straddle-type seat

Abstract

Provided is a straddle-type seat which can improve the comfort of a sitting person by blowing air to the buttocks region of the sitting person.　The motorcycle seat S on which a sitting person sits in a straddling state comprises a blower 30 and an air aperture K through which air blown from the blower 30 passes. The air aperture K is disposed in a position opposite the buttocks region of the sitting person. Specifically, the motorcycle seat S comprises a front seat part S1 and a non-seat part S3 disposed at the rear end of the front seat part S1. The air aperture K is disposed in the lower part of the non-seat part S3.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a straddle-type seat, and more particularly to a straddle-type seat having a built-in air blower. [Background technology]

[0002] With regard to motorcycles equipped with a blower, there is known a technology for providing a passenger temperature adjustment device in which an air duct is arranged between an air intake opening in front of the front cover and an air outlet formed in the rear cover below the seat, and this air duct is joined with a shroud to blow air from under the seat to the vicinity of the thighs of the seated person (passenger) (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 1-145890 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, air is blown only to the area near the thighs of the occupant, and not to the buttocks or back of the occupant. In straddle-type seats, the area below the occupant's buttocks tends to become stuffy, and the temperature in the area from the buttocks to the lower back on the back side of the occupant tends to rise.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a straddle-type seat that can improve the comfort of the occupant by blowing air to the area of the occupant's buttocks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The problem is solved by the straddle-type seat of the present invention, which is a straddle-type seat in which a seated person sits in a straddled state, and which includes a seating portion, a standing wall portion that protrudes upward from the rear end of the seating portion, a seat covering that covers the seating portion and the standing wall portion, and a blower device. Seat bottom plate, Equipped with the air blower is disposed on the rear surface side of the seat bottom plate at a position avoiding the seating portion, This problem is solved by providing a skin opening, through which air from the blower device passes, in the portion of the seat skin covering the upright wall portion, the skin opening being provided on the base end side of the upright wall portion, and the skin opening being provided only in a position that avoids the seating portion.

[0007] In the straddle-type seat of the present invention configured as described above, the air from the blower device flows around the buttocks from behind the seated person, making it possible to blow air in a manner that envelops the area below the buttocks and the seated person. In addition, since air is blown to the area under the seated person's buttocks, it is possible to prevent the buttocks from getting sweaty. In addition, the air blower can be arranged efficiently and compactly.

[0010] In the above straddle-type seat, the back surface of the seat bottom plate is provided with a surface that abuts against the vehicle body when the straddle-type seat is attached to the vehicle body. and suppresses vibration a mounting member for the mount member is disposed so as to protrude downward from a rear surface of a portion of the seat bottom plate rearward of the upright wall portion, The air blower may be disposed forward of the mount member. In the above configuration, vibration is suppressed by the mount member, and thus the air blowing by the air blowing device is stabilized.

[0011] In the above straddle-type seat, The straddle-type seat is attached to the seat bottom plate. A duct member is provided, the duct member comprising: the epidermis opening and a duct opening extending in the width direction of the straddle-type seat at a position opposite the seat bottom plate, the seat bottom plate having a front portion corresponding to the seating portion and an inclined portion connected to the rear end of the front portion and corresponding to the upright wall portion, and a first recess and a second recess recessed downward and spaced apart in the width direction of the straddle-type seat are formed near the boundary between the inclined portion and the front portion, the duct members being attached to the first recess and the second recess, and the width of the duct opening being wider than the distance between the first recess and the second recess. The above configuration prevents the duct opening from being blocked by the seated person's buttocks, thereby preventing the air from flowing back from the blower device and making it possible to blow air to the sides of the seated person's buttocks.

[0012] In the above straddle-type seat, the seat bottom plate may have a protruding portion that protrudes upward from the surface, and the duct member may have a fitting portion that fits into the protruding portion. In the above configuration, the duct member can be easily attached and fixed to the seat bottom plate (that is, the ease of assembling the duct member to the seat bottom plate is improved).

[0013] In the above straddle-type seat, The straddle-type seat has a front pad that constitutes the seating portion and a rear pad that constitutes the standing wall portion, The duct opening is curved so that a central portion is positioned rearward relative to an outer portion in the width direction of the straddle-type seat, and the duct opening is Surfaces of the front pad and the rear pad It is preferable that the sensor is disposed at a distance from the sensor. In the above configuration, the buttocks of the seated person are prevented from directly contacting the duct member, thereby enabling efficient air blowing.

[0014] In the above straddle-type seat, The seat bottom plate is placed on the seat bottom plate and has a front pad that constitutes the seating portion. A pad inclined portion that slopes downward toward the rear is formed at the rear end of the front pad. A downward extension portion that extends from the lower surface of the duct opening is provided between the pad inclined portion and the It is good that a space is formed. In the above configuration, the air blown back against the back of the seated occupant is received and introduced into the space, and air can be blown forward from both the left and right sides in the seat width direction, thereby improving air blowing efficiency.

[0015] In the above straddle-type seat, the epidermis opening The may include a mesh member. With the above configuration, the air outlet is secured, while preventing foreign matter from entering the inside of the seat from the outside through the air outlet.

[0016] The straddle-type seat may further include a temperature adjusting member that can adjust the temperature of the air blown from the air blowing device. In the above configuration, the cooling and heating effect of the temperature control member can further improve the comfort of the seated occupant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the straddle-type seat of the present invention, the air from the blower device flows around the buttocks of the seated person from behind, and can be blown so as to envelop the area below the buttocks and the seated person. Furthermore, with the straddle-type seat of the present invention, air is blown under the buttocks of the seated person, making it possible to prevent the buttocks from getting sweaty. Furthermore, according to the straddle-type seat of the present invention, the air blower can be arranged efficiently and compactly. Furthermore, with the straddle-type seat of the present invention, vibration is suppressed by the mounting member, and the air blowing by the air blower is stabilized. In addition, the straddle-type seat of the present invention prevents the duct opening from being blocked by the occupant's buttocks, thereby preventing the air from flowing back from the blower device and making it possible to blow air to the side of the occupant's buttocks. Furthermore, according to the straddle-type seat of the present invention, the duct member can be easily attached and fixed to the seat bottom plate (that is, the ease of assembling the duct member to the seat bottom plate is improved). Furthermore, the straddle-type seat of the present invention prevents the seated person's buttocks from coming into direct contact with the duct member, thereby enabling air to be blown efficiently. In addition, with the straddle-type seat of the present invention, the air blowing back against the back of the occupant is received and channeled into the space, making it possible to blow air forward from both the left and right sides of the seat width direction, thereby improving air blowing efficiency. Furthermore, the straddle-type seat of the present invention ensures the air outlet while preventing foreign matter from entering the interior of the seat from the outside through the air outlet. Furthermore, with the straddle-type seat of the present invention, the cooling and heating effect of the temperature control member can further improve the comfort of the seated occupant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1]1 is an external view of a motorcycle equipped with a motorcycle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an external view of a motorcycle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a front view of a portion near an air outlet of a motorcycle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a state in which a duct member is attached to a seat bottom plate of a motorcycle seat according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a cushion pad of a motorcycle seat according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a duct member provided in the motorcycle seat according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a front view of a duct member included in the motorcycle seat according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a top view of a duct member provided in the motorcycle seat according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a duct member included in the motorcycle seat according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a rear view of a duct member included in the motorcycle seat according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a side view of a duct member included in the motorcycle seat according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a motorcycle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 14] 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the air outlet taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fluid supply device and an air cell. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the rear side of the front pad and the arrangement of air cells. [Figure 18]18 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 17 taken along line B-B. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a tablet terminal mounted on a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display of a tablet terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of a body pressure distribution optimization flow. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of adjusting body pressure distribution. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of an air blower device provided in a motorcycle seat according to a modified example. [Figure 24] 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2 showing the vicinity of the air outlet in the motorcycle seat of the modified example. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a duct member included in a motorcycle seat according to a modified example. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an external view of a motorcycle seat according to a modified example. [Figure 27] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a motorcycle seat according to a modified example, corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 28] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the arrangement of heater members in a motorcycle seat according to a modified example. [Figure 29] 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 28. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, a motorcycle seat S as a straddle-type seat according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 29. The motorcycle seat S according to the present embodiment is a saddle-type seat on which a seated person (rider, driver) sits in a straddle-type position. The motorcycle seat S is detachably provided on a motorcycle V.

[0020] The embodiment described below is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the shapes, dimensions, arrangements, etc. of the components described below may be changed or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0021] In this specification, terms indicating directions are defined as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, in the following description, the "front-rear direction" means the front-rear direction as seen from the perspective of a person sitting on the motorcycle seat S. The "seat width direction" corresponds to the left-right direction as seen from the perspective of a person sitting on the motorcycle seat S. Furthermore, the "up-down direction" corresponds to the up-down direction as seen from the perspective of a person sitting on the motorcycle seat S.

[0022] <Main components of the motorcycle seat S> As shown in FIG. 1, a motorcycle seat S according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as motorcycle seat S) is mounted on a motorcycle V by being attached to a vehicle body B (motorcycle main body). The motorcycle seat S is configured by placing a cushion pad 2 on a seat bottom plate 1 (described later) and covering the surface of the cushion pad 2 with a cover material 3. FIG. 2 is an external view of the motorcycle seat S, and for convenience of illustration, a portion of the motorcycle seat S is shown with the cover material 3 removed to expose the cushion pad 2 (front pad 2A).

[0023] The motorcycle seat S is a two-seater seat having a front seating section S1 for the driver at the front and a rear seating section S2 for the passenger at the rear. The front seating section S1 and the rear seating section S2 are portions on which the buttocks and thighs of a person seated on the motorcycle V (i.e., a rider) rest. In addition, the motorcycle seat S has a non-seating section S3 between the front seating section S1 and the rear seating section S2 where the rider does not sit.

[0024] A backrest BR is provided behind the rear seating section S2 to support the passenger from behind. A cap C, which is a cover member, is provided at the front end of the rear seating section S2 to cover a backrest mounting section (a backrest insertion section 12a in FIG. 4, which will be described later) for mounting a backrest (not shown) for the passenger seated in the front seating section S1.

[0025] 2 and 3, in the motorcycle seat S, an air outlet K through which air passes from a blower 30 (air blowing device) described later is provided in a position facing the buttocks and lower back of a seated person. More specifically, the air outlet K is provided in the lower part (base end) of the non-seating section S3 (upwardly protruding upright wall portion) provided at the rear end of the front seating section S1.

[0026] With this configuration, the air from the blower 30 flows around the buttocks of the seated person from behind, and can be sent so as to envelop the seated person and the underside of the buttocks. In addition, because the air is sent from the blower 30 to the underside of the buttocks of the seated person, it is possible to prevent the buttocks of the seated person from getting stuffy (stuffy).

[0027] 3, the cover material 3 is provided with a mesh member Ka at a position corresponding to the air outlet K. The mesh member Ka has a mesh shape, and while securing the air outlet K, prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the seat from the outside through the air outlet K.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 13, which will be described later, the front seating portion S1 has a built-in seat heater H for heating the seating surface.

[0029] (Seat bottom plate 1) 4 shows a perspective view of the seat bottom plate 1. The seat bottom plate 1, which serves as a bottom plate constituting the underside of the motorcycle seat S, is made of a resin material and has, from the front, a front portion 10 corresponding to the front seating portion S1, an inclined portion 11 corresponding to the non-seating portion S3, and a rear portion 12 corresponding to the rear seating portion S2.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 4, the seat bottom plate 1 has a front surface 13 and a back surface 14. As shown in Fig. 12, which will be described later, an opening 11a that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction of the seat is formed near the center of the inclined portion 11, which slopes upward toward the rear. When a duct member 20, which will be described later, is attached to the seat bottom plate 1, the opening 11a is positioned so as to face a blower connection portion 21a of the duct member 20. In addition, the seat bottom plate 1 has a backrest insertion portion 12a (protrusion) that protrudes upward from the front surface 13 at the front end of the rear portion 12.

[0031] 12, which will be described later, a recess 11b recessed downward from the surface 13 is formed near the boundary between the inclined portion 11 and the front portion 10. The lower mounting portion 25 of the duct member 20 fits into this recess 11b from above.

[0032] As shown in Figure 13 described later, a plurality of mounting members 14a that come into contact with the vehicle body B when the motorcycle seat S is attached to the vehicle body B are provided on the back surface 14 of the seat bottom plate 1 and spaced apart in the seat width direction.

[0033] In addition, a striker (not shown) for attaching the motorcycle seat S to the vehicle body B is provided on the rear surface 14 of the seat bottom plate 1. The striker may have a known structure that engages with a striker engaging portion (not shown) provided on the vehicle body B.

[0034] To prevent water from pooling, drainage holes (not shown) may be formed in the seat bottom plate 1, penetrating from the front surface 13 to the back surface 14. It is preferable to form the drainage holes in the front portion 10 of the seat bottom plate 1, where water is likely to pool.

[0035] (Cushion pad 2) 5 shows a perspective view of the cushion pad 2. The cushion pad 2 is divided into two parts, from the front to the rear, a front pad 2A corresponding to the front seating portion S1, and a rear pad 2B corresponding to the non-seating portion S3 and the rear seating portion S2.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 17, which will be described later, the front pad 2A has an accommodation recess 2Aa on the back side for accommodating the air cell 50. A pad inclined portion 2Ab is formed at the rear end of the front pad 2A, inclining downward toward the rear in the seat width direction (Figs. 13 and 14, which will be described later).

[0037] The rear pad 2B has a cutout portion 2Ba provided corresponding to the air outlet K. The cutout portion 2Ba extends in the seat width direction, and by combining the rear pad 2B with the front pad 2A, an opening corresponding to the air outlet K is formed. In addition, the rear pad 2B has an opening 2Bb at a position corresponding to the backrest insertion portion 12a of the seat bottom plate 1.

[0038] (Duct member 20) Air blown from a blower 30 built into a motorcycle seat S is delivered to a seat occupant in front from an air outlet K via a duct member 20 attached to a seat bottom plate 1 (FIG. 4).

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 to 11, the duct member 20 includes a duct opening 21 provided corresponding to the air outlet K, a fitting portion 22 protruding rearward from the upper surface of the duct opening 21, a downward extension portion 23 extending from the lower surface of the duct opening 21, upper mounting portions 24 formed on both sides of the duct opening 21, and lower mounting portions 25 formed on both sides of the downward extension portion 23.

[0040] The duct member 20 has a duct opening 21 disposed opposite the air outlet K. The duct opening 21 constitutes a passageway for the air blown from the blower 30. The duct opening 21 extends in the seat width direction, with the lower side being longer than the upper side. The duct opening 21 is also curved so that the central portion is positioned further rearward than the outer portions in the seat width direction (FIG. 8). In other words, because the outer portions of the duct opening 21 in the seat width direction widen outward, it is possible to blow air around the buttocks and lower back of an occupant in the front seating section S1.

[0041] In the sheet width direction, the width W of the duct opening 21 D (Strictly speaking, the width W D ) is the width W of the buttocks support surface (seating surface) of the front seating section S1 S1 It is wider than (W D >W S1 In other words, the width W of the air outlet K K (the width at the lower end of the notch 2Ba of the rear pad 2B) is the width W of the buttocks support surface S1a (part of the seating surface) of the front seating portion S1. S1 (Fig. 3, W K >W S1 ).

[0042] In this configuration, the duct opening 21 is prevented from being blocked by the seated person's buttocks, and therefore the air blown from the blower 30 is prevented from flowing back, and it is possible to blow air to the side of the seated person's buttocks. D The width W of the air outlet K K It is preferable from the viewpoint of air blowing efficiency that the width (at the lower end of the notch 2Ba of the rear pad 2B) is slightly wider.

[0043] When the duct member 20 is attached to the seat bottom plate 1, the height position of the duct opening 21 is set to be substantially the same height as the air outlet K on the surface of the motorcycle seat S. The duct opening 21 has, at its rear end, a blower connecting portion 21a for connecting the blower opening 31 of the blower 30.

[0044] A recess 21b corresponding to the protrusion 31a of the blower opening 31 is formed at the upper end of the blower connecting portion 21a. A lower end 21c that abuts against the protrusion 31a of the blower opening 31 is formed at the lower end of the blower connecting portion 21a. The recess 21b and the lower end 21c are positioned so that they are at approximately the same position in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

[0045] The fitting portion 22 of the duct member 20 fits into the backrest insertion portion 12a (protrusion) of the seat bottom plate 1. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the fitting portion 22 fits into the backrest insertion portion 12a from the outside in the seat width direction, sandwiching the backrest insertion portion 12a. The fitting portion 22 is fixed to the backrest insertion portion 12a with a fastening member (not shown). Furthermore, the lower mounting portion 25 fits into the recess 11b of the inclined portion 11 of the seat bottom plate 1 from above.

[0046] In this configuration, the duct member 20 can be easily attached and fixed to the seat bottom plate 1. In other words, the duct member 20 can be easily attached to the seat bottom plate 1. In addition, the blower connection portion 21a of the duct member 20 and the opening 11a of the seat bottom plate 1 can be properly aligned.

[0047] The downward extension portion 23 of the duct member 20 is formed to be narrower than the duct opening 21 in the seat width direction. The downward extension portion 23 is recessed toward the rear of the seat, and is formed with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 23a (vertical ribs) aligned in the seat width direction. The duct member 20 is provided with the downward extension portion 23 having a plurality of reinforcing ribs 23a in the seat width direction, thereby improving the strength of the hollow duct opening 21. The provision of the reinforcing ribs 23a prevents deformation even when a seated person touches the duct member 20 or when a load is applied to the duct member 20.

[0048] The upper mounting portion 24 and the lower mounting portion 25 are used to mount the duct member 20 to the inclined portion 11 of the seat bottom plate 1. The upper mounting portion 24 and the lower mounting portion 25 are fixed to the inclined portion 11 with fastening members (not shown). Specifically, the fitting portions 22 (three locations), the upper mounting portion 24 (two locations), and the lower mounting portions 25 (two locations) of the duct member 20 are fixed to the outsert nuts (seven locations) of the seat bottom plate 1 with fastening members (bolts).

[0049] Furthermore, a hanging hole 11c for hanging the upholstery material 3 may be provided in the lower surface portion in front of the duct member 20, specifically, in a position in front of the duct member 20 on the inclined portion 11 of the seat bottom plate 1. By providing the hanging hole 11c in the lower surface portion in front of the duct member 20, the appearance is improved and wrinkles are suppressed from being formed in the upholstery material 3. It is also possible to provide the hanging hole 11c in the lower surface portion of the downward extending portion 23 of the duct member 20 (see FIG. 23, which will be described later).

[0050] (Blower 30) The motorcycle seat S of this embodiment includes a blower 30. Note that the cover material 3 is not shown in Figs. 12 to 14 shown below. As shown in Fig. 12, with the duct member 20 attached to the front surface 13 of the seat bottom plate 1, the cushion pad 2 is placed and covered with the cover material 3. Then, the blower 30 is attached to the back surface 14 of the seat bottom plate 1 with a fastening member (not shown).

[0051] 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views taken along line AA in Fig. 2, the blower opening 31 of the blower 30 is connected to the blower connecting portion 21a of the duct member 20. Specifically, the blower opening 31 is connected to the blower connecting portion 21a such that the upper convex portion 31a fits into the upper concave portion 21b of the blower connecting portion 21a and the lower convex portion 31a abuts against the lower end portion 21c of the blower connecting portion 21a.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 13, the blower 30 is disposed on the rear surface 14 of the seat bottom plate 1 at a position avoiding the front seating portion S1. More specifically, the blower 30 is disposed rearward of the rear end of the front seating portion S1 and below the rear seating portion S2 and the non-seating portion S3. This configuration allows the blower 30 to be disposed efficiently and compactly. Furthermore, the air outlet K is disposed so as not to overlap with the air cell 50 in the vertical direction. In other words, the air outlet K is disposed at a different position from the air cell 50 in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, specifically, rearward of the air cell 50.

[0053] 13, the blower 30 is disposed forward of the mount member 14a. With this configuration, the vibration transmitted to the blower 30 is reduced by the vibration suppression provided by the mount member 14a, and therefore the air blown by the blower 30 is stabilized.

[0054] 14, the duct opening 21 is disposed at a distance from the air outlet K. More specifically, the front end of the duct opening 21 is disposed rearward (for example, approximately 10 mm rearward) from the surfaces of the front pad 2A and the rear pad 2B. This configuration prevents the buttocks of the seated occupant from directly contacting the duct member 20, thereby enabling efficient air blowing.

[0055] 14, a space SP extending in the seat width direction is formed below the duct opening 21. More specifically, a pad inclined portion 2Ab that inclines downward toward the rear in the seat width direction is formed at the rear end of the front pad 2A, and a space SP extending in the seat width direction is formed between the pad and the downward extending portion 23 of the duct member 20.

[0056] In this way, because there is a space SP below the duct opening 21 that extends in the seat width direction, the air that hits the back of the seated person and is returned backward is received and channeled into the space SP, making it possible to blow air forward from both the left and right sides in the seat width direction, thereby improving air blowing efficiency.

[0057] <Optimization of body pressure distribution in the front seating area S1 using the air cell 50> As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the motorcycle seat S according to this embodiment incorporates a fluid supply device 40 for adjusting the hardness of the front seating portion S1 using an air cell 50. The fluid supply device 40 mainly comprises an air supply pump 41 (compressed air generating device) that generates compressed air, a valve unit 42 (switching device) that operates to switch the supply destination of the compressed air generated by the air supply pump 41, and a tube 43 that connects the air supply pump 41 and the valve unit 42 to the air cell 50 (FIGS. 15 and 16). The fluid supply device 40 also has an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 44 as a control system device. The ECU 44 controls the air flow from the blower 30 (air blowing device) and electronically controls other electrical components.

[0058] 17 and 18, 17 air cells 50 are arranged in a housing recess 2Aa formed on the back side of the front pad 2A that constitutes the front seating portion S1. The air cells 50 adjust the hardness (in other words, adjust the stress) of the front seating portion S1, thereby optimizing the distribution of the seated person's body pressure (stress distribution).

[0059] The air cells 50 are bags used to adjust the hardness of the front seating portion S1, and are inflated by the compressed air supplied as a fluid from the air supply pump 41 and the valve unit 42. Each air cell 50 is combined with a sensor 51 as a detection means for detecting the pressure (also called body pressure or seat pressure) applied by the seated occupant (FIG. 15). Note that the sensors 51 do not need to be separated for each air cell 50, as long as they can detect the pressure of each air cell 50. Specifically, a mat-like sensor capable of detecting pressure distribution may be disposed on the upper surface of the front pad 2A.

[0060] The air supply pump 41 is a compressed air generating device that generates compressed air and is composed of a small air pump. The valve unit 42 corresponds to a switching device and operates to switch the supply destination of the compressed air generated by the air supply pump 41. More specifically, the valve unit 42 is provided with a plurality of compressed air discharge ports. An electromagnetic valve (not shown) is also provided inside the valve unit 42. The valve unit 42 operates to switch the electromagnetic valve on and off, thereby switching the discharge port from among the plurality of discharge ports through which the compressed air is actually discharged.

[0061] 16, a tube 43 is connected to each discharge port. Each tube 43 corresponds to a supply path forming member and forms a supply path for compressed air. Each tube 43 is also connected to a compressed air inlet of an air cell 50. Therefore, when the discharge port from which the compressed air is actually discharged in the valve unit 42 is switched, the supply destination of the compressed air (i.e., the air cell 50 to which the compressed air is sent) is switched. One or two air cells 50 are connected to the end of each tube 43.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 19, the motorcycle V according to this embodiment is provided with a tablet terminal TAB that can be operated by the seated person, located in front of the motorcycle seat S. The screen of this tablet terminal TAB displays a schematic diagram of how the body pressure distribution of the seated person is optimized (Fig. 20). As shown in Fig. 20, a color chart showing high and low pressure is displayed below the screen of the tablet terminal TAB. At this time, the preferable pressure is set when the body pressure is near the center of the color chart.

[0063] 21 is a diagram showing the flow of the body pressure distribution optimization flow performed by the ECU 44 (control device). Note that the following will be described using as a specific example a case where there is only one occupant, that is, a case where an occupant is seated only in the front seating portion S1 of the motorcycle seat S.

[0064] In the body pressure distribution optimization flow, the inflation amount of the air cells 50 is controlled in accordance with the body pressure applied to each air cell 50, thereby optimizing the body pressure distribution so that it is uniform. Specifically, the body pressure distribution adjustment flow begins when the body pressure adjustment switch 45 is turned on while the occupant is seated in the motorcycle seat S (S1). Next, the ECU 44 receives signals from each sensor 51 and measures the initial body pressure distribution before the air cells 50 are inflated (S2).

[0065] Next, the ECU 44 visualizes the measured initial body pressure distribution and displays it on the tablet terminal TAB (S3). At this time, as shown on the left side of Fig. 20, the body pressure applied to each air cell 50 is displayed on top of the image of the motorcycle seat S.

[0066] Next, the ECU 44 adjusts the body pressure distribution by adjusting the inflation amount of each air cell 50 in accordance with the measured initial body pressure distribution (S4). Specifically, a body pressure distribution adjustment flow (FIG. 22) is executed to adjust the inflation amount of each air cell 50 so that the distribution of body pressure applied to each air cell 50 is reduced, that is, so that the body pressure distribution approaches uniformity.

[0067] Here, the body pressure distribution adjustment flow of Fig. 22 will be explained. In the body pressure distribution adjustment flow, the EUC 44 first determines whether the distribution of body pressure applied to each air cell 50 is a reference value (S001). If the distribution of body pressure applied to each air cell 50 is not the reference value (No in S001), and if the body pressure is equal to or greater than the reference value (S002), the expansion amount of the air cell 50 is reduced (S003), and if the body pressure is equal to or less than the reference value (S004), the expansion amount of the air cell 50 is increased (S005). The reference value at this time can be, for example, the average value of the body pressure applied to each air cell 50.

[0068] The inflation amount of each air cell 50 is then adjusted until the distribution of body pressure applied to each air cell 50 reaches the reference value (Yes in S001). In the body pressure distribution adjustment flow, if the body pressure applied to a certain air cell 50 is greater than the reference value, the ECU 44 controls the air cell 50 to decrease the inflation amount, thereby reducing the body pressure. On the other hand, if the body pressure applied to a certain air cell 50 is less than the reference value, the ECU 44 controls the air cell 50 to increase the inflation amount, thereby increasing the body pressure. In this way, the distribution of body pressure applied to each air cell 50 is optimized to approach uniformity, thereby making it possible to obtain a comfortable seating experience.

[0069] Next, the ECU 44 visualizes the adjusted body pressure distribution and displays it on the tablet terminal TAB (S5). At this time, as shown on the right side of Fig. 20, the adjusted body pressure applied to each air cell 50 is displayed on top of the image of the motorcycle seat S. In this way, the seated occupant can confirm that the body pressure distribution has been adjusted not only physically but also visually.

[0070] It is also possible to store in advance the inflation amount (body pressure) for each air cell 50 according to the preference of the seat occupant in the memory 44a provided in the ECU 44. In this case, the inflation amount (body pressure) for each air cell 50 may be adjusted to the desired value by operating the tablet terminal TAB.

[0071] In addition, when the body pressure adjustment switch 45 is on and the seating position of the seated person changes (for example, when the seating position of the seated person changes due to the driving conditions), the above-mentioned body pressure distribution optimization may be performed at all times.

[0072] <Modification> The configuration of a motorcycle seat S according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the above embodiment is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and of course, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0073] The temperature control mechanism of the motorcycle seat according to the modified example will be described below with reference to Figures 23 to 25. As shown in Figure 23, a first temperature control member 100 that warms the air drawn in by the blower 30 is disposed on the upper surface of the blower 30 connected to the duct member 20, and a second temperature control member 200 that cools the air blown from the blower 30 is disposed at the duct opening 21 of the duct member 20.

[0074] The first temperature adjustment member 100 has a warm air Peltier element 110 and a heat sink 120, and is disposed on the upper surface of the blower 30 (specifically, above the air intake port of the blower 30) by a fixing member 130 (FIG. 24).

[0075] The second temperature control member 200 has a Peltier element 210 for cold air and a heat sink 220, and is positioned on the underside of the inside of the duct opening 21 by fitting a protrusion 230 as a fixing member provided on the heat sink 220 side into the fitting hole 21d (Figure 24).

[0076] 25, a louver R for adjusting the airflow direction (for example, vertical direction) may be arranged at the duct opening 21 of the duct member 20 to make the airflow direction adjustable. The louver R includes a plurality of plate-like members whose orientation in the vertical direction can be adjusted. By arranging the louver R, it becomes possible to send air toward the seating surface (buttocks support surface S1a) of the front seating portion S1.

[0077] In this case, before the occupant sits in the front seating section S1, the louvers R should be adjusted to blow air toward the seating surface (buttocks support surface S1a) (adjusted to blow air downward), and after the occupant sits in the front seating section S1, the louvers R should be adjusted as needed to blow air toward a position facing the occupant's buttocks and lower back (adjusted to blow air forward or upward).

[0078] In this way, by blowing air toward the seating surface, it is possible to improve the feeling of warmth immediately after sitting down. Furthermore, when the occupant is seated in the front seating section S1, the louvers R may be moved up and down to blow air locally to the buttocks and lower back of the occupant, which tend to get stuffy.

[0079] As described above, the comfort of the seated occupant can be further improved by the cooling and heating effects of the first temperature adjustment member 100 and the second temperature adjustment member 200. For example, when the air temperature or the seating surface temperature is low or is decreasing, the first temperature adjustment member 100 can be activated to send warm air to the seated occupant or the seating surface (for example, the buttocks support surface S1a of the front seating portion S1).

[0080] In addition, the outside air temperature and the temperature of the seating surface can be detected by a temperature sensor T (thermistor) shown in Figure 15, and if the air temperature or the temperature of the seating surface is high or is on the rise, the second temperature control member 200 can be activated to send cool air to the occupant or the seating surface (for example, the buttocks support surface S1a of the front seating portion S1).

[0081] According to the temperature control mechanism provided in the motorcycle seat of the modified example, in addition to heating the seating surface using the seat heater H provided in the front seating portion S1, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the air blown from the blower 30.

[0082] In addition, a dedicated application may be installed on the tablet terminal TAB to control the airflow of the blower 30, control the air conditioning by the temperature adjustment mechanism, display the airflow volume and the air conditioning temperature, and the like.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the air outlet K is provided for the occupant in the front seating section S1, but an additional air outlet may be provided at the rear of the backrest BR for the occupant in the rear seating section S2. In this case, the seating section to which air is to be blown may be switched by operating the tablet terminal TAB.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sensor 51 is used to optimize body pressure distribution, but the sensor 51 can also be used to control the air blown by the blower 30. The sensor 51 may be used to estimate the position of the seated person's buttocks and adjust the strength of the air blown by the blower 30.

[0085] 26, a blower port K2 may be provided in the backrest BR2 for the occupant in the front seating section S1 attached to the backrest insertion section 12a. The blower 30 blows air from the blower port K2 so that the air is directed from the occupant's waist to their buttocks.

[0086] 27, the air cell 50 and the air outlet K may be arranged to overlap in the vertical direction. In other words, the air outlet K is arranged at the same position as the air cell 50 in the front-rear direction of the seat, specifically, above the air cell 50.

[0087] 28 and 29, the linear heater member H2 may be disposed at a position overlapping in the vertical direction with the vertex 50Aa of the central air cell 50A. With this configuration, the heater member H2 is provided above the vertex 50Aa of the air cell 50A that is closest to the seating surface (buttocks support surface S1a), making it easier to warm the seated occupant.

[0088] 29, it is preferable that the heater element H2 be positioned so as not to overlap in the vertical direction with the apex 50Ba of the air cell 50B positioned on the outer side in the seat width direction. In other words, it is preferable that the apex 50Ba of the air cell 50B be positioned on the outer side of the side end H2a of the heater element H2 in the seat width direction. This configuration prevents the heater element H2 from interfering with the inflation of the air cell 50B.

[0089] The straddle-type seat according to the present embodiment has been described above as a vehicle seat primarily used in motorcycles. However, the straddle-type seat according to the present embodiment is not limited to vehicle seats for motorcycles, and can also be applied to, for example, snowmobiles, jet skis, three-wheeled buggies, or construction machinery seats. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] V Motorcycle B body S Motorcycle seat (straddle-type seat) S1 Front seating area (seat area) S1a Buttock support surface S2 rear seating area S3 Non-seating section (standing wall section) K, K2 air outlet Ka mesh material BR, BR2 backrest H Seat heater H2 heater material 1 seat bottom plate 2 cushion pads 2A Front Pad 2Aa Receiving recess 2Ab Pad Slope SP space 2B rear pad 2Ba cutout 2Bb hole 3 Skin material C Cap 10 Front section 11 Slope 11a opening 11b Recess 11c Hanging hole 12 Rear part 12a Backrest insert 13 Surface 14 Back side 14a Mounting material 20 Duct components 21 Duct opening 21a Blower connection 21b Recess 21c Lower end 21d fitting hole R louver 22 Fitting part 23 Downward extension part 23a Reinforcing rib 24 Upper mounting part 25 Lower mounting part 30 Blower (air blower) 31 Blower opening 31a Convex part 40 Fluid supply device 41 Air supply pump 42 Valve unit 43 tubes 44 ECU (control unit) 44a Memory 45 Body pressure adjustment switch T temperature sensor 50, 50A, 50B Air Cell 50Aa, 50Ba vertices 51 Sensors TAB tablet device 100 first temperature control member 110 Peltier element for heating 120 Heatsink 130 Fixing member 200 Second temperature control member 210 Peltier element for cold air 220 Heatsink 230 Protrusion

Claims

1. A straddle-type seat in which an occupant sits in a straddle position, A seating portion; a standing wall portion that rises upward from the rear end of the seating portion; a seat cover covering the seating portion and the standing wall portion; A blower; a seat bottom plate; the air blower is disposed on the rear surface side of the seat bottom plate at a position avoiding the seating portion, a skin opening through which air from the air blower device passes is provided in a portion of the seat skin that covers the upright wall portion, the skin opening is provided on a base end side of the standing wall portion, A straddle-type seat, characterized in that the skin opening is provided only at a position that avoids the seating portion.

2. a mount member is provided on the rear surface of the seat bottom plate, the mount member coming into contact with the vehicle body when the straddle-type seat is attached to the vehicle body to suppress vibration; the mount member is disposed so as to protrude downward from a rear surface of a portion of the seat bottom plate rearward of the upright wall portion, 2. The straddle-type seat according to claim 1, wherein the air blower is disposed forward of the mount member.

3. The straddle-type seat includes a duct member attached to the seat bottom plate, The duct member has a duct opening portion extending in the width direction of the straddle-type seat at a position facing the skin opening portion, the seat bottom plate has a front portion corresponding to the seating portion, and an inclined portion connected to a rear end of the front portion and corresponding to the upright wall portion, A first recess and a second recess are formed in the vicinity of the boundary between the inclined portion and the front portion, the first recess and the second recess being recessed downward and spaced apart in the width direction of the straddle-type seat, The duct member is attached to the first recess and the second recess, 3. The straddle-type seat according to claim 2, wherein the width of the duct opening is greater than the distance between the first recess and the second recess.

4. the seat bottom plate has a protrusion protruding upward from a surface thereof, 4. The straddle-type seat according to claim 3, wherein the duct member has a fitting portion that fits with the protrusion.

5. The straddle-type seat has a front pad that constitutes the seating portion and a rear pad that constitutes the standing wall portion, The duct opening is curved so that a central portion thereof is positioned rearward relative to an outer portion thereof in a width direction of the straddle-type seat, 4. The straddle-type seat according to claim 3, wherein the duct openings are disposed at a distance from the surfaces of the front pad and the rear pad.

6. a front pad placed on the seat bottom plate and constituting the seating portion; A pad inclined portion is formed at the rear end of the front pad, the pad inclining downward toward the rear, 4. The straddle-type seat according to claim 3, wherein a space is formed between the pad inclined portion and a downward extension portion extending from the lower surface of the duct opening.

7. The straddle-type seat according to claim 1, wherein the skin opening is provided with a mesh member.

8. 2. The straddle-type seat according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature adjusting member capable of adjusting the temperature of the air blown from the air blowing device.

Images