Vehicle seat, chair, and heating unit

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which enables improvement of comfort of a seated person, and to provide a chair and a heating unit.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion which supports at least a hip and thighs of an occupant; and a heating part having a first heating part which is provided at a front end part of the seat cushion and heats the occupant so that a portion, corresponding to the front end part, in a lower body of the occupant has a first temperature, and a second heating part which is provided at a rear end part of the seat cushion and heats the occupant so that a portion, corresponding to the rear end part, in the lower body of the occupant has a second temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle seats, chairs, and heating units.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for reducing the fatigue of a seated occupant by warming the seated occupant at an intermediate portion in the up-and-down direction of the seat in the seat back and an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the seat in the seat cushion (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 above, among the portions of the seated occupant supported by the seat, the portion to be warmed is a portion that is relatively close to the heart and far from the veins (in other words, a portion where the veins are far from the skin). For this reason, in Patent Document 1 above, a high effect cannot necessarily be expected in improving the blood circulation of the seated occupant, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of comfort in the seat, such as suppressing the accumulation of fatigue of the seated occupant.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat, a chair, and a heating unit capable of improving comfort during sitting, such as suppressing the accumulation of fatigue of the seated person.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat including a seat cushion that supports at least the buttocks and thighs of an occupant, a first heating unit provided at a front end portion of the seat cushion and configured to heat a portion corresponding to the front end portion in the lower body of the occupant to a first temperature, and a second heating unit provided at a rear end portion of the seat cushion and configured to heat a portion corresponding to the rear end portion in the lower body of the occupant to a second temperature.

[0007] The second temperature may be equal to or lower than the first temperature.

[0008] The first heating unit may be configured to be able to heat the upper surface side at the front end portion of the seat cushion.

[0009] The first heating unit may be configured to be able to heat from the upper surface side to the front surface side of the seat cushion.

[0010] The heating unit may further include a third heating unit provided at an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion and set to a third temperature equal to or lower than the second temperature.

[0011] The third heating unit may be divided into a front-side heating unit and a rear-side heating unit of the seat cushion, and may be set to different temperatures from each other.

[0012] The heating unit may be composed of a planar heater that generates heat by energization.

[0013] The planar heater may have a continuous heating wire, and the amount of heat generated may change according to the wire density of the heating wire, so that the temperature in the planar heater may be adjusted.

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chair including a seat portion that supports at least the buttocks and thighs of a seated person, a first heating portion provided at a front end portion of the seat portion and configured to heat a portion corresponding to the front end portion in the lower body of the seated person to a first temperature, and a heating portion provided at a rear end portion of the seat portion and configured to heat a portion corresponding to the rear end portion in the lower body of the seated person to a second temperature.

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heating unit that can be installed on a seat portion that supports at least the buttocks and thighs of a seated person, the heating unit including a first heating portion provided at a position corresponding to the front end portion of the seat portion and configured to heat a portion corresponding to the front end portion in the lower body of the seated person to a first temperature, and a second heating portion provided at a position corresponding to the rear end portion of the seat portion and configured to heat a portion corresponding to the rear end portion in the lower body of the seated person to a second temperature.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] As described above, according to the present invention, there are provided a vehicle seat, a chair, and a heating unit capable of improving the comfort of a seated person.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 10

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Figure 17

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] <<First Embodiment>> <1. Configuration of Vehicle Seat> The vehicle seat 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0019] The vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In these figures, the arrow FR shown as appropriate indicates the front side of the seat, the arrow UP indicates the upper side of the seat, and the arrow W indicates the seat width direction.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the schematic configuration of the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment. The vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment is installed in a vehicle (for example, an automobile or a train). As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat 10 includes a seat cushion 12 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the seated occupant P (hereinafter simply referred to as the occupant), a seat back 14 that supports the back of the occupant P, and a headrest 16 that supports the head of the occupant P. The seat cushion 12 is configured by attaching a cushion pad (not shown) to a seat cushion frame (not shown) and further covering its surface with a trim. Inside this seat cushion 12, a heating unit 20 is provided.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the seat cushion 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat cushion 12 is provided with a heating unit 20. The heating unit 20 is provided inside the seat cushion 12. In particular, the heating unit 20 is provided on the seating surface (upper surface) side inside the seat cushion 12. Although details will be described later, the heating unit 20 is a planar heater that generates heat when energized, and is provided such that the in-plane direction of the planar heater follows the seating surface. The heating unit 20 is capable of heating a part of the lower body of the occupant P. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the heating range and action of the heating unit 20 will be described.

[0022] <2. Relationship between the heating part and the fatigue reduction effect> FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are diagrams provided for explaining the heating range of the heating unit 20 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in the lower body of the occupant P, the parts of the buttocks - thighs - knees can come into contact with the seat cushion 12. Specifically, the range from the lumbosacral joint point S existing near the buttocks to the thigh rotation center D, and the range from the thigh rotation center D to the knee joint point H come into contact with the seat cushion 12. Note that the thigh rotation center D corresponds to the hip point HP when sitting.

[0023] Here, as an effect of the heat applied to the human body, there is an effect of reducing fatigue accompanying the promotion of blood circulation. That is, by discharging the fatigue substances accumulated in the body into the blood through vasodilation or the like due to heat, an effect of reducing the sense of fatigue can be obtained. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, relatively thick blood vessels K exist in the lower body of the occupant P. In particular, when this relatively thick blood vessel K is compressed or subjected to a shearing force due to long - term sitting, blood flow is inhibited and fatigue substances are likely to accumulate. On the other hand, in such parts of the lower body, the relatively thick blood vessels K are partially located close to the skin.

[0024] Therefore, as a result of intensive studies by the present inventors, a vehicle seat 10 has been conceived that can promote blood circulation and obtain an effect of improving comfort such as suppressing fatigue accumulation by performing appropriate heating according to the parts of the lower body of the occupant P in the seat cushion 12.

[0025] The correspondence between the lower body part of the occupant P described with reference to FIG. 3 and the region of the seat cushion 12 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 4, in the state of sitting on the seat cushion 12, the range where the lower body of the occupant P contacts the seat cushion 12 is divided into four ranges according to the above-described parts of the buttocks ~ thigh ~ knee joint. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the region on the knee joint point H side when the distance L between the thigh rotation center D (i.e., the hip point HP) and the knee joint point H is equally divided is defined as the first range R1. The first range R1 is the back of the knee part in the lower body of the occupant P. And, from the midpoint of the distance L between the thigh rotation center D and the knee joint point H to the thigh rotation center D side, the range extending over a distance of 30% of the distance L is defined as the second range R2. The second range R2 is the thigh part in the lower body of the occupant P. Further, in the distance L between the thigh rotation center D and the knee joint point H, the range other than the first and second ranges on the thigh rotation center D side is defined as the third range R3. The third range R3 is the buttocks in the lower body of the occupant P. And, the range from the hip point HP to the position corresponding to the lumbosacral joint point S is defined as the fourth range R4. The fourth range R4 is the sacrum part in the lower body of the occupant P.

[0026] Corresponding to the four divided ranges of the lower body of the occupant P as described above, the heating part 20 provided in the seat cushion 12 is also divided into four regions. That is, the part corresponding to the back of the knee part which is the first range R1 is the front end part 12A of the seat cushion 12. Also, the part corresponding to the thigh part which is the second range R2 is the front side part 12C1 within the middle part 12C of the seat cushion 12. Also, the part corresponding to the buttocks which is the third range R3 is the rear side part 12C2 within the middle part 12C of the seat cushion 12. Further, the part corresponding to the sacrum part which is the fourth range R4 is the rear end part 12B of the seat cushion 12.

[0027] Here, the inventors further intensively studied and found that by adding heat according to the parts of the human body, a more effective fatigue reduction effect can be obtained. That is, in the back of the knee where many blood vessels are concentrated relatively close to the skin, by intensively heating, blood flow is promoted. Also, in the buttocks where there are many relatively thick blood vessels, by concentrating the heating, blood flow is promoted. In addition, nerves are concentrated in the buttocks and it is easy to feel temperature changes, so blood flow promotion is likely to occur.

[0028] <3. Configuration of the heating part> Therefore, based on the above findings, the inventors conceived the heating part 20 according to this embodiment. The heating part 20 according to this embodiment will be described below. The heating part 20 has a first heating part 21 and a second heating part 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the first heating part 21 is provided at the front end part 12A of the seat cushion 12. Also, the second heating part 22 is provided at the rear end part 12B of the seat cushion 12.

[0029] (First heating part) The first heating part 21 heats the first range R1 in the lower body of the occupant P by being set to the first temperature. That is, the first heating part 21 heats the range corresponding to the back of the occupant P's knee.

[0030] The first temperature is, for example, 39 to 41°C. The first temperature is the temperature measured by contacting with a thermocouple on the trim surface corresponding to the position where the first heating part 21 is provided in the seat cushion 12.

[0031] By setting the first temperature to 39 to 41°C, when the general body temperature is 37°C, it is difficult to cause discomfort to the occupant P due to high-temperature heating, and the blood flow promotion effect by the above-mentioned heat can be obtained. Also, the range of the back of the knee in the lower body of the occupant P heated by the first heating part 21 has the highest blood flow promotion effect among the parts of the lower body in contact with the seat cushion 12. Therefore, by setting the first temperature within the above range, effective blood flow promotion is realized.

[0032] (Second heating part) The second heating part 22 is provided at the rear end part 12B of the seat cushion 12. By being set to the second temperature, the second heating part 22 heats the fourth range R4 in the lower body of the occupant P. That is, the second heating part 22 heats the range corresponding to the sacrum part of the occupant P.

[0033] The second temperature is set to be equal to or lower than the first temperature. As an example, the second temperature is 37 to 39°C. The measurement conditions of the second temperature are the same as those of the first temperature. By setting the second temperature to 37 to 39°C, when the general body temperature is 37°C, it is possible to obtain the blood flow promoting effect by the above-mentioned heat while making it difficult for the occupant P to have discomfort due to high-temperature heating.

[0034] Furthermore, the range corresponding to the sacrum part in the lower body of the occupant P heated by the second heating part 22 has a higher blood flow promoting effect than the range corresponding to the back of the knee heated by the first heating part 21. Therefore, by setting the heating temperature by the second heating part 22 to the above range, it is possible to suppress unnecessary energy consumption due to excessive heating that does not contribute to blood flow promotion while exhibiting the blood flow promoting effect.

[0035] (Third heating part) As shown in FIG. 2, the heating part 20 may further include a third heating part 23. The third heating part 23 is provided at the intermediate part 20C in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 12. By being set to the third temperature, the third heating part 23 heats the second range R2 and the third range R3 in the lower body of the occupant P. That is, the third heating part 23 heats the range corresponding to the thigh part and the buttocks of the occupant P.

[0036] The third temperature is set to be equal to or lower than the second temperature. The third temperature is, for example, 35 to 37°C. Note that the measurement conditions for the third temperature are the same as those for the first and second temperatures. By setting the third temperature to 35 to 37°C, when the normal body temperature is 37°C, it is possible to make it difficult for the occupant P to feel discomfort due to high-temperature heating while somewhat contributing to blood flow promotion. Furthermore, by setting the third temperature within the above range, it is possible to reduce the temperature difference between the lower body parts that may occur due to the heating by the first heating unit 21 and the second heating unit 22, and it is suppressed that the occupant P feels discomfort.

[0037] Also, the third heating unit 23 may be divided into two in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 12. Specifically, the third heating unit 23 may be divided into a front-side heating unit 23A and a rear-side heating unit 23B. Here, "divided" includes the meaning of being physically separate, and further includes the meaning of being an integrated heating unit that can be temperature-controlled independently of each other.

[0038] The front-side heating unit 23A heats the second range R2 in the lower body of the occupant P. That is, the front-side heating unit 23A heats the range corresponding to the thigh part of the occupant P. Also, the rear-side heating unit 23B heats the third range R3 in the lower body of the occupant P. That is, the rear-side heating unit 23B heats the range corresponding to the buttocks in the lower body of the occupant P.

[0039] The front-side heating unit 23A and the rear-side heating unit 23B can be set to different temperatures from each other. In other words, the front-side heating unit 23A and the rear-side heating unit 23B are set to different temperatures from each other within the range of the third temperature to heat the lower body of the occupant P respectively.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 5, the heating unit 20 is constituted by a planar heater 20A as an example. The planar heater 20A is formed including a heating wire 20A1, and is a so-called resistance heating type heater that generates heat by utilizing the Joule heat generated in the heating wire 20A1 upon energization. The heating wire 20A1 is connected to a power source (not shown) and generates heat by receiving power supply from such a power source. As shown in Fig. 5, the heating wire 20A1 is continuously disposed within the planar heater 20A. Further, the heating wire 20A1 is disposed such that the number (line density) per unit area when viewed in plan as in Fig. 5 varies for each region of the seat cushion 12.

[0041] Specifically, in the seat cushion 12, at the front end portion 12A and the rear end portion 12B corresponding to the first heating unit 21 and the second heating unit 22 of the heating unit 20, the heating wire 20A1 is disposed such that the line density of the heating wire 20A1 of the planar heater 20A increases. On the other hand, in the seat cushion 12, at the front side portion 12C1 and the rear side portion 12C2 of the middle portion 12C corresponding to the third heating unit 23, the heating wire 20A1 is disposed such that the line density of the heating wire 20A1 decreases. Thus, the heating temperature in the heating unit 20 is set by the line density of the continuous heating wire 20A1 forming the planar heater 20A.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 5, the planar heater 20A as the heating unit 20 is a single planar member. The planar heater 20A is disposed, for example, between a cushion pad and a wadding (both not shown) in the seat cushion 12. Note that, within the seat cushion 12, the position where the planar heater 20A is disposed is not particularly limited, as long as it can heat the lower body of the occupant P to achieve the effect of reducing fatigue by promoting blood flow. For example, the planar heater 20A may be provided between the wadding and a trim (not shown).

[0043] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the planar heater 20A is provided on the front portion 12F of the seat cushion 12. That is, the planar heater 20A is arranged so as to cover the upper surface and the front surface of the seat cushion 12. The heating wire 20A1 of the planar heater 20A is continuous from the upper surface to the front surface of the seat cushion 12.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the planar heater 20A is electrically connected to an in-vehicle ECU 40 (ECU: Electronic Control Unit, hereinafter simply referred to as "ECU") and controlled thereby. The ECU 40 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a storage, and a communication interface, and each of these components is communicably connected to each other via a bus. Further, the ECU 40 has a control unit 41 (shown in a block form in the figure) as a functional configuration. The functional configuration of the control unit 41 is realized by the CPU reading and executing a program stored in the ROM or the storage. The control unit 41 controls the power supplied to the planar heater 20A in a state where an occupant is seated on the seat cushion 12. Thereby, the calorific value of the planar heater 20A as the heating unit 20 is controlled, and as a result, temperature control in the heating unit 20 is realized. Further, the control unit 41 controls the planar heater 20A based on a signal received from the controller 42.

[0045] Next, the operation and effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle seat 10 according to the present embodiment includes a heating unit 20 provided at the front end portion 12A of the seat cushion 12 and set to a first temperature, and a second heating unit 22 provided at the rear end portion 12B and set to a second temperature. Therefore, in the seat cushion 12, the first heating unit 21 and the second heating unit 22 are arranged at positions corresponding to the lower body parts of the occupant P, and further, by setting them to a predetermined temperature, the blood flow circulation in the body of the occupant P is promoted, the accumulation of fatigue is reduced, and the comfort of the occupant P when seated is improved.

[0047] In other words, a first heating part 21 is provided at the front end part 12A of the seat cushion 12 corresponding to the back of the knee part that greatly contributes to blood flow promotion among the parts of the lower body of the occupant P, and a second heating part 22 is provided at the rear end part 12B of the seat cushion 12 corresponding to the sacrum part that contributes to blood flow promotion. Thereby, a predetermined range of the lower body of the occupant P is heated to a predetermined temperature, so that the blood flow in the body of the occupant P can be effectively promoted.

[0048] In particular, when the vehicle seat 10 is installed in a vehicle having an automatic driving function, the occupant P is assumed to ride for a long time without taking breaks such as during the journey. In this case, it is considered that a lot of fatigue associated with long-term sitting accumulates in the body of the occupant P. In the vehicle seat 10 according to the present embodiment, even in such a situation, the blood flow is promoted by the heat from the first heating part 21 and the second heating part 22, and the effect of reducing fatigue accumulation is realized.

[0049] Also, in the present embodiment, the second temperature at which the second heating part 22 is set is equal to or lower than the first temperature of the first heating part 21. Therefore, in the lower body of the occupant P, the second heating part 22 provided at the rear end part 12B corresponding to the sacrum part having a high blood flow promotion effect next to the back of the knee part warms the sacrum part at a temperature equal to or lower than that of the first heating part 21. As a result, the effect of promoting blood flow in the body of the occupant P can be obtained, the discomfort due to excessive heating can be reduced, and energy saving of the energy required for heating can be realized.

[0050] Also, in the present embodiment, since the first heating part 21 can heat the upper surface side at the front end part 12A of the seat cushion 12, the back of the knee part of the occupant P where the blood flow promotion effect is particularly likely to be obtained in the lower body of the occupant P can be effectively heated.

[0051] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the first heating part 21 can be heated from the upper surface side to the front surface side of the front end part 12A, a wider range of the back of the knee part of the occupant P where the blood flow promotion effect is particularly likely to be obtained in the lower body of the occupant P can be effectively heated.

[0052] In addition, in the present embodiment, the heating unit 20 is provided in the intermediate portion 12C in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 12, and a third heating unit 23 that is set to a third temperature equal to or lower than the second temperature of the second heating unit 22 is provided. By heating the third heating unit 23, a blood flow promoting effect in the lower body of the occupant P can be obtained, and discomfort that may occur to the occupant P when the intermediate portion 12C of the seat cushion 12 is at a lower temperature compared to the other front end portion 12A and rear end portion 12B is reduced.

[0053] In addition, in the present embodiment, the third heating unit 23 is divided into a front side heating unit 23A and a rear side heating unit 23B of the seat cushion 12, and they can be set to different temperatures from each other. Therefore, heating that is more finely adapted to the range of the lower body of the occupant P is realized. As a result, a blood flow promoting effect by the third heating unit 23 and an effect of reducing discomfort of the occupant P can be obtained more.

[0054] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the heating unit 20 is the planar heater 20A that generates heat by energization, a blood flow promoting effect by heat for the occupant P can be obtained with a simple configuration. Therefore, mass productivity and maintainability are improved. Further, since it is the planar heater 20A, the heating unit 20 is realized at low cost as compared with heating using a warm air blower or a Peltier element.

[0055] In addition, in the present embodiment, the temperature is set according to the wire density of the continuous heating wire 20A1 that forms the planar heater 20A. Therefore, the temperature setting in the heating unit 20 can be realized with a simple configuration. Further, compared with the case where a plurality of heaters are combined and temperature control is performed for each heater, the temperature setting becomes easier.

[0056] Note that, in the above first embodiment, a form in which the heating unit 20 includes the first heating unit 21, the second heating unit 22, and the third heating unit 23 is illustrated, but the present invention can be achieved even without the third heating unit 23. That is, a form in which the heating unit 20 includes only the first heating unit 21 and the second heating unit 22 may be sufficient.

[0057] In the first embodiment described above, the vehicle seat 10 was taken as an example for explanation. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and it may be a seat provided in a ship, an airplane, or the like. Further, in the above embodiment, an independent seat for one occupant P to sit on was shown and described. However, it may be a bench seat adopted for a rear seat of an automobile or a continuous seat for a plurality of occupants to sit side by side as provided in a train.

[0058] In the first embodiment described above, a form example in which the first heating part 21 heats the upper surface and the front part 12F of the front end part 12A was taken as an example for explanation. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The first heating part 21 only needs to be able to heat at least a part of the back of the occupant's knee. The first heating part 21 may be configured to heat only the upper surface of the front end part 12A, or may be configured to heat only the front part 12F.

[0059] (Modification example) Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a modification example of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a form example in which the planar heater 20A as the heating part 20 is provided from the upper surface of the seat cushion 12 to the front part 12F was taken as an example for explanation. However, this modification example is different from the above-described first embodiment in that the planar heater 20A as the heating part 20 is provided up to the middle of the curved part 12R between the front part 12F and the front end part 12A. Note that for the members and parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment in this modification example, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment may be used, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, in this modification, the heating unit 20 is provided from the front end portion 12A of the seat cushion 12 to midway between the front end portion 12A and the front surface portion 12F. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the heating unit 20 is provided midway from the front end portion 12A side of the curved portion 12R provided between the front end portion 12A and the front surface portion 12F of the seat cushion 12. Here, the curved portion 12R is a portion where the outer shape is curved between the front end portion 12A and the front surface portion 12F on the seating surface (upper surface) side when the seat cushion 12 is viewed in a side cross-section (a cross-section with the W direction as the normal direction). In other words, the curved portion 12R is a portion between the bending stop point Y of the front end portion 12A of the seat cushion 12 and the bending stop point Z of the front surface portion 12F. The curved portion 12R, together with the front end portion 12A, corresponds to the back of the knees of the occupant P.

[0061] The heating unit 20 is provided up to midway of the curved portion 12R. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in the virtual circle X having the radius of the radius of curvature RD of the outer shape of the curved portion 12R, the heating unit 20 is provided up to half of the length of the arc portion corresponding to the curved portion 12R.

[0062] According to this modification, since the heating unit 20 is provided in the curved portion 12R corresponding to the back of the knees of the occupant P, the blood circulation in the body of the occupant P is promoted, fatigue is reduced, and the effect of reducing the accumulation of fatigue of the occupant P can be obtained more. Further, the curved portion 12R is a portion where a load (displacement or load) due to sitting on the seat cushion 12 is likely to occur. However, in such a portion, by restricting the range where the heating unit 20 is provided, the load generated on the heating unit 20 is reduced. As a result, damage to the heating unit 20 is suppressed, and cost reduction or improvement in maintainability is achieved.

[0063] <<Second Embodiment>> Next, the chair 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9. This embodiment is different from the aforementioned first embodiment in that the object to which the heating unit 20 is provided is the chair 100. In the description of the chair 100 according to the second embodiment, members and parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0064] FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of the chair 100 according to the present embodiment. The chair 100 is, as an example, a so-called relaxation chair (easy chair). The chair 100 has a seat portion 112 and a backrest portion 114. The seat portion 112 supports the thighs and buttocks of the seated person. As shown in FIG. 9, a heating unit 20 is provided on the seat portion 112 of the chair 100. The heating unit 20 has a first heating unit 21 and a second heating unit 22. The first heating unit 21 is provided at the front end portion 112A of the seat portion 112. The first heating unit 21 is set to the first temperature. The second heating unit 22 is provided at the rear end portion 112B of the seat portion 112. The second heating unit 22 is set to the second temperature.

[0065] In the chair 100 according to the present embodiment, the same operational effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained. Although the chair 100 according to the present embodiment shows a form example of a relaxation chair, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the chair 100 may be an office chair, a dining chair, a reclining chair, a massage chair, a stool, a bench, or a seat chair, etc. Further, the place where the chair 100 according to the present embodiment is installed is not particularly limited, and it may be a general household, an office, a public facility, or an amusement facility such as a movie theater or an amusement park.

[0066] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, the heating unit 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. This embodiment is different from the aforementioned first and second embodiments in that the configuration for heating the lower body of the occupant P is independent as the heating unit 200. In the description of the heating unit 200 according to the third embodiment, members and parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, the heating unit 200 is installed on the seat portion and has a function as a heating portion for heating the lower body of the occupant P. For example, the heating unit 200 is installed on the upper surface of the seat cushion 12 as the seat portion. The heating unit 200 has a first heating portion 201 at a position corresponding to the front end portion 12A of the seat cushion 12, and a second heating portion 202 at a position corresponding to the rear end portion 12B of the seat cushion 12.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 11, the heating unit 200 is, as an example, a planar heater 200A. The planar heater 200A has a heating wire 200A1 covered with a cloth-like member 210. The planar heater 200A has flexibility, thereby enabling the heating unit 200 to be installed in accordance with the surface shape of the seat portion. Further, the heating unit 200 has a power cord portion 220 electrically connected to the internal heating wire 200A1. Electric power is supplied to the heating unit 200 from a power source (not shown) via such a power cord portion 220.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 12, the wire density of the heating wire 200A1 is partially different in the heating unit 200. Thereby, the heating temperature in the heating unit 200 is made to differ according to the site. Specifically, in the first heating portion 201 and the second heating portion 202 of the heating unit 200 provided at positions corresponding to the front end portion 12A and the rear end portion 12B in the seat cushion 12, respectively, the heating wire 200A1 is arranged so that the wire density of the heating wire 200A1 of the planar heater 200A increases.

[0070] In the heating unit 200 according to the present embodiment, an effect of improving comfort including reduction of fatigue accumulation of the seated person similar to that in the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

[0071] Further, in the present embodiment, since the heating unit 200 exists independently, for seats, chairs, etc. that do not exhibit the effects of the present invention, an effect of improving comfort including reduction of fatigue accumulation of the seated person similar to that in the first and second embodiments can be provided.

[0072] In the present embodiment, although the seat cushion 12 of the vehicle seat is described as an example of the seat part, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the heating unit 200 may be installed in the seat part of a chair. Further, the heating unit 200 may be installed not only in seats and chairs but also in places, areas, or parts where a seated person can sit.

Example

[0073] In order to evaluate the performance of the vehicle seat 10, chair 100, and heating unit 200 according to the present invention, a fatigue feeling evaluation, a sensory evaluation, and a temperature measurement test were conducted. The test results will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17.

[0074] As the fatigue feeling evaluation test, bioimpedance measurement of the occupant in the seated state was performed for evaluation. As the sensory evaluation test, after the occupant was seated on the vehicle seat 10 according to the present invention, a questionnaire was conducted at multiple levels regarding comfort and the like for evaluation.

[0075] The comparative example is a case where the seat cushion 12 does not have a heating part. The reference example is a case where the seat cushion 12 has a heating part but does not change the temperature according to the part.

[0076] The example is a case where heating is performed with the first heating part 21 at 41°C, the second heating part 22 at 39°C, and the front heating part 23A and the rear heating part 23B of the third heating part 23 at 37°C.

[0077] Figure 13 shows the results of the fatigue evaluation test. Biological impedance was measured as an evaluation index of fatigue. As shown in Figure 13, in the comparative example, the biological impedance increased over time, indicating that a large amount of fatigue substances accumulated in the body. Also, in the reference example, although the increase in biological impedance was suppressed compared to the comparative example, the biological impedance increased over time. On the other hand, in the example, no increase in biological impedance was observed even after about 10 minutes. Subsequently, although an increase in biological impedance was observed, it remained almost constant after 30 minutes had elapsed. Also, the biological impedance at 60 minutes was significantly lower compared to the comparative example and the reference example. Thus, in the example, it was shown from the biological impedance measurement results that the accumulation of fatigue in the body of the occupant P was reduced.

[0078] Also, Figures 14 to 16 show the results of the sensory evaluation test. Figure 14 shows the results of a questionnaire survey on the lower limb fatigue felt by the occupant 60 minutes after the start of sitting, with a five-level evaluation. 1 indicates the case where the least fatigue was felt, and 5 indicates the case where the most fatigue was felt. As shown in Figure 14, in the comparative example and the reference example, the sensory evaluations were 5 and 4 respectively, resulting in the occupant feeling fatigue. On the other hand, in the example, the sensory evaluation was 2, indicating that the occupant felt less fatigue compared to the comparative example and the reference example.

[0079] Figure 15 shows the results of a questionnaire survey on the overall warm / cold feeling experienced by the occupant 60 minutes after the start of seating. 4 indicates a feeling of slightly cold, 5 indicates neither, 6 indicates a feeling of warm, 7 indicates a feeling of just right, and 8 indicates a feeling of slightly hot. As shown in Figure 15, in the comparative example, the sensory evaluation was 3.5, resulting in the occupant feeling slightly cold. Also, in the reference example, the sensory evaluation was 7.5, resulting in the occupant feeling slightly hot. On the other hand, in the example, the sensory evaluation was 7, resulting in the occupant feeling just right. Thus, in the vehicle seat 10 according to the present invention, since the heating unit 20 warms at an appropriate range and temperature according to the lower body part of the occupant P, it is shown that it is difficult to cause discomfort such as being too hot or too cold to the occupant P.

[0080] Figure 16 shows the results of a five-level questionnaire survey on the lower limb comfort of the occupant 60 minutes after the start of seating. 1 indicates the worst case for lower limb comfort, and 5 indicates the best case. As shown in Figure 16, in the comparative example, the sensory evaluation was 1. Also, in the reference example, the sensory evaluation was 3. On the other hand, in the example, the sensory evaluation was 4.5, indicating that the lower limb comfort of the occupant is better compared to the comparative example and the reference example.

[0081] As a temperature measurement test, the temperature on the instep of the seated occupant's foot was measured with an infrared thermometer. Figure 17 is a graph showing the time change of the skin temperature as the measurement result. As shown in Figure 17, in the reference example, although there was a slight temperature increase about 10 minutes after the start of heating, the temperature then decreased. On the other hand, in the example, the temperature increased until about 10 minutes after the start of heating. The temperature increase range was about 1°C, which was more than that of the comparative example. Also, no temperature decrease was observed after 10 minutes, and the temperature was maintained. Thus, in the vehicle seat 10 according to the present invention, since it warms at an appropriate range and temperature according to the lower body part of the occupant P, blood flow is promoted, and it is also shown to have the effect of warming a body part far from the heart such as the instep.

[0082] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by heating within an appropriate range and at an appropriate temperature according to the lower body part of the occupant P, it has been shown that there is an improvement effect in comfort including a reduction effect of fatigue accumulation of the occupant P.

[0083] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modification examples or application examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0084] For example, in the above embodiment, an example where the heating unit 20 is the planar heater 20A has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, an electric heater using a Peltier element that exhibits a so-called electrothermal effect may also be used. Further, a heating device including a duct provided in the seat cushion 12 and a blower that blows warm air toward the lower body of the occupant P through such a duct may also be used.

[0085] Also, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the temperature is changed by changing the line density of the heating wire 20A1 of the planar heater 20A. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and it may be configured to change the temperature by changing the wire diameter and / or cross-sectional shape of the heating wire 20A1.

[0086] Also, in the above embodiment, an example where the heating unit 20 is a single planar heater 20A has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, separate heaters corresponding to each range of the lower body of the occupant P may be combined and configured.

[0087] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the planar heater 20A as the heating unit 20 is controlled by the ECU has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the planar heater 20A may be configured as a thermistor having a thermostat, and the temperature in the heating unit 20 may be controlled by turning the power on / off when a predetermined temperature condition is reached.

Explanation of Signs

[0088] 10 Vehicle seat 12 Seat cushion 12A Front end portion 12B Rear end portion 12C Intermediate portion 12C1 Front side portion 12C2 Rear side portion 12F Front surface portion 20 Heating unit 20A Planar heater 20A1 Heating wire 21 First heating unit 22 Second heating unit 23 Third heating unit 23A Front side heating unit 23B Rear side heating unit 100 Chair 112 Seat portion 200 Heating unit 201 First heating unit 202 Second heating unit

Claims

1. A seat cushion that supports the sacral region and thighs of an occupant, a first heating part that is provided on the seat cushion and heats the back of the occupant's knees, a second heating part that is provided on the seat cushion and heats the sacral region of the occupant, and a third heating part that is provided on the seat cushion and heats the buttocks of the occupant, wherein the first heating part, the second heating part, and the third heating part are constituted by a heater having a continuous electric heating wire that generates heat when energized, and the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the first heating part of the heater is higher than the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the second heating part, and the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the third heating part is lower than the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the second heating part, a vehicle seat.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first heating part is capable of heating the upper surface side at the front end of the seat cushion.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the first heating part is capable of heating from the upper surface side to the front surface side of the seat cushion.

4. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first heating part and the second heating part are provided on the upper surface side inside the seat cushion.

5. A seat cushion that supports the sacral region and thighs of a seated person, a first heating part that is provided on the seat cushion and heats the back of the seated person's knees, a second heating part that is provided on the seat cushion and heats the sacral region of the seated person, and a third heating part that is provided on the seat cushion and heats the buttocks of the seated person, wherein the first heating part, the second heating part, and the third heating part are constituted by a heater having a continuous electric heating wire that generates heat when energized, and the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the first heating part of the heater is higher than the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the second heating part, and the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the third heating part is lower than the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the second heating part, a chair.

6. A heating unit that can be installed on a seat part that supports the sacral region and thighs of a seated person, a first heating part that is provided at a position corresponding to the front end of the seat part and heats the back of the seated person's knees, a second heating part that is provided at a position corresponding to the rear end of the seat part and heats the sacral region of the seated person, A third heating unit is provided between the first heating unit and the second heating unit of the seat portion and heats the buttocks of the seated person. The first heating unit, the second heating unit, and the third heating unit are composed of a heater having a continuous electric heating wire that generates heat when energized. The wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the first heating unit of the heater is higher than the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the second heating unit, and the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the third heating unit is lower than the wire density of the electric heating wire constituting the second heating unit. Heating unit.

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