensor 50. Therefore, the vehicle seat air conditioner 3d can perform more precise temperature and air volume adjustments. As a result, a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided.

[0379] This embodiment also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0380] (Other variations, etc.) The present disclosure has been described above based on the first to sixth embodiments. The present invention is not limited to the first to third embodiments.

[0381] For example, in the vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to each of the first to sixth embodiments, the seat may be provided with a seat heater. The seat heater is provided in at least one of the seat portion and the seat back of a vehicle seat, and heats up the back, lower back, buttocks, thighs, and the like of a person by generating heat. The seat heater heats the seat in a heating setting, and does not heat the seat 1 in a non-heating setting. The seat heater may be disposed between the first seat pad and the first seat cover, and between the second seat pad and the second seat cover. The seat heater may have a base material and a heater wire. The base material may be a nonwoven fabric formed into a sheet shape from a material having elasticity, flexibility, and ductility, a foaming resin such as cloth-like urethane, or the like. The heater wire may be a conductive wire electrically connected to a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the heater wire, and heated by the power from a power supply unit controlled by the control unit. The control unit may be capable of controlling the amount of heat generated by the heater wire by turning on and off the current flowing through the heater wire, or by changing the current value. The seat heater may be provided with a temperature sensor, in which case the temperature sensor is an example of a first temperature sensor.

[0382] In the vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to each of the first to sixth embodiments, at least one of the first and second air intakes may be formed in the seat back. The second air intake may be provided to face an exhaust port (e.g., a duct in a center console) of the HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning).

[0383] In addition, in the vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to each of the first to sixth embodiments, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device may have a function of adjusting the air volume of the blower. In this case, the control unit may correct the target discharge temperature to a lower temperature when the air volume of the blower is set to "high" during cooling, and may correct the target discharge temperature to a higher temperature when the air volume of the blower is set to "low."

[0384] The vehicle seat air-conditioning devices according to each of the first to sixth embodiments may be equipped with a separate air-conditioning device such as an air conditioner capable of heating and cooling. The vehicle seat air-conditioning device may also be capable of directly drawing in conditioned air blown out from the vehicle air-conditioning device.

[0385] In addition, in the vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to each of the first to sixth embodiments, the seat may be provided with a seat heater. The seat heater is provided in at least one of the seat portion and the seat back of a vehicle seat, and heats up the back, lower back, buttocks, thighs, and the like of a person by generating heat. The seat heater heats the seat in a heating setting, and does not heat the seat in a non-heating setting. The seat heater may be disposed between the first seat pad and the first seat cover, and between the second seat pad and the second seat cover. The seat heater may have a base material and a heater wire. The base material may be a nonwoven fabric formed into a sheet shape from a material having elasticity, flexibility, and ductility, a foaming resin such as cloth-like urethane, or the like. The heater wire may be a conductive wire electrically connected to a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the heater wire, and heated by the power from a power supply unit controlled by the control unit. The control unit may be capable of controlling the amount of heat generated by the heater wire by turning on and off the current flowing through the heater wire, or by changing the current value.

[0386] In the vehicle seat air-conditioning devices according to the first to sixth embodiments, the air intake is disposed on the passenger seat side of the driver's seat, but may be disposed on the side opposite the passenger seat. In the passenger seat, the air intake is disposed on the driver's seat side, but may be disposed on the side opposite the driver's seat.

[0387] Further, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 according to each of the above-mentioned second embodiments may be provided with the outlet temperature sensor 50 shown in FIG. 25 electrically connected to the control unit 60 shown in FIG. 7. That is, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 shown in FIG. 7 according to the second embodiment may be configured similarly to the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3d according to the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, in the flow chart shown in FIG. 8, steps S61 and S62 shown in FIG. 26 may be added after step S27. In this case, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device can adjust the temperature and air volume more precisely. As a result, a more comfortable air-conditioning environment can be provided. In this case, the same effects as those of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3d according to the sixth embodiment can be achieved.

[0388] Further, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 according to each of the above-mentioned third embodiments may be provided with the outlet temperature sensor 50 shown in FIG. 25 electrically connected to the control unit 60 shown in FIG. 10. That is, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3 shown in FIG. 10 according to the third embodiment may be configured similarly to the vehicle seat air-conditioning device 3d according to the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, in the flow chart shown in FIG. 11, steps S61 and S62 shown in FIG. 26 may be added after step S34. In this case, the vehicle seat air-conditioning device can adjust the temperature and air volume more precisely. As a result, a more comfortable air-conditioning environment can be provided. In this case, the same effects as those of the vehicle seat air-conditioning device according to the fifth embodiment can be achieved.

[0389] Moreover, each processing unit included in the vehicle seat air conditioner according to each of the first to sixth embodiments is typically realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually implemented as single chips, or some or all of them may be included in a single chip.

[0390] The integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of the circuit cells inside the LSI may also be used.

[0391] In each of the first to sixth embodiments, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0392] Furthermore, all the numbers used above are merely examples for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the first to sixth embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the numbers exemplified.

[0393] In addition, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as one functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be transferred to another functional block. Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in a time-sharing manner by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0394] In addition, the order in which each step is performed in the flowchart is merely for illustrative purposes and may be other than the above. In addition, some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0395] In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to embodiments 1 to 6 that would come to mind by a person skilled in the art, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of embodiments 1 to 6 within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0396] The present disclosure can be used in, for example, seats for vehicles such as vehicles, sofas, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0397] 1 seat (driver's seat, passenger seat) 2a Center console 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d Vehicle seat air conditioning system 11c Seat 13 Seat back 11c1 central part 11c2 Outer edge 13a1 Side part 13a2 Surface part 13a3 Back part 13b Second seat cover (cover) 13c Seat Frame 31 1st ventilation duct 31a First air intake 32, 131, 132, 532 2nd ventilation duct 32a, 132a, 532a Second intake port 33 Third ventilation duct 33a Discharge port 33b Fin 34 Blower 35 Ventilation path selection switch 39 Three-dimensional structure 50 Outlet temperature sensor 51 First temperature sensor 52 Second temperature sensor 60 Control section 100 vehicles E1 front end E2 back

Claims

1. A vehicle seat air conditioning device for use in a vehicle seat, A blower and A ventilation path selection switching unit; A control unit that controls the ventilation path selection switching unit; A first ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface, which is a surface on which a person sits on the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; A second ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a second air intake port that is different from the first air intake port and is provided at a location other than the seat surface of the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided from at least one of the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage by the blower from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to an outlet provided in the seat, The first air intake port is open toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The first intake port and the second intake port are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, At least the first air intake, the second air intake, and the exhaust port are provided in the sheet, and the first ventilation passage, a part of the second ventilation passage, the ventilation passage selection switching unit, the blower, and the third ventilation passage are built into the sheet, The ventilation passage selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage, The control unit switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; The seat has a seat portion including the seat surface where a person sits, The second air intake is provided at a location of the seat other than the seat surface. Vehicle seat air conditioning system.

2. A vehicle seat air conditioning device for use in a vehicle seat, comprising: A blower and A ventilation path selection switching unit; A control unit that controls the ventilation path selection switching unit; A first ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface, which is a surface on which a person sits on the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; A second ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a second air intake port that is different from the first air intake port and is provided at a location other than the seat surface of the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided from at least one of the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage by the blower from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to an outlet provided in the seat, The first air intake port is open toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The first intake port and the second intake port are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, At least the first air intake, the second air intake, and the exhaust port are provided in the sheet, and the first ventilation passage, a part of the second ventilation passage, the ventilation passage selection switching unit, the blower, and the third ventilation passage are built into the sheet, The ventilation passage selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage, The control unit switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; The driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle each have a seat back, The second intake port is In the seat back, the side portion of the driver's seat facing the passenger seat, the back portion opposite the surface portion that contacts the person sitting in the driver's seat, and the corner portion spanning from the side portion to the back portion of the driver's seat, or The seat back is formed on any one of a side portion of the passenger seat facing the driver's seat, a back portion opposite a front portion that comes into contact with a person sitting in the passenger seat, and a corner portion that spans from the side portion to the back portion of the passenger seat. Vehicle seat air conditioning system.

3. The vehicle is provided with a center console between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, The second air intake is disposed at a position higher than the center console.

3. The vehicle seat air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. Each of the driver's seat and the passenger seat has a seat frame built into the seat back, When viewed along the direction in which the driver's seat and the passenger's seat are arranged, the second air intake port overlaps with the seat frame, or is disposed closer to the back surface portion of the seat frame than the front surface portion of the seat frame, the back surface portion being in contact with a person seated in the driver's seat.

4. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The second ventilation passage is inclined upward from the second air intake port to the vertically upward side between the second air intake port and the blower. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. A vehicle seat air conditioning device for use in a vehicle seat, comprising: A blower and A ventilation path selection switching unit; A control unit that controls the ventilation path selection switching unit; A first ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface, which is a surface on which a person sits on the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; A second ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a second air intake port that is different from the first air intake port and is provided at a location other than the seat surface of the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided from at least one of the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage by the blower from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to an outlet provided in the seat, The first air intake port is open toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The first intake port and the second intake port are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, At least the first air intake, the second air intake, and the exhaust port are provided in the sheet, and the first ventilation passage, a part of the second ventilation passage, the ventilation passage selection switching unit, the blower, and the third ventilation passage are built into the sheet, The ventilation passage selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage, The control unit switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; The first air intake port is formed in the center and the outer edge of the seat surface. Vehicle seat air conditioning system.

7. A vehicle seat air conditioning device for use in a vehicle seat, comprising: A blower and A ventilation path selection switching unit; A control unit that controls the ventilation path selection switching unit; A first ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface, which is a surface on which a person sits on the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; A second ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a second air intake port that is different from the first air intake port and is provided at a location other than the seat surface of the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided from at least one of the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage by the blower from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to an outlet provided in the seat, The first air intake port is open toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The first intake port and the second intake port are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, At least the first air intake, the second air intake, and the exhaust port are provided in the sheet, and the first ventilation passage, a part of the second ventilation passage, the ventilation passage selection switching unit, the blower, and the third ventilation passage are built into the sheet, The ventilation passage selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage, The control unit switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; a three-dimensional structure disposed in at least one of the first ventilation passage, the second ventilation passage, and the third ventilation passage; Vehicle seat air conditioning system.

8. A first temperature sensor that detects a temperature inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle; a second temperature sensor for detecting a surface temperature of a person seated in the seat; The control unit switches a mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit based on information indicating a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and information indicating a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The control unit causes the ventilation path selection switch unit to execute the second mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first surface temperature.

9. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to claim 8.

10. The control unit causes the ventilation path selection switch unit to execute the third mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is lower than a first surface temperature and equal to or higher than a second surface temperature that is lower than the first surface temperature.

9. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to claim 8.

11. The control unit causes the ventilation path selection switch unit to execute the first mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is lower than a set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is lower than a second surface temperature and is equal to or higher than a third surface temperature that is lower than the second surface temperature.

9. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to claim 8.

12. A vehicle seat air conditioning device for use in a vehicle seat, comprising: A blower and A ventilation path selection switching unit; A control unit that controls the ventilation path selection switching unit; A first temperature sensor that detects a temperature inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle; a second temperature sensor for detecting a surface temperature of a person seated in the seat; A first ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface, which is a surface on which a person sits on the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; A second ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a second air intake port that is different from the first air intake port and is provided at a location other than the seat surface of the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided from at least one of the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage by the blower from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to an outlet provided in the seat, The first air intake port is open toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The first intake port and the second intake port are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, At least the first air intake, the second air intake, and the exhaust port are provided in the sheet, and the first ventilation passage, a part of the second ventilation passage, the ventilation passage selection switching unit, the blower, and the third ventilation passage are built into the sheet, The ventilation passage selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage, The control unit switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; The control unit causes the ventilation path selection switch unit to execute the second mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first surface temperature. Vehicle seat air conditioning system.

13. A vehicle seat air conditioning device for use in a vehicle seat, comprising: A blower and A ventilation path selection switching unit; A control unit that controls the ventilation path selection switching unit; A first temperature sensor that detects a temperature inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle; a second temperature sensor for detecting a surface temperature of a person seated in the seat; A first ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface, which is a surface on which a person sits on the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; A second ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a second air intake port that is different from the first air intake port and is provided at a location other than the seat surface of the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided from at least one of the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage by the blower from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to an outlet provided in the seat, The first air intake port is open toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The first intake port and the second intake port are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, At least the first air intake, the second air intake, and the exhaust port are provided in the sheet, and the first ventilation passage, a part of the second ventilation passage, the ventilation passage selection switching unit, the blower, and the third ventilation passage are built into the sheet, The ventilation passage selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage, The control unit switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; The control unit causes the ventilation path selection switch unit to execute the third mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is lower than a first surface temperature and equal to or higher than a second surface temperature that is lower than the first surface temperature. Vehicle seat air conditioning system.

14. A vehicle seat air conditioning device for use in a vehicle seat, comprising: A blower and A ventilation path selection switching unit; A control unit that controls the ventilation path selection switching unit; A first temperature sensor that detects a temperature inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle; a second temperature sensor for detecting a surface temperature of a person seated in the seat; A first ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a first air intake port provided on a seat surface, which is a surface on which a person sits on the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; A second ventilation path that guides air sucked in by the blower from a second air intake port that is different from the first air intake port and is provided at a location other than the seat surface of the seat, to the ventilation path selection switching unit; a third ventilation passage that guides the air guided from at least one of the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage by the blower from the ventilation passage selection switching unit to an outlet provided in the seat, The first air intake port is open toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The first intake port and the second intake port are disposed vertically below the exhaust port, At least the first air intake, the second air intake, and the exhaust port are provided in the sheet, and the first ventilation passage, a part of the second ventilation passage, the ventilation passage selection switching unit, the blower, and the third ventilation passage are built into the sheet, The ventilation passage selection switching unit has a first mode in which the first ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage in order to guide air to the third ventilation passage, a second mode in which the second ventilation passage is connected to the third ventilation passage, and a third mode in which the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are connected to the third ventilation passage, The control unit switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; The control unit causes the ventilation path selection switch unit to execute the first mode when the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is lower than a set vehicle interior temperature and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is lower than a second surface temperature and is equal to or higher than a third surface temperature that is lower than the second surface temperature. Vehicle seat air conditioning system.

15. a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle; The control unit is acquiring information indicating a temperature in the vehicle interior detected by the first temperature sensor and information indicating a preset target temperature; calculating a target discharge temperature based on a difference between the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and the target temperature indicated in the information; The mode of the ventilation path selection switching unit is switched in accordance with the calculated target discharge temperature. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

16. The control unit switches the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit based on a table showing a correlation between a temperature in the vehicle cabin and an elapsed time during which conditioned air is continuously discharged from an air conditioner for a vehicle mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

17. The seat has a seat back, The discharge port is formed in the seat back. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The outlet is disposed at a position corresponding to at least one of the head, neck, acromion, back, and waist of a person. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A fin is provided at the outlet to guide the air blown out from the outlet in a predetermined direction. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The fin is disposed vertically above the center of the outlet port in the height direction.

20. The vehicle seat air conditioning system according to claim 19.

21. a discharge port temperature sensor electrically connected to the control unit and disposed in the vicinity of the discharge port; The control unit controls the blower in response to the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The control unit is If the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value, the air volume of the blower is set to a first air volume; If the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor is less than the threshold value, the air volume of the blower is set to a second air volume that is smaller than the first air volume.

22. The vehicle seat air conditioning system according to claim 21.

23. The control unit controls the blower based on the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor when the mode of the ventilation path selection switch unit is maintained for a first predetermined period.

23. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to claim 21 or 22.

24. The control unit temporarily switches the ventilation path selection switching unit to the second mode when the ventilation path selection switching unit is in a mode other than the second mode and the temperature change detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor is within a predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined period.

9. The vehicle seat air conditioning device according to claim 8.

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