seat

Abstract

To provide a seat capable of increasing comfort of a seated person and facilitating an operation.SOLUTION: A seat (a sofa S) comprises a seat cushion 100, a backrest cushion 200, a base SB including a lower support part 310 and a rear support part 320, a blower, and an operation part 20 for a seated person operating the blower. The seat cushion 100 is detachably attached to the lower support part 310, and the backrest cushion 200 is detachably attached to the rear support part 320. The seat cushion 100 and the backrest cushion 200 include cushion ventilation paths for passing an air flow formed by the blower, the cushion ventilation paths having ventilation openings 131 and 231 opened toward the seated person. The operation part 20 is provided at an armrest SA located at least one of the left and right of the seat cushion 100 of the base part SB and projecting upward the seat cushion 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat having a seating portion and a backrest on which a person sits.

Background Art

[0002] As seats having a seating portion and a backrest, a home sofa, an armchair, a vehicle seat, etc. are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, it is desirable that the seat can enhance the comfort of a person sitting on the seat (seated person). Further, it is desirable that the seat is easy to perform necessary operations.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seat that can enhance the comfort of a seated person. Another object is to make the operation easier.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A seat for achieving the above-mentioned objectives comprises a seat cushion, a backrest cushion, a base having a lower support portion that supports the seat cushion from below, and a rear support portion that supports the backrest cushion from behind, a blower, and an operating portion for the sitter to operate the blower, wherein the seat cushion is detachable from the lower support portion, the backrest cushion is detachable from the rear support portion, at least one of the seat cushion and the backrest cushion has a cushion ventilation passage through which the airflow formed by the blower passes, and which has a ventilation opening that opens toward the sitter, and the operating portion is provided on the left or right side of the base portion, or on at least one of the left and right sides of the seat cushion, and which protrudes above the seat cushion.

[0007] This configuration allows for the blowing or drawing in of air from the seat cushion and back cushion, thereby enhancing the comfort of the sitter. Furthermore, the placement of the control unit on the side or edge of the base makes operation easier.

[0008] In the aforementioned seat, the ventilation opening can be configured to be located at a predetermined distance or greater from the left or right center of the seat cushion or the back cushion.

[0009] According to this design, ventilation openings can be positioned away from the left and right center of the seat cushion and backrest cushion, thus preventing the ventilation openings from being blocked by the occupant. This allows for better airflow from the seat cushion and backrest cushion, thereby enhancing the occupant's comfort.

[0010] In the aforementioned seat, the base portion has the side portion, and the side portion may be configured to have a side ventilation passage through which the airflow formed by the blower passes, and which opens toward the seated person.

[0011] According to this design, air can be blown out or drawn in from the sides. This can further enhance the comfort of the seated person.

[0012] In the aforementioned sheet, the blower can be configured to be located inside the base portion.

[0013] In the aforementioned sheet, the base portion has a first base portion ventilation passage that connects the blower and the cushion ventilation passage, and one of the first base portion ventilation passage and the cushion ventilation passage has a cylindrical portion at its end, and the cushion ventilation passage and the first base portion ventilation passage are connected by the cylindrical portion entering the other of the first base portion ventilation passage and the cushion ventilation passage.

[0014] In the aforementioned sheet, the base portion has a first base portion ventilation passage that connects the blower and the cushion ventilation passage, the first base portion ventilation passage has a first opening that opens toward the cushion ventilation passage, the cushion ventilation passage has a second opening that opens toward the first base portion ventilation passage, and the cushion ventilation passage and the first base portion ventilation passage can be configured to communicate with each other by the first opening and the second opening facing each other.

[0015] In the aforementioned sheet, the base portion may be configured to have a second base portion ventilation passage that connects the outside of the base portion to the blower, and the second base portion ventilation passage opens towards the rear at the lower part of the base portion.

[0016] According to this, the opening of the second base ventilation passage that opens outwards can be positioned in an inconspicuous location on the sheet.

[0017] The above-mentioned seat includes an electric wire for supplying power to the blower, the base portion has the side portions, and the electric wire can be configured to be drawn out rearward from the side portions.

[0018] The above-mentioned seat includes an electric wire for supplying power to the blower, and the electric wire can be configured to be drawn out rearward from the left and right central portions of the base portion.

[0019] In the above-mentioned seat, the blower is provided so as to blow air toward the seated person from the ventilation opening, and the seat can be configured to further include a changing mechanism capable of changing at least one of the position where air is blown out toward the seated person and the direction in which air is blown out toward the seated person.

[0020] According to this, by being able to change the position where air is blown out and the direction in which air is blown out, the comfort of the seated person can be further enhanced.

[0021] In the above-mentioned seat, the operation portion can be configured to be able to operate the changing mechanism.

[0022] According to this, when the seated person operates the operation portion, the position where air is blown out and the direction in which air is blown out can be changed according to the preference of the seated person, so that the comfort of the seated person can be further enhanced.

[0023] In the above-mentioned seat, the operation portion can be an operation switch for operating the changing mechanism, and can have an operation switch composed of four switches arranged in a cross shape.

[0024] In the above-mentioned seat, the base portion has the side portions, the side portions are armrests, and the operation portion can be configured to be provided on the upper surface of the armrest.

[0025] According to this, the operation can be made easier.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, the comfort of the seated person can be enhanced. Also, the operation can be made easier.

[0027] Also, by providing the ventilation opening at a position that is spaced a predetermined distance or more to the left or right from the center of the left and right of the seat cushion or the backrest cushion, the comfort of the seated person can be enhanced.

[0028] Also, by providing a side ventilation passage that opens toward the seated person on the side portion of the base portion, the comfort of the seated person can be further enhanced.

[0029] Also, by configuring the second base portion ventilation passage to open rearward at the lower part of the base portion, the opening of the second base portion ventilation passage to the outside can be arranged at a position where it is not conspicuous on the seat.

[0030] Also, by providing a change mechanism, the comfort of the seated person can be further enhanced.

[0031] Also, by configuring the change mechanism to be operable by an operation portion, the comfort of the seated person can be further enhanced.

[0032] Also, by providing the operation portion on the upper surface of the armrest, the operation can be made easier.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a sofa as an example of a seat according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the sofa. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration related to the cushion ventilation passage and the cushion ventilation passage. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration related to the side ventilation passage and the side ventilation passage. [Figure 5](a) is a front view of the seat cushion, and (b) is a front view of the back cushion. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection between the cushion ventilation passage and the first base ventilation passage in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the operating section of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] (a) is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the electric wires are routed out from the armrest, and (b) is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the electric wires are routed out from the left and right central parts of the base. [Figure 9] These are cross-sectional views (a) and (b) illustrating the connection between the cushion ventilation passage and the first base ventilation passage in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing a sofa according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the operating section of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] These are cross-sectional views (a) and (b) showing the operation of the modification mechanism of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing a sofa according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] These are cross-sectional views (a) and (b) showing the operation of the modification mechanism of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing the sofa in the first modified example. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing the sofa in the second variation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Next, the first embodiment will be described. In this specification, front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions are based on the perspective of a seated person. As shown in Figure 1, the seat according to the embodiment is configured as a two-seater sofa S for home use. The sofa S comprises a seat body S0, an armrest SA as an example of a side part, and a headrest SH. The seat body S0 has a seat portion S1 on which a person sits and a backrest S2.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the seat S1 is composed of two seat cushions 100 and a lower support portion 310 that supports the seat cushions 100 from below. The two seat cushions 100 are arranged side by side. The seat cushions 100 are used by being placed on the lower support portion 310 and are detachable from the lower support portion 310.

[0036] The backrest S2 is composed of two backrest cushions 200 and a rear support section 320 that supports the backrest cushions 200 from behind. The two backrest cushions 200 are arranged side by side. The backrest cushions 200 are used by being placed in front of the rear support section 320 and are detachable from the rear support section 320.

[0037] The armrests SA are located to the left and right of the seat S1, respectively, and protrude above the seat S1. Specifically, the left armrest SA is located to the left of the left seat cushion 100, and the right armrest SA is located to the right of the right seat cushion 100. Furthermore, each armrest SA protrudes above the upper surface of the seat cushion 100 when it is placed on the lower support 310 (see Figure 1).

[0038] The armrest SA is detachable from the seat S1 and backrest S2 (seat body S0). More specifically, the armrest SA is detachable from the lower support 310 and the rear support 320. After being attached to the seat body S0, the armrest SA is secured to at least one of the lower support 310 and the rear support 320 by screws (not shown).

[0039] The headrest SH is the part that supports the portion of the seated person's body from the neck upwards. The headrest SH supports at least one of the seated person's neck and head. Two headrests SH are provided side by side, corresponding to the left backrest cushion 200 and the right backrest cushion 200, respectively. The headrest SH is detachable from the backrest S2. More specifically, the headrest SH is detachable from the rear support part 320.

[0040] In this embodiment, the left and right armrests SA, the left and right headrests SH, the lower support portion 310, and the rear support portion 320 constitute the base portion SB. In other words, the base portion SB has the left and right armrests SA, the headrests SH, the lower support portion 310, and the rear support portion 320. Furthermore, the sofa S is composed of two seat cushions 100, two back cushions 200, and the base portion SB.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the sofa S further comprises a blower 10 and an operating unit 20 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, the sofa S has a substantially symmetrical structure, so the following description will mainly focus on the structure of the left side of the sofa S, including the left seat cushion 100 and the back cushion 200.

[0042] The blower 10 is a device that pumps air by the rotation of an impeller and is located inside the base section SB. More specifically, the blower 10 is located inside the rear support section 320. In this embodiment, the blower 10 includes a first blower 11, a second blower 12, and a third blower 13 (see Figure 4).

[0043] The first blower 11 is located inside the rear support section 320, behind the seat cushion 100. The second blower 12 is located inside the rear support section 320, behind the backrest cushion 200. The second blower 12 is located above the first blower 11. The third blower 13, shown in Figure 4, is located inside the rear support section 320, near the left-right center of the rear support section 320.

[0044] Returning to Figure 3, the seat cushion 100 comprises a first cushioning material 110 and a first surface 120 covering the first cushioning material 110. The first cushioning material 110 has a seat cushion ventilation passage 130, which serves as a cushion ventilation passage. The seat cushion ventilation passage 130 is a ventilation passage through which the airflow formed by the blower 10, more specifically the first blower 11, passes.

[0045] The seat cushion ventilation passage 130 has a plurality of seat ventilation openings 131 and a seat connection opening 132. The seat ventilation openings 131 open on the upper surface of the first cushion material 110 toward the seated person above. The seat connection opening 132 opens on the rear surface of the first cushion material 110 toward the rear support portion 320. The plurality of seat ventilation openings 131 and the seat connection opening 132 are in communication with each other.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5(a), the seat ventilation opening 131 is provided in a position that avoids the left-right center of the seat cushion 100. More specifically, the seat ventilation opening 131 is provided at a distance of a predetermined length L1 or more to the left or right of the left-right center C1 of the seat cushion 100. The predetermined length L1 can be, for example, about one-third of the length from the left-right center C1 to the left or right edge of the seat cushion 100.

[0047] The first surface 120 is breathable by having multiple fine through-holes formed at positions corresponding to the seat ventilation opening 131, or it is made of a breathable material.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the backrest cushion 200 comprises a second cushioning material 210 and a second surface material 220 covering the second cushioning material 210. The second cushioning material 210 has a backrest cushion ventilation passage 230 which serves as a cushion ventilation passage. The backrest cushion ventilation passage 230 is a ventilation passage through which the airflow formed by the blower 10, more specifically the second blower 12, passes.

[0049] The backrest cushion ventilation passage 230 has a plurality of backrest ventilation openings 231 and a backrest connecting opening 232. The backrest ventilation openings 231 open on the front surface of the second cushion material 210 toward the seated person in front. The backrest connecting opening 232 opens on the rear surface of the second cushion material 210 toward the rear support portion 320. The plurality of backrest ventilation openings 231 and the backrest connecting opening 232 are in communication with each other.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5(b), the backrest ventilation opening 231 is provided in a position that avoids the left and right center of the backrest cushion 200. More specifically, the backrest ventilation opening 231 is provided at a distance of a predetermined length L2 or more to the left or right of the left and right center C2 of the backrest cushion 200. The predetermined length L2 can be, for example, about one-third of the length from the left and right center C2 of the backrest cushion 200 to the left or right edge.

[0051] The second surface 220 is breathable by having multiple fine through-holes formed at positions corresponding to the backrest ventilation opening 231, or it is made of a breathable material.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, each armrest SA comprises a pad material 410 and a third surface material 420 covering the pad material 410. The pad material 410 has a side ventilation passage 430. The side ventilation passage 430 is a ventilation passage through which the airflow formed by the blower 10, more specifically the third blower 13, passes.

[0053] The side ventilation passage 430 has a plurality of side ventilation openings 431 and a side connecting opening 432. The side ventilation openings 431 and the side connecting opening 432 open inwards to the left and right on the left and right inner surfaces of the pad material 410. The side ventilation openings 431 open toward the seated person. The side connecting openings 432 open toward the rear support portion 320 behind the side ventilation openings 431. The plurality of side ventilation openings 431 and the side connecting openings 432 are in communication with each other.

[0054] The third surface layer 420 is breathable by having multiple fine through-holes formed at positions corresponding to the side ventilation openings 431, or it is formed from a breathable material.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the base section SB includes a blower housing chamber 330, a first base section ventilation passage 340, a second base section ventilation passage 350, and a third base section ventilation passage 360.

[0056] The blower housing chamber 330 is the part where the blower 10 is located and is provided inside the rear support section 320. The blower housing chamber 330 includes a first blower housing chamber 331 where the first blower 11 is located, a second blower housing chamber 332 where the second blower 12 is located, and a third blower housing chamber 333 where the third blower 13 is located.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the first base ventilation passage 340 is a ventilation passage that connects the blower 10 with the cushion ventilation passages 130 and 230. More specifically, the first base ventilation passage 340 consists of a first duct 341 and a second duct 342.

[0058] The first duct 341 connects the first blower 11 and the seat cushion ventilation passage 130. More specifically, the first duct 341 connects the first blower housing chamber 331, where the first blower 11 is located, and the seat cushion ventilation passage 130. As shown in Figure 6, the first duct 341 has a first cylindrical portion 341A at its front end that protrudes from the front surface of the rear support portion 320. The first duct 341 of the seat cushion ventilation passage 130 and the first base ventilation passage 340 are connected when the seat cushion 100 is attached to the base portion SB, by the first cylindrical portion 341A entering the seat connection opening 132 of the seat cushion ventilation passage 130.

[0059] The second duct 342 connects the second blower 12 and the backrest cushion ventilation passage 230. More specifically, the second duct 342 connects the second blower housing chamber 332, where the second blower 12 is located, and the backrest cushion ventilation passage 230. The second duct 342 has a second cylindrical portion 342A at its upper end, which is bent forward and protrudes from the front surface of the rear support portion 320. The backrest cushion ventilation passage 230 and the second duct 342 of the first base ventilation passage 340 are connected when the backrest cushion 200 is attached to the base portion SB, by the second cylindrical portion 342A entering the backrest connection opening 232 of the backrest cushion ventilation passage 230.

[0060] Returning to Figure 3, the second base ventilation passage 350 is a ventilation passage that connects the outside of the base SB to the blower 10. More specifically, the second base ventilation passage 350 connects the outside of the base SB to the blower housing chamber 330. The second base ventilation passage 350 has a base opening 351 that opens towards the rear at the lower part of the base SB. The base opening 351 may be exposed on the surface of the base SB (sofa S), or it may be covered by a breathable cover or filter.

[0061] The second base ventilation passage 350 has a first connecting passage 352 that connects the base opening 351 and the first blower housing chamber 331, and a second connecting passage 353 that connects the first blower housing chamber 331 and the second blower housing chamber 332. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the second base ventilation passage 350 has a third connecting passage 354 that connects the second connecting passage 353 and the third blower housing chamber 333.

[0062] The third base ventilation passage 360 ​​is a ventilation passage that connects the third blower housing chamber 333, where the third blower 13 is located, with the side ventilation passage 430. The third base ventilation passage 360 ​​consists of a duct and has a left connecting passage 361 that connects the third blower housing chamber 333 with the left side ventilation passage 430, and a right connecting passage 362 that connects the third blower housing chamber 333 with the right side ventilation passage 430.

[0063] The left connecting passage 361 and the right connecting passage 362 each have a third cylindrical portion 363 at their left and right outer ends that protrudes from the left and right sides of the rear support portion 320. The side ventilation passage 430 and the third base ventilation passage 360 ​​are connected when the armrest SA is attached to the seat body S0, by the third cylindrical portion 363 fitting into the side connection opening 432 of the armrest SA.

[0064] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the blower 10 is configured to blow air towards the seated person from the ventilation openings 131, 231, and 431. Specifically, the first blower 11 and the second blower 12 are configured to send air from the second base ventilation passage 350 to the first base ventilation passage 340 by the rotation of an impeller. The third blower 13 is configured to send air from the second base ventilation passage 350 to the third base ventilation passage 360 ​​by the rotation of an impeller.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 20 is the part used by the seated person to operate the blower 10. The control unit 20 is located on the armrest SA of the base unit SB. More specifically, the control unit 20 is located near the front end of the upper surface of the left armrest SA.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, the operating unit 20 includes, for example, a power switch 21, a selector switch 22, and an adjustment dial 23. Blower 10 can be operated by turning on the power switch 21.

[0067] The changeover switch 22 is a switch for switching the operation of the blower 10 on and off when the power switch 21 is turned ON, and includes a first changeover switch 22A, a second changeover switch 22B, and a third changeover switch 22C. When the first changeover switch 22A is turned ON, the first blower 11 is driven and air is blown from the seat cushion 100 toward the person sitting on the sofa S. When the first changeover switch 22A is turned OFF, the first blower 11 stops and air is no longer blown from the seat cushion 100.

[0068] Additionally, when the second changeover switch 22B of sofa S is turned ON, the second blower 12 is activated and blows air from the back cushion 200 towards the occupant. When the second changeover switch 22B is turned OFF, the second blower 12 stops and no more air is blown from the front of the back cushion 200. Also, when the third changeover switch 22C of sofa S is turned ON, the third blower 13 is activated and blows air from the armrest SA towards the occupant. When the third changeover switch 22C is turned OFF, the third blower 13 stops and no more air is blown from the armrest SA.

[0069] The adjustment dial 23 is used to adjust the airflow rate, for example, by changing the rotation speed of the impeller of the blower 10. In sofa S, the airflow rate can be increased by turning the adjustment dial 23 clockwise as shown in the diagram, and the airflow rate can be decreased by turning the adjustment dial 23 counterclockwise as shown in the diagram.

[0070] As shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), the sofa S further includes wires 30 for supplying power to the blowers 11-13. The wires 30 are connected to the first blower 11, the second blower 12, and the third blower 13 via the operating section 20. The wires 30 may be configured to be routed backward from the rear surface of the armrest SA, for example, as shown in Figure 8(a), or to be routed backward from the rear surface of the left and right central part of the base SB, as shown in Figure 8(b).

[0071] In this embodiment, since the armrest SA is detachable from the seat body S0, the connection of the wires 30 at the point where the left armrest SA and the seat body S0 are separated is made by a connector 31.

[0072] According to the first embodiment described above, air can be blown out from the seat cushion 100 and the backrest cushion 200, thereby enhancing the comfort of the seated person. Furthermore, since the control unit 20 is located on the armrest SA, it is easier to operate compared to, for example, the case where the control unit is located on the backrest S2.

[0073] Furthermore, since the ventilation openings 131 and 231 are provided at a predetermined distance or greater to the left or right of the left-right center C1 and C2 of the seat cushion 100 and back cushion 200, the ventilation openings 131 and 231 can be positioned at a distance to the left or right of the left-right center C1 and C2 of the seat cushion 100 and back cushion 200. This prevents the ventilation openings 131 and 231 from being blocked by the occupant. As a result, air can be blown out from the seat cushion 100 and back cushion 200 effectively, thereby enhancing the comfort of the occupant.

[0074] Additionally, air can be blown out from the armrest SA, further enhancing the comfort of the seated person.

[0075] Furthermore, since the second base ventilation passage 350 opens towards the rear at the lower part of the base SB, the outward-opening base opening 351 of the second base ventilation passage 350 can be positioned in an inconspicuous location on the sofa S.

[0076] Furthermore, since the control unit 20 is located on the upper surface of the armrest SA, it can be made easier to operate.

[0077] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the first base ventilation passage 340 has cylindrical portions 341A and 342A at its ends, and the cushion ventilation passages 130 and 230 are connected to the first base ventilation passage 340 by the cylindrical portions 341A and 342A entering the connection openings 132 and 232 of the cushion ventilation passages 130 and 230. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the configuration may be the opposite of the first embodiment, where the cushion ventilation passage has cylindrical portions at its ends, and the cushion ventilation passage is connected to the first base ventilation passage by the cylindrical portions of the cushion ventilation passage entering the openings of the first base ventilation passage.

[0078] Furthermore, the connection between the cushion ventilation passage and the first base ventilation passage is not limited to a configuration in which one cylindrical portion enters the opening of the other; for example, it may also be a configuration in which one cylindrical portion enters the other cylindrical portion.

[0079] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following, the differences from the previously described embodiment will be explained in detail, while the same aspects as the previously described embodiment will be omitted from the explanation, for example, by assigning the same reference numerals to the same components. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the connection structure between the cushion ventilation passages 130, 230 and the first base ventilation passage 340.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, the seat cushion ventilation passage 130 has a plurality of seat ventilation openings 131 and a seat connection opening 132 as a second opening. The seat connection opening 132 opens on the rear surface of the first cushion material 110 toward the first connection opening 343A of the first base ventilation passage 340, which will be described later.

[0081] The backrest cushion ventilation passage 230 has a plurality of backrest ventilation openings 231 and a backrest connection opening 232 as a second opening. The backrest connection opening 232 opens on the rear surface of the second cushion material 210 toward the second connection opening 344A of the first base ventilation passage 340, which will be described later.

[0082] The first base section ventilation passage 340 includes a seat connecting passage 343 that connects the first blower housing chamber 331, where the first blower 11 is located, with the seat cushion ventilation passage 130, and a backrest connecting passage 344 that connects the second blower housing chamber 332, where the second blower 12 is located, with the backrest cushion ventilation passage 230.

[0083] The seat passageway 343 has a first connecting opening 343A as a first opening at the end opposite to the end connected to the first blower housing chamber 331. The first connecting opening 343A opens toward the seat connecting opening 132 of the seat cushion ventilation passage 130. The seat cushion ventilation passage 130 and the first base ventilation passage 340 are connected and communicate with each other when the seat cushion 100 is attached to the base SB, with the seat connecting opening 132 and the first connecting opening 343A facing each other.

[0084] The backrest passageway 344 has a second connecting opening 344A, which serves as a first opening, at the end opposite to the end connected to the second blower housing chamber 332. The second connecting opening 344A opens toward the backrest connecting opening 232 of the backrest cushion ventilation passage 230. The backrest cushion ventilation passage 230 and the first base ventilation passage 340 are connected and communicate with each other when the backrest cushion 200 is attached to the base SB, with the backrest connecting opening 232 and the second connecting opening 344A facing each other.

[0085] Next, a third embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 10, the sofa S of the third embodiment further includes a modification mechanism MC. The modification mechanism MC can change the position from which air is blown toward the seated person.

[0086] The seat cushion 100 has a seat duct 140 and a first connecting pipe 150 that form a seat cushion ventilation passage 130. The seat duct 140 has a plurality of seat ventilation openings 131 that open toward the seated person and is provided to slide forward, backward, left and right by a change mechanism MC. The first connecting pipe 150 is a member that connects the seat duct 140 to the seat communication passage 343 of the first base ventilation passage 340 and has an expandable / contractable portion 151 that can extend and contract forward and backward.

[0087] The backrest cushion 200 has a backrest duct 240 and a second connecting pipe 250 that form a backrest cushion ventilation passage 230. The backrest duct 240 has a plurality of backrest ventilation openings 231 that open toward the seated person and is provided to slide up, down, left, and right by a change mechanism MC. The second connecting pipe 250 is a member that connects the backrest duct 240 to the backrest connecting passage 344 of the first base ventilation passage 340 and has an expandable and contractible portion 251 that can expand and contract vertically.

[0088] The modification mechanism MC includes a first sliding mechanism MS1 that slides the seat duct 140 forward and backward, a second sliding mechanism MS2 that slides the seat duct 140 left and right, a third sliding mechanism MS3 that slides the backrest duct 240 up and down, and a fourth sliding mechanism MS4 that slides the backrest duct 240 left and right.

[0089] The sofa S is equipped with an operating unit 20 as shown in Figure 11. The operating unit 20 is provided on the upper surface of the armrest SA, similar to the first embodiment. The operating unit 20 of the third embodiment can operate the change mechanism MC. The operating unit 20 has a power switch 21, a changeover switch 22, an adjustment dial 23, and an operation switch 24.

[0090] The operation switch 24 is a switch for operating the change mechanism MC, and consists of four switches 24A to 24D arranged in a cross shape in the front, back, left, and right directions, and a roughly cross-shaped switch cover 24E. The switch cover 24E is designed so that the parts flanking the center swing up and down, with the center as the pivot point.

[0091] Sofa S can be operated by, for example, turning on the first changeover switch 22A and then pressing the front switch 24A via the switch cover 24E, which allows the seat duct 140 to be slid forward by the first sliding mechanism MS1, as shown in Figure 12(a). This changes the position from which air is blown out of the seat cushion 100 to the front. Also, by pressing the rear switch 24B via the switch cover 24E, the seat duct 140 can be slid backward by the first sliding mechanism MS1, as shown in Figure 12(b). This changes the position from which air is blown out of the seat cushion 100 to the rear.

[0092] Furthermore, by pressing the left switch 24C via the switch cover 24E, the seat duct 140 can be slid to the left by the second sliding mechanism MS2. This changes the position from which air is blown out of the seat cushion 100 to the left. Also, by pressing the right switch 24D via the switch cover 24E, the seat duct 140 can be slid to the right by the second sliding mechanism MS2. This changes the position from which air is blown out of the seat cushion 100 to the right.

[0093] Furthermore, after turning on the second changeover switch 22B, the sofa S can slide the backrest duct 240 downwards via the third slide mechanism MS3, as shown in Figure 12(a), by pressing switch 24A through the switch cover 24E. This allows the position from which air is blown from the backrest cushion 200 to be changed downwards. Also, by pressing switch 24B through the switch cover 24E, the backrest duct 240 can be slid upwards via the third slide mechanism MS3, as shown in Figure 12(b). This allows the position from which air is blown from the backrest cushion 200 to be changed upwards.

[0094] Furthermore, by pressing switch 24C via switch cover 24E, the backrest duct 240 can be slid to the left by the fourth sliding mechanism MS4. This changes the position from which air is blown out of the backrest cushion 200 to the left. Also, by pressing switch 24D via switch cover 24E, the backrest duct 240 can be slid to the right by the fourth sliding mechanism MS4. This changes the position from which air is blown out of the backrest cushion 200 to the right.

[0095] According to the third embodiment described above, the position from which the air is blown can be changed by the modification mechanism MC, thereby further enhancing the comfort of the seated person.

[0096] Furthermore, by operating the control unit 20, the seated person can change the position from which the air is blown according to their preference, thereby further enhancing the seated person's comfort.

[0097] In the third embodiment, the modification mechanism MC was configured to change the position from which air is blown out of the seat cushion 100 to the front, back, left, and right, but it is not limited to this. For example, the modification mechanism may be configured to change the position from which air is blown out of the seat cushion only to the front and back, or to change the position from which air is blown out of the seat cushion only to the left and right.

[0098] Similarly, in the third embodiment, the modification mechanism MC was configured to change the position from which air is blown out of the back cushion 200 up, down, left, and right, but it is not limited to this. For example, the modification mechanism may be configured to change the position from which air is blown out of the back cushion only up and down, or it may be configured to change the position from which air is blown out of the back cushion only left and right.

[0099] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to change only the position from which air is blown out of the seat cushion, or it may be configured to change only the position from which air is blown out of the backrest cushion.

[0100] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in its modification mechanism MC. Specifically, the modification mechanism MC of the fourth embodiment can change the direction in which the air is blown towards the seated person, rather than changing the position from which the air is blown towards the seated person.

[0101] As shown in Figure 13, the seat cushion 100 has a seat duct 160 and a first connecting pipe 170 that form a seat cushion ventilation passage 130. The seat duct 160 has a plurality of seat ventilation openings 131 and is provided so that its front and rear ends swing up and down by a modification mechanism MC. The first connecting pipe 170 is a member that connects the seat duct 160 and the seat communication passage 343 and has an expandable and contractible portion 171 that can expand and contract vertically.

[0102] The backrest cushion 200 has a backrest duct 260 and a second connecting pipe 270 that form a backrest cushion ventilation passage 230. The backrest duct 260 has a plurality of backrest ventilation openings 231 and is provided so that its upper and lower ends swing back and forth by a modification mechanism MC. The second connecting pipe 270 is a member that connects the backrest duct 260 and the backrest connecting passage 344 and has an expandable portion 271 that can extend back and forth.

[0103] The modification mechanism MC includes a seat swing mechanism MD1 that swings the seat duct 160 and a backrest swing mechanism MD2 that swings the backrest duct 260.

[0104] As shown in Figure 14(a), the sofa S can pivot the seat duct 160 from facing upward to facing diagonally forward by the seat pivot mechanism MD1. This allows the direction of air blown from the seat cushion 100 to be changed from upward to facing diagonally forward. In addition, the sofa S can pivot the backrest duct 260 from facing diagonally upward to facing forward by the backrest pivot mechanism MD2. This allows the direction of air blown from the backrest cushion 200 to be changed from facing diagonally upward to facing forward.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14(b), the sofa S can be swung by the seat swing mechanism MD1 so that the seat duct 160 faces diagonally backward from upward. This allows the direction in which air is blown out from the seat cushion 100 to diagonally backward. In addition, the sofa S can be swung by the backrest swing mechanism MD2 so that the backrest duct 260 faces diagonally upward. This allows the direction in which air is blown out from the backrest cushion 200 to face diagonally upward.

[0106] According to the fourth embodiment described above, the direction of airflow can be changed by the modification mechanism MC, thereby further enhancing the comfort of the seated person.

[0107] Furthermore, it is desirable that the modification mechanism MC of the fourth embodiment be operable by an operating unit, similar to the third embodiment. This allows the occupant to change the direction of airflow according to their preference by operating the operating unit, thereby further enhancing the occupant's comfort.

[0108] In the third embodiment, the modification mechanism MC was configured to change only the position from which the air was blown out, and in the fourth embodiment, the modification mechanism MC was configured to change only the direction from which the air was blown out, but the invention is not limited to these configurations. For example, the modification mechanism may be configured to change both the position from which the air was blown out and the direction from which the air was blown out.

[0109] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented with appropriate modifications as illustrated below.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the ventilation openings 131 and 231 were provided only on the left and right sides of the left and right central portions of the seat cushion 100 and the backrest cushion 200, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the ventilation openings may be provided not only on the left and right sides of the left and right central portions, but also in the left and right central portion.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the electric wire 30 for supplying power to the blower 10 was routed rearward from the rear surface of the base portion SB including the armrest SA, but this is not limited to this. For example, the electric wire may be routed to the left from the left side of the base portion, or to the right from the right side of the base portion.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second base ventilation passage 350 opened towards the rear at the lower part of the base SB, but is not limited to this. For example, the second base ventilation passage may open towards the rear at the upper part of the base. Also, the second base ventilation passage may open to the left on the left side of the base, or to the right on the right side of the base. Also, for example, if the sofa has legs and there is a gap between the lower support and the surface on which the sofa is installed, the second base ventilation passage may open downward on the lower surface of the lower support.

[0113] Furthermore, although the blower 10 was located inside the rear support portion 320 of the base portion SB in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, the blower 10 may be located inside the lower support portion 310. Alternatively, the blower 10 may be located inside the armrest SA (side portion). Also, for example, the first blower 11 may be located inside the lower support portion 310, the second blower 12 may be located inside the rear support portion 320, and the third blower 13 may be located one inside each armrest SA.

[0114] Furthermore, the number of blowers is arbitrary. For example, a sofa may be configured to use a common blower to blow air from the seat cushion and back cushion. Alternatively, a sofa may be configured to use a common blower to blow air from the seat cushion, back cushion, and armrests. Also, for example, there may be multiple blowers for blowing air from the seat cushion. The same applies to blowers for blowing air from the back cushion and armrests.

[0115] Furthermore, although the above embodiment had a configuration in which the armrest SA (side portion) had a side ventilation passage 430, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the sofa S may not have the side ventilation passage 430, the third base ventilation passage 360, the third blower 13, etc. of the above embodiment, and may not blow air from the armrest SA (side portion).

[0116] Furthermore, although the armrest SA (side portion) in the above embodiment was detachable from the seat body S0, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured to be non-detachable.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, both the seat cushion 100 and the backrest cushion 200 were configured to have cushion ventilation passages 130 and 230, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, only one of the seat cushion or the backrest cushion may have cushion ventilation passages.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the armrest SA (side portion) was located only on one of the left or right sides of the seat cushion 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, the armrest (side portion) may be located on both the left and right sides of the seat cushion 100.

[0119] Furthermore, although the operating unit 20 was provided on the left armrest SA in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, the operating unit 20 may be provided on the right armrest SA. Alternatively, the operating unit 20 may be provided on both the left and right armrests SA. By providing the operating unit 20 on both the left and right armrests SA, the blower 10 can be operated regardless of whether the occupant is sitting on the left or right side of the two-seater sofa S.

[0120] Furthermore, although the operating unit 20 was provided on the upper surface of the armrest SA in the above embodiment, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the operating unit may be provided on the left and right outer or left and right inner sides of the armrest.

[0121] Furthermore, although the armrest SA (side portion) was located on both the left and right sides of the seat S1 in the above embodiment, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the armrest (side portion) may be located on only one side of the seat, either the left or the right.

[0122] Furthermore, although the side portion was an armrest SA in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, the side portion may be a platform or table, etc., that is wider than the armrest.

[0123] Furthermore, although the base portion SB had an armrest SA (side portion) in the above embodiment, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the sofa S may have a configuration in which the base portion SB does not have a side portion.

[0124] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows the operating unit 20 being provided on the armrest SA (side) of the base unit SB, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 15, if the sofa S does not have sides, the operating unit 20 may be provided on the left side of the base unit SB. Specifically, the operating unit 20 is provided on the left side 311 of the lower support unit 310. Although not shown in the illustration, the operating unit 20 may also be provided on the right side of the base unit SB (lower support unit 310).

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the blower 10 was provided to blow air out from the ventilation openings 131, 231, and 431, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the blower may be provided to draw in air from the ventilation openings. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, in the sofa S of the first embodiment, by providing the first blower 11 and the second blower 12 to send air from the first base ventilation passage 340 to the second base ventilation passage 350 by the rotation of an impeller, and providing the third blower 13 to send air from the third base ventilation passage 360 ​​to the second base ventilation passage 350 by the rotation of an impeller.

[0126] With this configuration, air can be drawn in from the seat cushion 100 and the backrest cushion 200. Furthermore, because the ventilation openings 131 and 231 are provided only on the left and right sides of the left and right central parts of the seat cushion 100 and the backrest cushion 200, good air intake from the seat cushion 100 and the backrest cushion 200 can be achieved. Air can also be drawn in from the armrest SA. As a result, the comfort of the seated person can be enhanced.

[0127] Furthermore, the blower may be configured to switch between blowing air and suction by, for example, switching the rotation direction of the impeller. Also, the sofa may be configured to blow air out from one of the seat cushion and seat back and draw air in from the other.

[0128] Additionally, sofa S may be configured to blow or draw in air from the headrest SH.

[0129] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the sofa S may also be equipped with a heater 50. The heater 50 is a sheet-shaped heater, a so-called surface heater. In the modified example shown in Figure 16, the heater 50 includes a seat heater 51A, a backrest heater 52A, a headrest heater 54A, and a leg heater 55.

[0130] The seat heater 51A is a heater that heats the surface of the seat S1 facing the occupant, specifically the upper surface of the seat S1. The seat heater 51A is mainly positioned facing the occupant's buttocks and thighs, and heats the occupant's buttocks and thighs from below. The seat heater 51A is provided on each of the left and right seat cushions 100. The seat heater 51A is positioned between the upper surface of the first cushion material 110 and the first upholstery 120. The seat heater 51A is also positioned in the left and right center of the seat cushion 100. The seat heater 51A is positioned between a plurality of seat ventilation openings 131 provided on the left side of the seat cushion 100 and a plurality of seat ventilation openings 131 provided on the right side of the seat cushion 100.

[0131] The backrest heater 52A is a heater that heats the surface of the backrest S2 facing the seated person, specifically the front surface of the backrest S2. The backrest heater 52A is mainly positioned facing the seated person's lower back and back, and heats the seated person's lower back and back from behind. The backrest heater 52A is provided on each of the left and right backrest cushions 200. The backrest heater 52A is positioned between the front surface of the second cushion material 210 and the second surface 220. The backrest heater 52A is positioned between a plurality of backrest ventilation openings 231 provided on the left side of the backrest cushion 200 and a plurality of backrest ventilation openings 231 provided on the right side of the backrest cushion 200.

[0132] The headrest heater 54A is a heater that heats the surface of the headrest SH facing the occupant, specifically the front surface of the headrest SH. The headrest heater 54A is positioned to face at least one of the occupant's head and neck, and heats at least one of the occupant's head and neck from behind. The headrest heater 54A is provided on each of the left and right headrests SH. The headrest heater 54A is positioned between the pad material of the headrest SH and the surface of the headrest SH. In the modified example shown in Figure 16, the headrest heater 54A is positioned in the left-right direction between a plurality of backrest ventilation openings 231 provided on the left side of the backrest cushion 200 and a plurality of backrest ventilation openings 231 provided on the right side of the backrest cushion 200.

[0133] The leg heater 55 is a heater that heats the surface of the sofa S that faces the legs of the person sitting on it. The leg heater 55 mainly heats the part of the person's legs from the knee down. In the modified example shown in Figure 16, the leg heater 55 is provided to heat the front surface of the seat S1. More specifically, the leg heater 55 is provided to heat the front surface of the seat cushion 100.

[0134] If the sofa S is equipped with a heater 50, the control unit 20 can be configured to operate not only the blower 10 but also the heater 50. The headrest heater 54A may be provided to heat substantially the entire front surface of the headrest SH. The leg heater may be provided to heat not only the front surface of the seat S1 but also the surface of the lower support 310 facing the occupant, specifically the front surface of the lower support 310. The leg heater may also be provided to heat the surface of the retractable ottoman provided by the sofa S facing the occupant.

[0135] Furthermore, although the headrest SH was detachable from the backrest S2 (seat body S0) in the above embodiment, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured to be non-detachable. Also, although the sofa S was equipped with a headrest SH in the above embodiment, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured not to have a headrest.

[0136] Furthermore, although a two-seater sofa S was used as an example of a seat in the above embodiment, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the seat may be a one-seater sofa or a three-seater sofa. Also, the seat is not limited to a sofa, but may be an armchair, for example. Also, the seat is not limited to a seat for home use, but may be a seat used in amusement facilities or relaxation facilities, for example. Also, the seat may be a vehicle seat or a ride-on seat installed in an automobile, railway car, ship, aircraft, etc.

[0137] Furthermore, the configuration described above, which includes a blower capable of blowing out or sucking in air, and the configuration in which the operating section is located on the side or lateral part of the base, can also be applied to seats in which at least one of the seat cushion and back cushion cannot be detached from the base.

[0138] Furthermore, the elements described in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 10 Blower 20 Control section 30 Electric wire 100 Seat Cushion 130 Seat cushion ventilation channel 131 Seat ventilation opening 200 Backrest Cushions 230 Backrest cushion ventilation channel 231 Backrest ventilation opening 310 Lower support part 320 Rear support section 340 First base ventilation channel 341A First cylindrical part 342A Second cylindrical section 350 Second base ventilation channel 430 Side ventilation channel S Sofa SA Armrest SB Base

Claims

1. A seat cushion having a first cushioning material and a first surface covering the first cushioning material, A backrest cushion having a second cushioning material and a second surface covering the second cushioning material, A base portion having a lower support portion that supports the seat cushion from below, and a rear support portion that supports the backrest cushion from behind, Blower and, It includes an operating section for a seated person to operate the blower, The seat cushion is detachable from the lower support portion with the first cushioning material covered by the first surface material. The aforementioned backrest cushion is detachable from the rear support portion with the second cushioning material covered by the second surface material. The base portion has a first base portion ventilation passage through which the airflow formed by the blower passes. At least one of the seat cushion and the back cushion has a cushion ventilation passage through which the airflow formed by the blower passes, the cushion ventilation passage having a connecting opening connected to the first base ventilation passage and a ventilation opening communicating with the connecting opening and opening toward the seated person, The aforementioned operating unit is The left or right side of the base portion, or A side portion located on at least one of the left and right sides of the seat cushion, which protrudes above the seat cushion, A sheet characterized by being provided in [location].

2. The first base ventilation passage consists of a duct, The duct forming the first base ventilation passage is It penetrates the first outer layer and is inserted into the connecting opening formed in the first cushioning material, or Penetrating the second outer layer, it is inserted into the connecting opening formed in the second cushioning material. The sheet according to feature 1.

3. The sheet according to claim 2, characterized in that the end of the duct forming the first base ventilation passage protrudes from the front surface of the rear support portion.

4. The sheet according to claim 3, characterized in that the end of the duct forming the first base ventilation passage penetrates the first surface and is inserted into the connection opening formed on the rear surface of the first cushioning material.

5. The sheet according to claim 3, characterized in that the end of the duct forming the first base ventilation passage penetrates the second surface and is inserted into the connecting opening formed on the rear surface of the second cushioning material.

6. The blower is located inside the base portion. The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the base portion has a second base portion ventilation passage that connects the outside of the base portion to the blower, and the second base portion ventilation passage opens toward the rear at the lower part of the base portion.

7. The side portion comprises a pad material and a third surface covering the pad material, The base portion has a third base portion ventilation passage through which the airflow formed by the blower passes. The seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the side portion is a side ventilation passage through which the airflow formed by the blower passes, and has a side connection opening connected to the third base ventilation passage, and a side ventilation opening communicating with the side connection opening and opening toward the seated person.

8. The third base ventilation passage consists of a duct, The sheet according to claim 7, characterized in that the end of the duct forming the third base ventilation passage protrudes from the side surface of the base.

9. The sheet according to claim 8, characterized in that the end of the duct forming the third base ventilation passage penetrates the third surface and is inserted into the side connection opening formed in the pad material.

10. The sheet according to claim 9, characterized in that the end of the duct forming the third base ventilation passage penetrates the third surface and is inserted into the side connection openings formed on the left and right inner surfaces of the pad material.

11. The blower is provided to blow air from the ventilation opening toward the seated person, The seat also features a repositioning mechanism that allows the direction in which air is blown towards the occupant to be changed. The seat cushion has a seat duct that forms the cushion ventilation passage, and the seat duct has the ventilation opening, The backrest cushion has a backrest duct that forms the cushion ventilation passage, and the backrest duct has the ventilation opening, The seat according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the modification mechanism includes a first sliding mechanism for sliding the seat duct back and forth, a second sliding mechanism for sliding the seat duct left and right, a third sliding mechanism for sliding the backrest duct up and down, and a fourth sliding mechanism for sliding the backrest duct left and right.

12. The blower is provided to blow air from the ventilation opening toward the seated person, The seat also features a mechanism that allows the direction of airflow towards the occupant to be changed. The seat cushion has a seat duct that forms the cushion ventilation passage, and the seat duct has the ventilation opening, The backrest cushion has a backrest duct that forms the cushion ventilation passage, and the backrest duct has the ventilation opening, The seat according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the modification mechanism includes a seat swinging mechanism for swinging the seat duct and a backrest swinging mechanism for swinging the backrest duct.

13. The sheet according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the operating section is an operating switch for operating the changing mechanism, and the operating switch consists of four switches arranged in a cross shape.

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