Vehicle seat air conditioning system

Abstract

To suppress an increase of costs and to provide a comfortable air-conditioning environment to a person seated in a seat.SOLUTION: A vehicular seat air-conditioner 100 is equipped with a first connection port that connects a first ventilation path 110 and a third ventilation path 130 so as to adjust a ratio of a flow rate of air led from the first ventilation path 110 to the third ventilation path 130 and a flow rate of air led from a second ventilation path 120 to the third ventilation path 130, an adjusting portion 170 that adjusts respective openings of a second connection port connecting the second ventilation path 120 and the third ventilation path 130 to adjust the ratio, and a control portion 192 that adjusts the openings by controlling the adjusting portion 170 on the basis of a first temperature indicating temperature in the first ventilation path 110, a second temperature indicating temperature in the second ventilation path 120, and a third temperature indicating temperature in the third ventilation path 130, and thus adjusts the ratio.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat air conditioner that blows air to a person sitting on a seat.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand to provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment for a person sitting on a seat (chair) arranged in a vehicle or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that detects the physique and posture of a person by using a pressure sensor arranged on a seat and imaging the state of the person sitting on the seat, and controls the air conditioning of the seat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, devices such as pressure sensors and cameras used to detect the physique and posture of a person sitting on a seat are expensive. Therefore, a device that can provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment for a person sitting on a seat while suppressing an increase in cost is desired.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a comfortable air-conditioned environment for a person sitting on a seat while suppressing an increase in cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat air conditioning system used in a seat arranged in a vehicle and having a seat back and a seat cushion, comprising: a blower built into the seat; a first air passage through which air drawn in by the blower passes from a first air intake provided on the surface of the seat which is the side facing the person sitting on the seat; a second air passage through which air drawn in by the blower passes from a second air intake, which is a different air intake from the first air intake and is provided on the seat at a location other than the surface of the seat; and air guided from at least one of the first air passage and the second air passage is supplied to the seat back which is the side facing the person sitting on the seat. The device includes a third air passage leading to a discharge port provided on the surface of the device, an adjustment unit that adjusts the ratio of the airflow rate from the first air passage to the third air passage and the airflow rate from the second air passage to the third air passage by adjusting the opening of a first connection port connecting the first air passage and the third air passage, and a second connection port connecting the second air passage and the third air passage, and a control unit that controls the blower and the adjustment unit, wherein the control unit adjusts the ratio by controlling the adjustment unit and adjusting the opening based on a first temperature which is the temperature in the first air passage, a second temperature which is the temperature in the second air passage, and a third temperature which is the temperature in the third air passage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle seat air conditioning system can provide a comfortable air conditioning environment to a person seated in a seat while suppressing cost increases. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing a sheet according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the sheet according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the hardware configuration of a vehicle seat air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle seat air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating temperature-related information according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the output-related information according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a vehicle seat air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the correction of temperature-related information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the correction of output-related information according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Summary of this disclosure) A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat air conditioning system used in a seat arranged in a vehicle and having a seat back and a seat cushion, comprising: a blower built into the seat; a first air passage through which air drawn in by the blower passes from a first air intake provided on the surface of the seat which is the side facing the person sitting on the seat; a second air passage through which air drawn in by the blower passes from a second air intake, which is a different air intake from the first air intake and is provided on the seat at a location other than the surface of the seat; and air guided from at least one of the first air passage and the second air passage is supplied to the seat back which is the side facing the person sitting on the seat. The device includes a third air passage leading to a discharge port provided on the surface of the device, an adjustment unit that adjusts the ratio of the airflow rate from the first air passage to the third air passage and the airflow rate from the second air passage to the third air passage by adjusting the opening of a first connection port connecting the first air passage and the third air passage, and a second connection port connecting the second air passage and the third air passage, and a control unit that controls the blower and the adjustment unit, wherein the control unit adjusts the ratio by controlling the adjustment unit and adjusting the opening based on a first temperature which is the temperature in the first air passage, a second temperature which is the temperature in the second air passage, and a third temperature which is the temperature in the third air passage.

[0011] According to this, the control unit can adjust the temperature of the air blown onto a person seated in the seat by controlling the adjustment unit based on the temperatures in the first, second, and third air passages. Therefore, it is possible to provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment for the person seated in the seat while suppressing cost increases.

[0012] Furthermore, for example, when the first temperature is a, the second temperature is b, and the third temperature is c, the control unit adjusts the ratio based on x calculated by the following equation (1), where equation (1) is x = (cb) / (ab).

[0013] According to this, the control unit can appropriately adjust the ratio so that a person sitting on the seat feels comfortable by using the temperatures in the first ventilation path, the second ventilation path, and the third ventilation path.

[0014] Further, for example, when the absolute value of the difference between the x and the target value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the control unit adjusts the opening degree to change by a first change amount so that the x becomes the target value based on the temperature relationship information indicating the correlation between the x and the opening degree.

[0015] According to this, when the temperature of the air blown to a person sitting on the seat is different from the temperature at which the person sitting on the seat is assumed to feel comfortable, the control unit can appropriately adjust the ratio so that the person sitting on the seat feels comfortable.

[0016] Further, for example, when the absolute value is less than the first threshold value, and when the absolute value is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the control unit controls the adjustment unit to change the opening degree by a second change amount smaller than the first change amount so that the x becomes the target value based on the temperature relationship information, and when the absolute value is less than the second threshold value, the control unit controls the adjustment unit not to change the opening degree.

[0017] According to this, the control unit can appropriately adjust the change amount before and after the change of the temperature of the air blown to a person sitting on the seat according to the difference between the temperature of the air blown to the person sitting on the seat and the temperature at which the person sitting on the seat is assumed to feel comfortable.

[0018] Further, for example, the control unit acquires the detection result of a human presence sensor for detecting whether or not the person is sitting on the seat, determines whether or not the person is sitting on the seat based on the x, and when the determination result of whether or not the person is sitting on the seat based on the x does not match the detection result, outputs information indicating that the determination result and the detection result do not match.

[0019] If the judgment result and the detection result differ, it is assumed that a malfunction has occurred where the first air intake is blocked not by a person but by debris or other objects. This allows for notification to a person when such a malfunction occurs.

[0020] Furthermore, for example, the control unit determines, based on x, whether or not the person is seated on the seat. If it determines that the person is seated on the seat, it adjusts the rotation speed of the blower to a predetermined rotation speed. If it determines that the person is not seated on the seat, it adjusts the rotation speed of the blower to a rotation speed less than the predetermined rotation speed.

[0021] According to this, by reducing the fan's rotation speed when no one is seated in the seat, it is possible to prevent the fan from operating unnecessarily.

[0022] Furthermore, for example, the control unit determines that if x is equal to or greater than the third threshold, the person is not seated on the seat, and determines that if x is less than the third threshold, the person is seated on the seat.

[0023] According to this, the control unit can appropriately determine whether or not a person is seated in the seat using x.

[0024] Furthermore, for example, the control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the blower by controlling the blower based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature.

[0025] According to this, the control unit can adjust the airflow rate blown to a person seated in a seat by controlling the blower based on the temperature in the first, second, and third air passages. Therefore, it is possible to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment for a person seated in a seat while suppressing cost increases.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, the control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the blower based on output relationship information that shows the correlation between the rotation speed of the blower and the opening degree.

[0027] According to this, the rotation speed of the blower can be adjusted appropriately.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, the third temperature sensor for detecting the third temperature is provided within the third ventilation passage.

[0029] According to this, the third temperature can be set appropriately.

[0030] Furthermore, for example, the first temperature sensor for detecting the first temperature is provided in the first ventilation passage.

[0031] According to this, the first temperature can be set appropriately.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, the control unit uses the temperature detected by a cabin temperature sensor, which is located inside the vehicle and detects the temperature inside the vehicle, as the first temperature.

[0033] According to this, for example, if a vehicle is already equipped with a cabin temperature sensor, the third temperature can be appropriately set without the need to install a separate temperature sensor.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, the second temperature sensor for detecting the second temperature is provided within the second ventilation passage.

[0035] According to this, the second temperature can be set appropriately.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, the control unit uses air conditioning temperature information, which indicates the temperature of the air blown out by the vehicle air conditioning equipment installed in the vehicle, as the second temperature.

[0037] According to this, for example, if a vehicle is equipped with a vehicle air conditioning system that allows the user to set the temperature, the second temperature can be appropriately set without installing a separate temperature sensor by setting the temperature set by the user, or the temperature obtained from a temperature sensor installed in the vehicle air conditioning system, as the second temperature.

[0038] Furthermore, for example, the control unit corrects the temperature relationship information based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the person is not seated on the seat, or when a predetermined person is seated on the seat.

[0039] For example, under the same environmental conditions, such as when no one is seated on the seat, and with the same opening and fan speed, x will be a specific value. However, if part of the first air intake is blocked due to clogging of the seat, x will be a different value from the specific value, even if the opening and fan speed remain the same. Therefore, x is calculated using the first, second, and third temperatures when no one is seated on the seat, or when a predetermined person is seated on the seat, and the temperature relationship information is corrected based on the calculation result. This ensures that even if the condition of the seat changes, for example, by blocking part of the first air intake due to clogging of the seat, the outlet can still discharge air at an appropriate temperature. As a result, even if the condition of the seat changes, a comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided to the person seated on the seat.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the control unit corrects the output relationship information based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the person is not seated on the seat, or when a predetermined person is seated on the seat.

[0041] According to this, even if the condition of the seat changes, for example, by blocking part of the first air intake due to clogging of the seat, the discharge port can still discharge air at an appropriate flow rate. Therefore, even if the condition of the seat changes, a comfortable air-conditioned environment can be provided to the person sitting in the seat.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, the control unit calculates x based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the person is not seated on the seat, and if the calculated x is below the fourth threshold, which is lower than the third threshold, it causes the control unit to notify the notification device that the seat is clogged.

[0043] According to this, the larger the area of ​​the first air intake that is blocked due to clogging of the sheet, the smaller x becomes. Therefore, for example, if the calculated x is lower than the fourth threshold, information indicating that the sheet is clogged is sent to the vehicle driver. This prevents the blower speed from increasing due to the correction for the blockage of the first air intake, and also suppresses the occurrence of problems such as increased power consumption and noise caused by the increased blower speed.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, the control unit calculates x based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the person is not seated on the seat, and if the calculated x is different from the third threshold, it changes the third threshold to the calculated x.

[0045] According to this, even if part of the first air intake is blocked due to clogging of the sheet or other reasons, the third threshold value will be changed to an appropriate value.

[0046] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or non-temporary recording medium.

[0047] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0048] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0049] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Also, the same component is denoted by the same reference numeral in each figure.

[0050] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the front-to-back direction of the seat is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the up-to-down direction of the seat is referred to as the Z-axis direction. In addition, the left-to-right direction of the seat, that is, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis directions, is referred to as the Y-axis direction. Also, in the X-axis direction, the front side of the seat is referred to as the positive direction, and the rear side of the seat is referred to as the negative direction. Furthermore, the left side from the perspective of a person seated in the seat is referred to as the positive Y-axis direction, and the opposite side is referred to as the negative Y-axis direction. Specifically, the right direction is to the right of the person seated in the seat relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle, and is the negative Y-axis direction. Also, the left side is to the left of the person seated in the seat relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle, and is the positive Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in the Z-axis direction, the top side of the seat is referred to as the positive direction, and the bottom side of the seat is referred to as the negative direction.

[0051] Furthermore, the expressions "greater than or equal to" and "less than" described below are used to indicate comparisons based on a threshold or similar boundary, and may be replaced with "greater than" and "less than or equal to" or similar terms.

[0052] (Embodiment) [composition] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing a seat 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the seat 10 according to an embodiment. Specifically, Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the seat 10. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the hardware configuration of the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0053] In Figures 1, 2, and 3, airflow is indicated by thick arrows. In Figure 1, the first air passage 110, the second air passage 120, and the third air passage 130 are indicated by thick lines. In Figure 3, the control lines connecting the ECU 190A and the actuator 172 are indicated by dashed lines. In Figures 1 and 2, some components of the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100, such as the ECU 190A and actuator 172, are not shown.

[0054] The vehicle seat air conditioning unit 100 is an air conditioning unit that blows air onto a person sitting on a seat 10 (more specifically, a seat cushion 20). For example, the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 100 is installed inside a seat 10 in a vehicle such as an automobile, and generates an airflow by drawing in air from a first air intake port 111 located at a position corresponding to the buttocks and thighs of a person sitting on the seat 10. This air is then blown onto the upper body of the person sitting on the seat 10 from an outlet port 131 provided on the seat 10, which is used to blow air onto the head, neck, shoulders, back, and waist of the person sitting on the seat 10.

[0055] As a result, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 can, for example, draw in air from areas corresponding to the buttocks and thighs of a person sitting on the seat 10, thereby suppressing stuffiness between the buttocks and thighs and the seat 10. In addition, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 can, for example, cool or warm a person sitting on the seat 10 by blowing air onto them.

[0056] Seat 10 is a chair on which a person sits, and on which a vehicle seat air conditioning unit 100 is installed. In other words, the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 100 is installed inside the vehicle where seat 10 is installed. Seat 10 comprises a seat cushion 20, a seat back 30, and a headrest 40.

[0057] The seat cushion 20 is the seat portion on which a person sits. The seat cushion 20 has a seat surface 21 on which a person sits. In this embodiment, a first air intake 111 is provided on the seat surface 21. In addition, in this embodiment, a second air intake 121 is provided on the bottom surface 22 of the seat cushion 20, which is the surface opposite to the seat surface 21.

[0058] Although not shown in the figures, in this embodiment, the second air intake port 121 is connected to a flow path such as a pipe through which air released from the vehicle air conditioning unit 230 (see Figure 4), which is an air conditioning unit installed in the vehicle in which the seat 10 is located, flows. As a result, air released from the vehicle air conditioning unit 230 flows into the second air intake port 121.

[0059] The seat back 30 is the backrest portion (back part) on which a person sitting in the seat 10 leans their back. The seat back 30 has a front surface 31. A person sitting in the seat 10 leans their back against the front surface 31 so that their back is in contact with it. The seat back 30 is elongated along the Z-axis and is positioned to rise up relative to the seat cushion 20. In this embodiment, a discharge port 131 is provided on the front surface 31.

[0060] The vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 mixes the air drawn in from the first air intake 111 with the air drawn in from the second air intake 121, and blows out the mixed air from the discharge port 131 (in other words, it discharges it). For example, by drawing in cool air that is cooler than the air inside the vehicle from the second air intake 121, cool air can be blown out from the discharge port 131, that is, the interior of the vehicle can be cooled. Alternatively, for example, by drawing in hot air that is hotter than the air inside the vehicle from the second air intake 121, warm air can be blown out from the discharge port 131, that is, the interior of the vehicle can be heated.

[0061] The headrest 40 is a head support that supports the head of a person seated in the seat 10. The headrest 40 is fixed to the end of the seat back 30 on the positive Z-axis side.

[0062] For example, the configuration of the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 shown in Figure 3 is arranged inside the seat 10.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, for example, a first temperature sensor 140 is placed in the first air passage 110, a second temperature sensor 150 is placed in the second air passage 120, and a third temperature sensor 160 is placed in the third air passage 130. The first air passage 110 and the third air passage 130 are connected via a first connection port 112 through which air can move, and the second air passage 120 and the third air passage 130 are connected via a second connection port 122 through which air can move. The ECU 190A is an Electronic Control Unit that controls the actuator 172 based on the temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor 140, the second temperature sensor 150, and the third temperature sensor 160, respectively. Specifically, the ECU 190A adjusts the opening degree of the first connection port 112 and the second connection port 122 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the door opening degree) by controlling an actuator 172 for adjusting the position and / or orientation (angle) of the door 171. In this way, the ECU 190A adjusts the flow rate of air flowing from the first air passage 110 to the third air passage 130 and the flow rate of air flowing from the second air passage 120 to the third air passage 130. Furthermore, the ECU 190A controls the flow rate of air discharged from the discharge port 131 by controlling a blower 180 provided in the third air passage 130. In this embodiment, when the opening degree of one of the first connection port 112 and the second connection port 122 increases (i.e., the opening widens), the opening degree of the other decreases (i.e., the opening narrows).

[0064] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0065] As described above, the vehicle seat air conditioning unit 10 is an air conditioning unit used in a seat 10 that is installed in a vehicle and has a seat back 30 and a seat cushion 20. The vehicle seat air conditioning unit 100 draws in air that is circulating around the seat 10 and blows the drawn-in air onto the person from behind to perform ventilation.

[0066] The vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 includes a first air passage 110, a second air passage 120, a third air passage 130, a first temperature sensor 140, a second temperature sensor 150, a third temperature sensor 160, an adjustment unit 170, a blower 180, and an information processing unit 190.

[0067] The first air passage 110 is a passage through which air drawn in by the blower 180 from a first air intake 111 provided on the surface of the seat 10, which is the side of the seat 10 facing the person sitting on the seat 10, passes. The first air passage 110 is built into the seat 10 (in this embodiment, the seat cushion 20).

[0068] The surface of the seat 10 includes, for example, the seat surface 21 and the front surface 31. In this embodiment, the surface on which the first air intake 111 is provided is the seat surface 21, but it may also be the front surface 31 or the like.

[0069] The first air intake 111 is provided on the surface of the seat 10 and is an opening that is movably connected to the first air passage 110. The first air intake 111 opens toward, for example, the interior of the vehicle (ventilation) and draws in air from inside the vehicle. The first air intake 111 is provided on the surface of the seat 10 facing the person sitting on the seat 10. In this embodiment, multiple first air intakes 111 are provided on the seat surface 21.

[0070] Air drawn in from the first intake port 111 and passing through the first ventilation passage 110 flows into the third ventilation passage 130 via the first connection port 112.

[0071] The second air passage 120 is a different air intake from the first air intake 111, and is a passage through which air drawn in by the blower 180 passes from the second air intake 121, which is located on a part of the seat 10 other than the surface of the seat 10, that is, on a surface of the seat 10 other than the seat surface 21 and the front surface 31. The second air passage 120 is a different air passage from the first air passage 110 and is built into the seat 10 (in this embodiment, the seat cushion 20).

[0072] Note that areas other than the surface of the sheet 10 include, for example, the bottom surface 22 and the rear surface 32. In this embodiment, the surface on which the second air intake port 121 is provided is the bottom surface 22, but it may also be the rear surface 32 or the like.

[0073] Furthermore, as described above, the second air intake 121 is connected to a flow path such as a pipe through which air released from the vehicle air conditioning equipment 230, which is an air conditioning device installed in the vehicle in which the seat 10 is located, flows. The second air intake 121 is provided, for example, on a side that does not face a person sitting in the seat 10.

[0074] The second air intake port 121 may also be open towards the passenger compartment, similar to the first air intake port 111.

[0075] The third air passage 130 is a flow path that guides air introduced from at least one of the first air passage 110 and the second air passage 120 to an outlet 131 provided on the surface of the seat back 30 (the front surface 31 in this embodiment), which is the surface facing the person sitting on the seat 10. The third air passage 130 is a different air passage from the first air passage 110 and the second air passage 120 and is built into the seat 10. In this embodiment, a part of the third air passage 130 is located inside the seat 10, and the other part of the third air passage 130 is located inside the seat back 30.

[0076] The discharge port 131 is an opening provided on the front surface 31, through which air is movably connected to the third air passage 130. In other words, the discharge port 131 opens toward the interior of the vehicle. In this embodiment, multiple discharge ports 131 are provided on the front surface 31. For example, the discharge ports 131 are provided on the upper side of the front surface 31.

[0077] The discharge port 131 may also be provided in the headrest 40. In other words, a portion of the third air passage 130 may be provided in the headrest 40.

[0078] The first air passage 110, the second air passage 120, and the third air passage 130 are, for example, ventilation ducts through which air passes.

[0079] The first temperature sensor 140 is a temperature sensor such as a thermistor that detects the temperature inside the first air passage 110 (also called the first temperature). For example, the first temperature sensor 140 is installed inside the first air passage 110.

[0080] The second temperature sensor 150 is a temperature sensor such as a thermistor that detects the temperature inside the second air passage 120 (also called the second temperature). For example, the second temperature sensor 150 is installed inside the second air passage 120.

[0081] The third temperature sensor 160 is a temperature sensor such as a thermistor that detects the temperature inside the third air passage 130 (also called the third temperature). For example, the third temperature sensor 160 is installed inside the third air passage 130.

[0082] The adjustment unit 170 adjusts the ratio (hereinafter simply referred to as the flow rate ratio) between the first flow rate and the second flow rate by adjusting the opening of the first connection port 112 connecting the first air passage 110 and the third air passage 130, and the second connection port 122 connecting the second air passage 120 and the third air passage 130. For example, the adjustment unit 170 is a switching unit (air passage switching unit) that can switch the airflow path to the third air passage 130 between the first air passage 110 and the second air passage 120, so that air is guided from the first air passage 110 to the third air passage 130, and / or from the second air passage 120 to the third air passage 130. In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 170 is realized by a door 171 and an actuator 172.

[0083] The door 171 is a component that restricts the movement of air from the first air passage 110 to the third air passage 130, and also restricts the movement of air from the second air passage 120 to the third air passage 130. The door 171 is, for example, a damper, and its position and / or orientation is changed by the actuator 172 to adjust the opening degree of the first connection port 112 (i.e., the width of the first connection port 112) and the opening degree of the second connection port 122 (i.e., the width of the second connection port 122). For example, the door 171 is provided on the side of the first air intake port 111 and the second air intake port 121, which are upstream of the blower 180.

[0084] The actuator 172 is a drive unit for changing the position and / or orientation of the door 171. The actuator 172 is implemented by, for example, a motor.

[0085] The adjustment unit 170 selectively directs either air drawn from only the first air passage 110, air drawn from only the second air passage 120, or air drawn from both the first and second air passages 110 and 120 to the third air passage 130. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 170 adjusts the first and second flow rates so that the air drawn from the first air passage 110 to the third air passage 130 and the air drawn from the second air passage 120 to the third air passage 130 are mixed and then directed to the third air passage 130.

[0086] The blower 180 is a blower built into the seat 10 that moves air. Specifically, the blower 180 is electrically connected to the information processing unit 190 and is driven and controlled by the information processing unit 190 to draw in air from at least one of the first intake port 111 and the second intake port 121, pass the drawn-in air through at least one of the first ventilation passage 110 and the second ventilation passage 120, and further pass through the third ventilation passage 130 before being discharged from the discharge port 131. The blower 180 is positioned, for example, downstream of the adjustment unit 170 in the ventilation passage, which includes the first ventilation passage 110, the second ventilation passage 120, and the third ventilation passage 130. In this embodiment, the blower 180 is positioned in the third air passage 130 and blows air from the third air passage 130 so that air flows from the first intake port 111 and the second intake port 121 toward the discharge port 131.

[0087] In the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100, the first air intake 111, the second air intake 121, and the discharge port 131 are provided in the seat 10, while the first air passage 110, the second air passage 120, the third air passage 130, the blower 180, and the adjustment unit 170 are built into the seat 10. In other words, since all the components that create the airflow that surrounds the person seated in the seat 10 are provided in the seat 10, the configuration of the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 can be simplified.

[0088] Furthermore, it is sufficient that air flows from at least one of the first intake port 111 and the second intake port 121 to the adjustment unit 170, and that air flows from the adjustment unit 170 to the discharge port 131; the placement of the blower 180 is not particularly limited.

[0089] Furthermore, the blower 180 may be placed, for example, in the first air passage 110 and the second air passage 120. Alternatively, the blower 180 may be placed, for example, in the first air passage 110, the second air passage 120, and the third air passage 130. As such, the number of blowers 180 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, however, it will be assumed that one blower 180 is placed in the third air passage 130, and the explanation will follow.

[0090] The information processing unit 190 is a control device that controls each of the devices of the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100, such as the adjustment unit 170 and the blower 180. The information processing unit 190 is implemented as a computer that includes, for example, an interface to which control lines connected to each of the devices of the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100, such as the adjustment unit 170, and external devices such as the vehicle air conditioning equipment 230 are connected, a non-volatile memory where the program is stored, a volatile memory which is a temporary storage area for executing the program, and a processor that executes the program.

[0091] The information processing unit 190 comprises an acquisition unit 191, a control unit 192, an output unit 193, and a storage unit 194.

[0092] The acquisition unit 191 is a processing unit that acquires various types of information used by the control unit 192 for processing. For example, the acquisition unit 191 acquires the detection results (temperature information) from the first temperature sensor 140, the second temperature sensor 150, and the third temperature sensor 160, respectively.

[0093] For example, the acquisition unit 191 may acquire various information from external sensors such as a human presence sensor 220 and / or external devices such as a vehicle air conditioning unit 230 via an interface (communication interface) provided by the information processing unit 190. For example, the acquisition unit 191 may acquire information such as the set temperature and / or airflow from an input device such as a touch panel that accepts input from a user. The control unit 192 may, for example, control the adjustment unit 170 and the blower 180, etc., based on the information thus received.

[0094] The control unit 192 is a processing unit that controls each of the components of the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100, such as the blower 180 and the adjustment unit 170.

[0095] The control unit 192 controls the adjustment unit 170 based on the first temperature (temperature in the first air passage 110), the second temperature (temperature in the second air passage 120), and the third temperature (temperature in the third air passage 130) to adjust the opening degrees of the first connection port 112 and the second connection port 122, thereby adjusting the ratio of the airflow rate from the first air passage 110 to the third air passage 130 to the airflow rate from the second air passage 120 to the third air passage 130. In other words, the control unit 192 adjusts the flow rate ratio of the first flow rate to the second flow rate based on the above temperature information. As a result, the control unit 192 adjusts the third temperature, that is, the temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 131. Specifically, the control unit 192 adjusts the flow rate ratio based on x (hereinafter, x is also referred to as the airflow ratio (airflow ratio on the first ventilation passage 110 side)) calculated by the following formula (1), when the first temperature is a, the second temperature is b, and the third temperature is c.

[0096] x=(cb) / (ab) Equation (1)

[0097] Note that a > b. The units of a, b, and c can be the same, and can be °C or K. Also, equation (1) above is for calculating the airflow ratio by weight of air, and the value obtained when calculating the ratio of air volumes will be slightly different from the value obtained by equation (1). In other words, if x calculated by equation (1) above is the ratio of air volumes, it will not be an exact value and will contain an error, but the error will not be a problem in practical terms.

[0098] For example, if the absolute value of the difference between x and the target value is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the control unit 192 adjusts the door opening to change by a first amount based on temperature relationship information indicating the correlation between x and the door opening so that x becomes the target value.

[0099] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating temperature-related information according to the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 5 is a graph showing the door opening degree relative to the airflow ratio (x above) required to achieve a predetermined temperature when a person of a predetermined physique (also called a standard physique) sits on the seat 10. For example, a door opening degree of 0% means that the door 171 is closed at the second connection port 122, the first connection port 112 is fully open, and the second connection port 122 is fully closed. Also, for example, a door opening degree of 100% means that the door 171 is closed at the first connection port 112, the first connection port 112 is fully closed, and the second connection port 122 is fully open. Also, for example, a door opening degree of 50% means that the door 171 is open at the same degree at both the first connection port 112 and the second connection port 122, and both the first connection port 112 and the second connection port 122 are open.

[0100] For example, suppose a person of average build is seated in seat 10 and the door is open 50%. In this case, let's assume a=33°C, b=25°C, and c=29°C. In this case, the airflow ratio is calculated as x=(29-25) / (33-25)=0.5.

[0101] Next, let's assume that a person larger than average is seated in seat 10, and the door is open 50%. In this case, let's assume that a=33°C, b=25°C, and c=27°C. In this case, the airflow ratio is x=0.25.

[0102] Here, the control unit 192 adjusts the door opening from 50% to 40% so that the air distribution ratio changes from 0.25 to 0.5 by using, for example, the information from the graph shown in Figure 5, that is, by controlling the adjustment unit 170 based on temperature relationship information. In other words, the control unit 192 changes the door opening by, for example, 10%, which is the first change amount. As a result, the control unit 192 can bring the temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 131 to a predetermined temperature.

[0103] For example, the memory unit 194 stores temperature-related information, such as a graph or table, that shows the door opening degree relative to the airflow ratio required to achieve each temperature (for example, corresponding to each temperature (predetermined temperature) such as 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, etc.).

[0104] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 192 controls the adjustment unit 170 to change the door opening by a second amount smaller than the first amount of change, based on temperature relationship information, so that x becomes the target value, when the absolute value is less than the first threshold, or when the absolute value is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The first threshold is a value greater than the second threshold. For example, the control unit 192 changes the door opening little by little when the absolute value is small, in other words, when the air distribution ratio is close to the target value, or to put it another way, when the temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 131 is close to the desired temperature. For example, if the air distribution ratio and the target value are significantly different, the control unit 192 changes the door opening by a large amount at once (for example, 10%), and if the air distribution ratio and the target value are not significantly different, it changes the door opening by a small amount at once (for example, 1%). The control unit 192 adjusts the air distribution ratio to approach the target value by performing such changes, for example, every few seconds or tens of seconds.

[0105] The thresholds, such as the first threshold, and the amount of change (adjustment amount) of the door opening, such as the first change amount, may be set arbitrarily. This information is stored in advance in the memory unit 194, for example.

[0106] Furthermore, the control unit 192 may control the adjustment unit 170 to maintain the current door opening angle, that is, to not change the door opening angle, when the absolute value is less than the second threshold.

[0107] Furthermore, the control unit 192 adjusts the rotation speed of the blower 180 by controlling the blower 180 based on, for example, the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature. In other words, for example, the control unit 192 adjusts the flow rate of air discharged from the outlet 131 (also called the third flow rate) based on each temperature information. For example, the control unit 192 adjusts the rotation speed of the blower 180 based on output relationship information that shows the correlation between the rotation speed of the blower 180 and the door opening degree.

[0108] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating output-related information according to the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 6 is a graph showing the output of the blower 180 (duty command, hereinafter also simply referred to as blower output) in relation to the door opening degree required to set the amount of air discharged from the outlet 131 to a predetermined amount when a person of standard build is seated on the seat 10. For example, a blower output of 50% means that the motor to which the fan for blowing air is attached (hereinafter also simply referred to as the rotational speed of the blower 180) is driven at 50% of the maximum rotational speed that the blower 180 can perform. Also, for example, a blower output of 100% means that the rotational speed is driven at the maximum rotational speed that the blower 180 can perform.

[0109] For example, as explained above using Figure 5, suppose the control unit 192 adjusts the door opening from 50% to 40% because a person larger than a person of average build is seated in the seat 10. In this case, for example, the control unit 192 changes the blower output from 50% to 70% so that the same flow rate (airflow) of air (air volume) as when a person of average build is seated in the seat 10 is discharged from the outlet 131. This allows the control unit 192 to set the flow rate (predetermined airflow) of air discharged from the outlet 131 to a predetermined flow rate (predetermined air volume).

[0110] For example, the memory unit 194 stores output-related information, such as a graph or table, that shows the fan output in relation to the door opening angle required to achieve each airflow rate.

[0111] The control unit 192 may adjust the fan output, i.e., the rotation speed of the fan 180, based on the airflow ratio. For example, the control unit 192 adjusts the rotation speed of the fan 180 to a predetermined rotation speed based on x. Specifically, the control unit 192 may determine whether or not a person is seated on the seat 10 based on x, and adjust the rotation speed of the fan 180 according to the determination result. For example, the control unit 192 determines whether or not a person is seated on the seat 10 based on x, and if it determines that a person is seated on the seat 10, it adjusts the rotation speed of the fan to a predetermined rotation speed, and if it determines that no one is seated on the seat 10, it adjusts the rotation speed of the fan 180 to a rotation speed less than the predetermined rotation speed. For example, the control unit 192 determines that no one is seated on the seat 10 if x is greater than or equal to the third threshold. On the other hand, for example, the control unit 192 determines that a person is seated on the seat 10 if x is less than the third threshold. In other words, for example, the control unit 192 adjusts the rotation speed of the blower 180 to a predetermined rotation speed when x is less than the third threshold. On the other hand, for example, the control unit 192 adjusts the rotation speed of the blower 180 to a rotation speed less than the predetermined rotation speed when x is equal to or greater than the third threshold. For example, in this embodiment, the second air passage 120 is connected to the vehicle air conditioning equipment 230 that sends cool air so that cool air can be sent to a person seated in the seat 10, and the temperature of the air flowing through the second air passage 120 is set lower than that of the air flowing through the first air passage 110. In such a case, when no one is seated in the seat 10, the air distribution ratio is higher compared to when a person is seated in the seat 10. Therefore, for example, when x is large, for example, in the example shown in Figure 5, if x is 0.8 or more, the control unit 192 determines that no one is seated in the seat 10 and reduces the rotation speed of the blower 180 compared to when a person is seated in the seat 10.

[0112] The rotational speed of the blower 180 and the third threshold value may be set arbitrarily. This information is stored in advance, for example, in the memory unit 194.

[0113] The output unit 193 is a processing unit that outputs information calculated by the control unit 192. For example, the output unit 193 outputs information such as x calculated by the control unit 192, the temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 131 predetermined according to x, the output of the blower 180, the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature to the notification device 210, thereby notifying the user of this information via the notification device 210.

[0114] The memory unit 194 is a storage device that stores information indicating the conditions such as the threshold values ​​mentioned above. The memory unit 194 can be implemented, for example, by flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

[0115] The information processing unit 190 may also be connected to external devices such as the notification device 210, the human presence sensor 220, the vehicle air conditioning equipment 230, and the vehicle interior temperature sensor 240 in a manner that enables communication with them.

[0116] The notification device 210 is a device that notifies the user of information using sound and / or images. The notification device 210 acquires information from, for example, the information processing unit 190 and outputs sound and / or images corresponding to the acquired information. The notification device 210 is implemented by an amplifier and speaker, and / or a display, etc.

[0117] The motion sensor 220 is a sensor that detects the presence of a person sitting on the seat 10. In other words, the motion sensor 220 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a person is sitting on the seat 10. The acquisition unit 191 acquires, for example, the detection result from the motion sensor 220. The control unit 192 acquires the detection result and, as described above, determines whether or not a person is sitting on the seat 10 based on x. As described above, for example, if x is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the control unit 192 determines that no one is sitting on the seat 10. On the other hand, for example, if x is less than the third threshold, the control unit 192 determines that a person is sitting on the seat 10. If the determination result of whether or not a person is sitting on the seat 10 based on x does not match the detection result of the motion sensor 220, the control unit 192 outputs information indicating that the determination result and the detection result do not match. The output unit 193, for example, outputs the information to the notification device 210, thereby notifying the user of the information via the notification device 210.

[0118] The human presence sensor 220 can be implemented by, for example, an infrared sensor, but it may also be implemented by any component such as a camera.

[0119] The vehicle air conditioning unit 230 is a system (HVAC / Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) that controls the air conditioning inside the vehicle. The vehicle air conditioning unit 230 is connected, for example, to the second air passage 120 and sends air (in this embodiment, cool air with a lower temperature than the air inside the vehicle) to the second air intake 121 of the second air passage 120.

[0120] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning unit 230 includes, for example, an operating unit that receives user input. The operating unit is an input interface mounted on the vehicle and, by receiving user input, receives setting instructions for, for example, the temperature and airflow of the vehicle air conditioning unit 230, and outputs information indicating the received setting instructions to the information processing unit 190. For example, by receiving user input, the operating unit can output the set temperature inside the vehicle and the temperature of the air blown out by the vehicle air conditioning unit 230 to the information processing unit 190. In other words, the information processing unit 190 may acquire information indicating the temperature of the air supplied from the vehicle air conditioning unit 230 to the second air passage 120. Thus, for example, the control unit 192 may use the air conditioning temperature information indicating the temperature of the air blown out by the vehicle air conditioning unit 230 located in the vehicle as the second temperature.

[0121] In this case, for example, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 does not need to be equipped with a second temperature sensor 150.

[0122] Furthermore, the control unit may be implemented by a touch panel display or the like located on the vehicle, or by a smartphone or tablet device or the like.

[0123] The cabin temperature sensor 240 is a sensor (a so-called cabin sensor) that detects the temperature inside the vehicle's cabin. Thus, in vehicles where the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 is installed, a sensor that detects the temperature inside the vehicle's cabin may be pre-installed. In such cases, the control unit 192 may, for example, use the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor 240, which is located inside the vehicle's cabin and detects the temperature inside the cabin, as the first temperature.

[0124] In this case, for example, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 does not need to be equipped with the first temperature sensor 140.

[0125] Although not shown in the figures, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 may also be equipped with a power supply unit that has a power supply circuit to supply power to each component of the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100, such as the blower 180 and the adjustment unit 170, via an information processing unit 190 or the like. For example, the power supply unit is a DC power supply supplied from a battery (not shown). Also, for example, the power supply unit is controlled by the information processing unit 190 to adjust the current supplied to the blower 180 and the adjustment unit 170.

[0126] Furthermore, for example, the information processing unit 190 may have a timing unit such as an RTC (Real Time Clock).

[0127] [Processing Procedure] Next, we will explain the processing procedure performed by the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100.

[0128] <Overview> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0129] First, the control unit 192 determines whether the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 is in operation (S110). For example, the control unit 192 determines whether the adjustment unit 170 and the blower 180 are being driven.

[0130] If the control unit 192 determines that the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 is not in operation (No in S110), it starts operating in standard mode (S120). Standard mode is a mode in which, for example, the control unit 192 controls the adjustment unit 170 and the blower 180 so that when a person of standard build sits on the seat cushion 20, air of a predetermined temperature and volume is blown onto the person from the outlet 131.

[0131] If, after step S120, or in step S110, the control unit 192 determines that the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 is in operation (Yes in S110), the acquisition unit 191 acquires the temperatures inside the first air passage 110, the second air passage 120, and the third air passage 130, i.e., the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature (S130). The acquisition unit 191 may, for example, acquire temperature information indicating the first temperature from the first temperature sensor 140, acquire temperature information indicating the second temperature from the second temperature sensor 150, and acquire temperature information indicating the third temperature from the third temperature sensor 160. The acquisition unit 191 may also acquire temperature information indicating the first temperature from the cabin temperature sensor 240 and temperature information indicating the second temperature from the vehicle air conditioning equipment 230.

[0132] Next, the control unit 192 calculates the airflow ratio (i.e., x as described above) based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature (S140).

[0133] Next, the control unit 192 determines whether x is less than T1 (S150). T1 is an example of the third threshold described above. In other words, the control unit 192 determines whether x is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0134] If the control unit 192 determines that x is not less than T1 (No in S150), that is, if it determines that no one is seated on the seat 10, it operates the blower 180 in energy-saving mode (S160). Energy-saving mode is a mode in which the blower 180 is operated at a low output. For example, in energy-saving mode, the control unit 192 controls the blower 180 to adjust its rotational speed so that it is lower than the predetermined rotational speed described above.

[0135] If the control unit 192 determines that x is less than T1 (Yes in S150), that is, if it determines that a person is seated on seat 10, it determines whether the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is less than Th1 (S170). T2 is an example of the target value described above, and Th1 is an example of the first threshold value described above. In other words, the control unit 192 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between x and the target value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0136] If the control unit 192 determines that the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is not less than Th1 (No in S170), that is, if it determines that the absolute value of the difference between x and the target value is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it calculates the door opening degree at which x becomes the target value (S180). The control unit 192 calculates the door opening degree based, for example, on x and temperature relationship information. For example, if the control unit 192 changes the door opening degree before adjustment in 10% increments, such as 10%, 20%, or 30%, it calculates the door opening degree that is closest to the door opening degree at which x becomes the target value.

[0137] Next, the control unit 192 controls the adjustment unit 170 to adjust the door opening angle so that it matches the calculated door opening angle (S190).

[0138] Next, the control unit 192 controls the blower 180 to adjust its output (e.g., rotational speed) so that the amount of air discharged from the discharge port 131 becomes the target amount (S200).

[0139] On the other hand, if the control unit 192 determines that the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is less than Th1 (Yes in S170), it determines whether the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is less than Th2 (S210). Th2 is an example of the second threshold described above. In other words, the control unit 192 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between x and the target value is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0140] If the control unit 192 determines that the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is not less than Th2 (No in S210), that is, if it determines that the absolute value of the difference between x and the target value is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to the second threshold, it calculates the door opening degree to which x becomes the target value (S220). The control unit 192 calculates the door opening degree based, for example, on x and temperature relationship information. For example, if the control unit 192 changes the door opening degree before adjustment in 1% increments, such as 1%, 2%, or 3%, it calculates the door opening degree that is closest to the door opening degree to which x becomes the target value. Next, the control unit 192 adjusts the door opening degree to the calculated door opening degree by controlling the adjustment unit 170 (S230).

[0141] Furthermore, if the control unit 192 determines that the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is not less than Th2, it does not need to adjust the output of the blower 180.

[0142] On the other hand, if the control unit 192 determines that the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is less than Th2 (Yes in S210), it terminates the process and controls the adjustment unit 170 and the blower 180 to maintain the current state.

[0143] The vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 controls the adjustment unit 170 and the blower 180 to discharge air at a predetermined temperature and volume from the outlet 131 by periodically performing the above-described process, for example, every 10 seconds.

[0144] <Specific example> Next, the specific processing procedure of the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 7. Note that the numerical values ​​shown in the specific examples described below are merely examples and may differ from the actual values ​​used. The numerical values ​​used in this embodiment may be set arbitrarily.

[0145] In the specific example described below, we will use a threshold value of 0.8 for T1, which is the threshold for determining whether a person is seated in seat 10. We will also use a threshold value of 0.5 for T2, which is the target value for the airflow ratio. Furthermore, we will use a threshold value of 0.1 for Th1, which is the threshold for determining if the current airflow ratio is significantly different from the target value. Finally, we will use a threshold value of 0.01 for Th2, which is the threshold for determining if the current airflow ratio has reached the target value.

[0146] First, assume that a person with a larger build than the standard body type is seated on the seat 10 before the vehicle seat air conditioner 100 operates. At this time, for example, assume that the person inputs an instruction to operate the vehicle seat air conditioner 100 to an input device (not shown). When the vehicle seat air conditioner 100 acquires such an instruction, for example, it determines No in step S110 and starts operating in the standard mode in step S120. Here, assume that the control unit 192 controls the adjustment unit 170 and the blower 180 so that the door opening degree is 50% and the blower output is 50%.

[0147] Note that immediately after the blower 180 starts operating, since the temperature of the air in the first ventilation path 110, the second ventilation path 120, and the third ventilation path 130 may not be stable, the information processing unit 190 may wait for a predetermined time such as several tens of seconds from the execution of step S120 until the execution of step S130. The time information indicating such a time may be arbitrarily determined and is, for example, stored in advance in the storage unit 194.

[0148] Next, assume that the acquisition unit 191 acquires temperature information in step S130 where the first temperature (a described above) is 33°C, the second temperature (b described above) is 25°C, and the third temperature (c described above) is 29°C. In this case, the control unit 192 calculates x as 0.25 in step S140.

[0149] Next, since x is smaller than T1 (x = 0.25 < T1 = 0.8), the control unit 192 determines Yes in step S150.

[0150] Next, since the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is larger than Th1 (|x - T2| = 0.25 > Th1 = 0.1), the control unit 192 determines No in step S170.

[0151] Next, in steps S180 to S200, the control unit 192 controls the adjustment unit 170 based on the calculated x, the temperature relationship information shown in FIG. 5, and the output relationship information shown in FIG. 6 to adjust the door opening degree from 50% to 40%, and controls the blower 180 to adjust the blower output from 50% to 70%.

[0152] Next, for example, after 10 seconds, the vehicle seat air conditioner 100 restarts the process from step S110.

[0153] Since the vehicle seat air conditioner 100 is already in operation, the control unit 192 determines Yes in step S110.

[0154] Next, assume that the acquisition unit 191 acquires temperature information in step S130 where the first temperature is 33°C, the second temperature is 25°C, and the third temperature is 28.5°C. In this case, the control unit 192 calculates x as 0.43 in step S140.

[0155] Next, since x is smaller than T1 (x = 0.43 < T1 = 0.8), the control unit 192 determines Yes in step S150.

[0156] Next, since the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is smaller than Th1 (|x - T2| = 0.07 < Th1 = 0.1), the control unit 192 determines Yes in step S170.

[0157] Next, since the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is larger than Th2 (|x - T2| = 0.07 > Th2 = 0.01), the control unit 192 determines No in step S210.

[0158] Next, in steps S220 to S230, the control unit 192 controls the adjustment unit 170 based on the calculated x and the temperature relationship information shown in FIG. 5 to adjust the door opening degree from 40% to 39%. Also, the control unit 192 maintains the blower output at 70%.

[0159] Next, for example, after another 10 seconds, the vehicle seat air conditioner 100 restarts the process from step S110.

[0160] Since the vehicle seat air conditioner 100 is already in operation, the control unit 192 determines Yes in step S110.

[0161] Next, assume that the acquisition unit 191 acquires temperature information in step S130 where the first temperature is 33°C, the second temperature is 25°C, and the third temperature is 29°C. In this case, the control unit 192 calculates x as 0.5 in step S140.

[0162] Next, since x is smaller than T1 (x = 0.5 < T1 = 0.8), the control unit 192 determines Yes in step S150.

[0163] Next, since the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is smaller than Th1 (|x - T2| = 0 < Th1 = 0.1), the control unit 192 determines Yes in step S170.

[0164] Next, since the absolute value of the difference between x and T2 is smaller than Th2 (|x - T2| = 0 > Th2 = 0.01), the control unit 192 determines Yes in step S210. In this case, the control unit 192 maintains the door opening degree at 39% and the blower output at 70%.

[0165] Note that the control unit 192 may correct the temperature relationship information and the output relationship information based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0166] If no one is sitting on the seat 10, the door opening degree and the blower output are set to specific conditions such as a door opening degree of 50% and a blower output of 50%. Then, the value of x becomes a specific value (for example, the third threshold value, which is 0.8 in this embodiment).

[0167] However, if a portion of the first air intake port 111 is blocked due to clogging or other reasons in the sheet 10, x will become a value different from the specific value, even under those specific conditions.

[0168] Therefore, for example, x is calculated for the state where no one is seated on seat 10, and the temperature-related information and output-related information are corrected based on x.

[0169] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the correction of temperature relationship information according to the embodiment. The solid line shown in the graph in Figure 8 represents the uncorrected temperature relationship information, which is the same as the temperature relationship information shown in Figure 5, while the dashed line shown in the graph in Figure 8 represents the corrected temperature relationship information (corrected temperature relationship information) obtained by correcting the uncorrected temperature relationship information.

[0170] First, the control unit 192 determines whether or not predetermined conditions are met, and if it determines that the predetermined conditions are met, it starts a process (correction process) to correct temperature-related information and output-related information.

[0171] The conditions under which the specified conditions are met include, for example, when no one is seated in seat 10, or when a specified person is seated in seat 10.

[0172] The control unit 192, for example, detects when the vehicle's ignition (power) is off, when it detects when the vehicle's doors are open or closed, and when it detects when the vehicle's doors are locked, determines that there are no occupants in the vehicle, that is, when no one is seated in the seat 10. The vehicle may be equipped with various sensors to perform these detections, and the acquisition unit 191 may acquire these detection results from these sensors.

[0173] Alternatively, whether or not a person is seated on seat 10 may be determined based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 220.

[0174] The designated person may be arbitrarily determined in advance and is not particularly limited. The designated person is, for example, a person whose value of x under specific conditions is known in advance, under normal circumstances (specifically, when part of the first air intake port 111 is not blocked by clogging, etc.). For example, the acquisition unit 191 acquires an image of the designated person taken by the camera and stores it in the storage unit 194. The control unit 192 may, for example, determine whether the designated person is seated on the seat 10 based on the image and the results of a camera that photographs a person seated on the seat 10. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 191 may acquire information indicating that the designated person is seated from an input device such as a touch panel that accepts input from the user.

[0175] Furthermore, if the control unit 192 receives an instruction from the user via the input device to start a process to correct temperature-related information and / or output-related information, it may determine that predetermined conditions are met and start the correction process.

[0176] When the control unit 192 determines that predetermined conditions are met, it controls the adjustment unit 170 and the blower 180 so that the door opening and blower output meet specific conditions.

[0177] The specific conditions may be arbitrarily determined in advance and are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the specific conditions are a door opening of 50% and a fan output of 50%. Information indicating these specific conditions is stored in advance, for example, in the memory unit 194.

[0178] The acquisition unit 191 acquires the first temperature, second temperature, and third temperature from the first temperature sensor 140, second temperature sensor 150, and third temperature sensor 160 when the adjustment unit 170 and blower 180 are controlled to meet the specific conditions. The control unit 192 calculates x based on the acquired first temperature, second temperature, and third temperature.

[0179] Here, if x is calculated with no particular clogging or other issues on sheet 10, let's assume that x (airflow ratio) is 0.8, for example, as shown by the solid line in Figure 8 for the uncorrected temperature relationship information "no seating". On the other hand, let's assume that x calculated by the control unit 192 when certain conditions are met is 0.7.

[0180] In this case, for example, the control unit 192 corrects the temperature relationship information so that the door opening when x is 0.8 (70% in the example shown in Figure 8) and the door opening when x is 0.7 are the same (i.e., 70%). For example, the control unit 192 corrects the temperature relationship information shown by the solid line in Figure 8 to the temperature relationship information shown by the dashed line in Figure 8.

[0181] As a result, for example, when x is 0.5, the door opening is calculated as 50% when using the uncorrected temperature relationship information, but as 57% when using the corrected temperature relationship information. Also, for example, when x is 0.25, the door opening is calculated as 40% when using the uncorrected temperature relationship information, but as 47% when using the corrected temperature relationship information. In other words, more air is drawn in from the second air intake port 121 relative to the first air intake port 111 after correction than before correction.

[0182] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the correction of output relationship information according to the embodiment. The solid line shown in the graph in Figure 9 represents the output relationship information before correction, which is the same as the output relationship information shown in Figure 6, and the dashed line shown in the graph in Figure 9 represents the output relationship information after correction of the output relationship information before correction (corrected output relationship information).

[0183] The control unit 192 corrects the output relationship information based on x calculated using the first temperature, second temperature, and third temperature when the adjustment unit 170 and the blower 180 are controlled to meet specific conditions. Specifically, the control unit 192 corrects the output relationship information based on the corrected temperature relationship information determined based on the calculated x.

[0184] For example, the control unit 192 corrects the output relationship information so that, in the output relationship information before correction, where the fan output is calculated to be 50% when the door opening is 50%, the corrected output relationship information is calculated to be 50% when the door opening is 57%. Also, for example, the control unit 192 corrects the output relationship information so that, in the output relationship information before correction, where the fan output is calculated to be 70% when the door opening is 40%, the corrected output relationship information is calculated to be 70% when the door opening is 47%. In other words, for the calculated x, the control unit 192 corrects the output relationship information so that the fan output corresponding to the door opening based on the temperature relationship information before correction is the same as the fan output corresponding to the door opening based on the temperature relationship information after correction.

[0185] As described above, for example, the control unit 192 corrects the temperature relationship information based on the first temperature, second temperature, and third temperature when no one is seated on the seat 10, or when a predetermined person is seated on the seat 10. Also, for example, the control unit 192 corrects the output relationship information based on the first temperature, second temperature, and third temperature when no one is seated on the seat 10, or when a predetermined person is seated on the seat.

[0186] The control unit 192 corrects the temperature relationship information by, for example, selecting one temperature relationship information from among multiple temperature relationship information sets in which the correlation between x and the opening degree is different, based on the first temperature, second temperature, and third temperature. Also, the control unit 192 corrects the output relationship information by, for example, selecting one output relationship information from among multiple output relationship information sets in which the correlation between the rotation speed of the blower 180 (blower output) and the opening degree (door opening degree) is different, based on the first temperature, second temperature, and third temperature. Multiple temperature relationship information sets and multiple output relationship information sets are pre-stored in the storage unit 194, for example, linked to the value of x.

[0187] The control unit 192 may also change the temperature-related information and output-related information stored in the storage unit 194 according to a predetermined calculation method based on the value of x.

[0188] Furthermore, the control unit 192 may calculate x based on the first, second, and third temperatures when no one is seated on the seat 10, and if the calculated x is below the fourth threshold, which is lower than the third threshold, it may notify the notification device 210 that the first air intake port 111 is clogged.

[0189] If the calculated x is too small, it is possible that the seat 10 (specifically, the seat surface 21) is clogged and in poor condition. In such cases, the control unit 192 prompts the user to improve the condition of the seat 10 by, for example, notifying the user via the notification device 210 that the seat 10 is clogged.

[0190] The fourth threshold can be arbitrarily determined in advance and is not particularly limited. For example, the fourth threshold may be set to 0.7. The fourth threshold may also be set as the third threshold minus a predetermined value.

[0191] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 192 may calculate x based on the first temperature, second temperature, and third temperature when no one is seated on the seat 10, and if the calculated x differs from the third threshold (for example, a third threshold such as 0.8 stored in the memory unit 194), it may change the third threshold to the calculated x. This ensures that when the third threshold is used to determine whether or not a person is seated on the seat 10, an appropriate value is set as the third threshold even if, for example, the seat 10 is clogged.

[0192] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment is an air conditioning system used for a seat 10 placed in a vehicle, and includes a first air passage 110 through which air drawn in by a blower 180 from a first air intake port 111 provided on the surface of the seat 10 (in this embodiment, the seat surface 21), which is the surface on the side of the person sitting on the seat 10. It also includes a second air passage 120 through which air drawn in by a blower 180 from a second air intake port 121 provided on a part of the seat 10 other than the surface of the seat 10 (in this embodiment, the lower surface 22), and a third air passage 130 that guides the air led from at least one of the first air passage 110 and the second air passage 120 to a discharge port 131 provided on the surface of the seat back 30 (in this embodiment, the front surface 31), which is the surface on the side of the person sitting on the seat 10.

[0193] In this structure, the degree to which the first air intake 111 is blocked varies depending on how the person sitting on the seat 10 is seated or their physique. Therefore, in a structure where the temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 131 is adjusted by mixing the air drawn in from the first air intake 111 and the air drawn in from the second air intake 121, the temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 131 will vary depending on how the person sitting on the seat 10 is seated or their physique. For example, if a person with a larger physique sits on the seat 10 compared to a person with a standard physique, the airflow from the first air intake 111 decreases, and the air distribution ratio changes.

[0194] Therefore, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 includes an adjustment unit 170 that adjusts the flow rate ratio by adjusting the opening degree of the first connection port 112 and the opening degree of the second connection port 122 (i.e., the door opening degree described above), and a control unit 192. The control unit 192 adjusts the flow rate ratio by adjusting the door opening degree by controlling the adjustment unit 170 based on the first temperature, second temperature, and third temperature.

[0195] According to this, the control unit 192 controls the adjustment unit 170 so that it can adjust the temperature of the air blown onto the person sitting on the seat 10 to an appropriate temperature without detecting the person's sitting position or physique using a camera or the like, and regardless of the person's sitting position or physique. Therefore, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 can provide a comfortable air conditioning environment to the person sitting on the seat 10 while suppressing cost increases.

[0196] For example, the airflow ratio when people of various body types sit on the seat 10 is created as a table or approximate function, and data on the amount of change in the opening of the door 171 (first connection port 112 and second connection port 122) to restore the airflow ratio, and data on the amount of change in the rotation speed of the blower 180 to restore the airflow volume are obtained in advance. The control unit 192 can refer to the data obtained in this way and change the angle of the door 171 and the rotation speed of the blower 180 to restore the airflow volume and airflow ratio to the original values.

[0197] Furthermore, a method of feedback control of the opening and closing amount of door 171 may be employed to achieve the target airflow ratio.

[0198] This makes it possible for anyone sitting in seat 10 to experience a comfortable temperature sensation, regardless of their body type.

[0199] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the amount of air drawn in from the first air intake 111 is expected to vary depending on the physique of the person seated in the seat 10. On the other hand, the amount of air drawn in from the second air intake 121 and the amount of air discharged from the discharge port 131 are expected to vary less depending on the physique of the person seated in the seat 10. Therefore, data showing the airflow ratio when no one is seated in the seat 10 and when a person of standard build is seated in the seat 10 is acquired in advance. As a result, the control unit 192 determines the physique or seating position of the person seated in the seat 10 when calculating the actual airflow ratio, and uses the acquired data to change the rotation speed of the blower 180 and the door opening to maintain the amount and temperature of the air drawn in from the first air intake 111 and the amount and temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 131 in an appropriate state, thereby ensuring comfort. For example, in this embodiment, if the temperature of the air drawn in from the second air intake port 121, such as the air blown out by the vehicle air conditioning unit 230, can be adjusted, the temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 131 can be maintained at an appropriate level.

[0200] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 192 adjusts the door opening degree based on x, the target value, and temperature relationship information. In this embodiment, the control unit 192 adjusts the door opening degree to change by a first amount if the absolute value of the difference between x and the target value is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and controls the adjustment unit 170 to change the door opening degree to a second amount smaller than the first amount if the absolute value is less than the first threshold, or greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0201] If the difference between x and the target value is very large, a large change in the door opening angle at once may cause the door 171 to not be in the correct position, depending on the performance of the actuator 172, potentially resulting in a deviation from the desired door opening angle. Furthermore, if the difference between x and the target value is very large, a large change in the door opening angle may cause a rapid change in the temperature of the air discharged from the outlet 131, potentially causing discomfort to the person seated in the seat 10. Therefore, the control unit 192 adjusts the door opening angle in increments of 10% or 1%, depending on the magnitude of the absolute value, i.e., the difference between x and the target value. This allows for appropriate adjustment of the door opening angle while simultaneously preventing a rapid change in the temperature of the air discharged from the outlet 131, which could cause discomfort to the person seated in the seat 10.

[0202] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 192 adjusts the rotation speed of the blower 180 based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature. For example, if x is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the control unit 192 determines that no one is seated on the seat 10, switches to energy-saving mode, and reduces the rotation speed of the blower 180.

[0203] According to this, for example, when a large volume of air is not needed to discharge from the outlet 131 for purposes such as circulating the air inside the vehicle, it is possible to suppress the unnecessary increase in rotational speed and the resulting increase in power consumption.

[0204] In such cases, the control unit 192 may stop the blower 180.

[0205] Furthermore, if the detection result of the human presence sensor 220 does not match the determination result of whether or not a person is seated on the seat 10 based on x, the control unit 192 may output information indicating that they do not match.

[0206] If the detection result of the human presence sensor 220 and the determination result of the control unit 192 do not match, specifically if the human presence sensor 220 determines that there is no seating (i.e., no one is sitting on the seat 10), but the control unit 192 determines that there is seating (i.e., a person is sitting on the seat 10) based on the airflow ratio, then it is possible that the first air intake 111 is clogged with debris, and air cannot be properly drawn in from the first air intake 111. In such a situation, even if the door opening is adjusted, the temperature and airflow rate of the air discharged from the discharge port 131 may not be at an appropriate level. Therefore, for example, the output unit 193 notifies the user via the notification device 210 that there is a possibility that the first air intake 111 is clogged, as information indicating the mismatch. This allows the user to be prompted to clean the discharge port 131, thereby preventing the temperature and airflow rate of the air discharged from the discharge port 131 from being at an appropriate level.

[0207] (Other variations, etc.) Although the present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0208] For example, at least one of the first air intake port 111 and the second air intake port 121 may be formed in the seat back 30. The second air intake port 121 may also be positioned opposite the HVAC discharge port (for example, a duct in the center console).

[0209] Furthermore, for example, the second air intake 121 may open towards the passenger compartment, similar to the first air intake 111. Also, for example, the first air intake 111 may be connected to the vehicle air conditioning equipment 230.

[0210] Furthermore, for example, the number of the first intake port 111, the second intake port 121, and the discharge port 131 can be one or more, and are arbitrary.

[0211] Furthermore, for example, the adjustment unit 170 may separately include a door for adjusting the opening degree of the first connection port 112 and a door for adjusting the opening degree of the second connection port 122. Also, for example, the mechanism for adjusting the opening degrees of the first connection port 112 and the second connection port 122 may be a throttle valve or the like, instead of a plate body such as a door. With these arrangements, even if the opening degree of one of the first connection port 112 or the second connection port 122 is changed, the opening degree of the other does not change, making it easier to adjust the opening degrees of each with high precision.

[0212] Furthermore, for example, the second air intake 121 may be provided on the rear surface 32 of the seat back 30, which is the surface opposite to the front surface 31, or on the headrest 40, on a surface that does not come into contact with the head of a person seated in the seat 10.

[0213] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 does not necessarily have to include all the components shown in Figure 4. For example, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 does not have to include the first temperature sensor 140. Also, for example, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 does not have to include the second temperature sensor 150.

[0214] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 may have a function to adjust the airflow of the blower 180. In this case, when cooling is in operation, the control unit 192 may adjust the target temperature of the air discharged from the outlet 131 (target discharge temperature) to a lower temperature when the airflow of the blower is set to "high", and may adjust the target discharge temperature to a higher temperature when the airflow of the blower 180 is set to "low".

[0215] Furthermore, for example, an air conditioning system such as an air conditioner capable of providing heating and cooling may be installed separately. In addition, the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 may be able to directly draw in the conditioned air blown out from the said air conditioning system.

[0216] Furthermore, for example, the seat 10 may be equipped with a seat heater. The seat heater is provided in at least one of the seat cushion 20 and seat back 30 of a vehicle, etc., and warms the back, waist, buttocks, thighs, etc., of a person by generating heat. The seat heater heats the seat 10 according to the heating setting and does not heat the seat 10 according to the non-heating setting. The seat heater may have a base material and a heater wire. The base material may be a nonwoven fabric, a fabric-like foamed resin such as urethane, etc., made of a material having elasticity, flexibility and ductility. The heater wire may be a conductive wire that is electrically connected to a control unit 192, etc., for controlling the power supplied to the heater wire, and generates heat with power from a power supply unit controlled by the control unit 192. The control unit 192 may also control the amount of heat generated by the heater wire by turning the current flowing through the heater wire on and off or by changing the current value.

[0217] Furthermore, for example, the second temperature may be higher than the first temperature. For instance, the vehicle air conditioning unit 230 may send air that is warmer than the air inside the vehicle into the second air passage 120.

[0218] Furthermore, the third temperature sensor 160 may be located on the discharge port 131 side of the blower 180, or on the first intake port 111 and second intake port 121 side.

[0219] Furthermore, for example, each processing unit such as the control unit 192 in the vehicle seat air conditioning system 100 is typically implemented as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip.

[0220] Furthermore, integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be achieved using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors, which allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used.

[0221] Each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0222] Furthermore, all figures used above are illustrative examples provided to specifically illustrate this disclosure and are not limited to the figures exemplified in the embodiments described above.

[0223] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0224] Furthermore, the order in which each step in the flowchart is performed is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and may be in a different order. Also, some of the above steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0225] Furthermore, the methods executed by the control unit 192 described above may be used in any combination of one or more options.

[0226] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0227] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0228] <Technology 1> A vehicle seat air conditioning system used in a seat that is installed in a vehicle and has a seat back and seat cushion, The aforementioned sheet includes a built-in blower, A first air passage through which air drawn in by the blower passes, through a first air intake provided on the surface of the seat, which is the side facing the person sitting on the seat; A second air passage through which air drawn in by the blower passes, which is an air intake different from the first air intake and is provided in a location other than the surface of the sheet, A third air passage guides the air introduced from at least one of the first air passage and the second air passage to an outlet provided on the surface of the seat back, which is the side facing the person sitting on the seat, An adjustment unit adjusts the ratio of the airflow rate from the first air passage to the third air passage to the airflow rate from the second air passage to the third air passage by adjusting the opening of a first connection port connecting the first air passage and the third air passage, and a second connection port connecting the second air passage and the third air passage. The system comprises a control unit that controls the blower and the adjustment unit, The control unit adjusts the ratio by controlling the adjustment unit to adjust the opening degree based on the first temperature, which is the temperature in the first air passage; the second temperature, which is the temperature in the second air passage; and the third temperature, which is the temperature in the third air passage. Vehicle seat air conditioning system.

[0229] <Technology 2> The control unit adjusts the ratio based on x calculated by the following formula (1), when the first temperature is a, the second temperature is b, and the third temperature is c. Equation (1) above is x = (cb) / (ab). Vehicle seat air conditioning system as described in Technical 1.

[0230] <Technology 3> The control unit, when the absolute value of the difference between x and the target value is greater than or equal to a first threshold, adjusts the opening degree to change by a first amount based on temperature relationship information indicating the correlation between x and the opening degree, so that x becomes the target value. Vehicle seat air conditioning system as described in Technical 2.

[0231] <Technology 4> The control unit, if the absolute value is less than the first threshold, When the absolute value is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the adjustment unit controls the opening by a second change amount smaller than the first change amount, based on the temperature relationship information, so that x becomes the target value. When the absolute value is less than the second threshold, the adjustment unit is controlled so as not to change the opening. Vehicle seat air conditioning system as described in Technical 3.

[0232] <Technology 5> The control unit, The detection result of the human presence sensor for detecting whether or not the person is seated on the seat is obtained, Based on the above x, it is determined whether or not the person is seated in the seat. If the determination result of whether or not the person is seated on the sheet based on x does not match the detection result, information indicating that the determination result and the detection result do not match is output. A vehicle seat air conditioning system described in any one of the technologies 2 to 4.

[0233] <Technology 6> The control unit, Based on the above x, it is determined whether or not the person is seated in the seat. If it is determined that the person is seated on the seat, the rotation speed of the blower is adjusted to a predetermined rotation speed. If it is determined that no person is seated on the seat, the rotation speed of the blower is adjusted to be less than the predetermined rotation speed. A vehicle seat air conditioning system described in any one of the technologies 2 to 5.

[0234] <Technology 7> The control unit, If x is equal to or greater than the third threshold, it is determined that the person is not seated on the seat. If x is less than the third threshold, it is determined that the person is seated on the seat. A vehicle seat air conditioning system as described in Technical 5 or 6.

[0235] <Technology 8> The control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the blower by controlling the blower based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature. A vehicle seat air conditioning system described in any one of the technologies 1 to 7.

[0236] <Technology 9> The control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the blower based on output relationship information showing the correlation between the rotation speed of the blower and the opening degree. A vehicle seat air conditioning system described in any one of the technologies 1 to 8.

[0237] <Technology 10> The third temperature sensor for detecting the third temperature is provided in the third ventilation passage. A vehicle seat air conditioning system described in any one of the technologies 1 to 9.

[0238] <Technology 11> The first temperature sensor for detecting the first temperature is provided in the first ventilation passage. A vehicle seat air conditioning system described in any one of the technologies 1 to 10.

[0239] <Technology 12> The control unit is located inside the vehicle's passenger compartment and uses the temperature detected by the passenger compartment temperature sensor, which detects the temperature inside the passenger compartment, as the first temperature. A vehicle seat air conditioning system described in any one of the technologies 1 to 11.

[0240] <Technology 13> The second temperature sensor for detecting the second temperature is provided in the second ventilation passage. A vehicle seat air conditioning system described in any one of the technologies 1 to 12.

[0241] <Technology 14> The control unit uses the air conditioning temperature information, which indicates the temperature of the air blown out by the vehicle air conditioning equipment installed in the vehicle, as the second temperature. A vehicle seat air conditioning system described in any one of the technologies 1 to 13.

[0242] <Technology 15> The control unit corrects the temperature relationship information based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the seat is not occupied by a person, or when a predetermined person is occupied by a person. A vehicle seat air conditioning system as described in Technical 3 or 4.

[0243] <Technology 16> The control unit corrects the output relationship information based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the seat is not occupied by a person, or when a predetermined person is occupied by a person. Vehicle seat air conditioning system as described in Technical 9.

[0244] <Technology 17> The control unit calculates x based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the person is not seated on the seat. If the calculated x is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, which is lower than the third threshold, the notification unit is instructed to notify the notification unit that the first air intake port is clogged. Vehicle seat air conditioning system as described in Technical 7.

[0245] <Technology 18> The control unit calculates x based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the person is not seated on the seat. If the calculated x differs from the third threshold, the third threshold is changed to the calculated x. Vehicle seat air conditioning system as described in Technical 7. [Industrial applicability]

[0246] This disclosure can be used, for example, in a device that controls the air conditioning for a person seated in a seat located in a vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0247] 10 sheets 20 Seat Cushions 21 Seat 22 Bottom side 30 Seatback 31 Front 32 Rear 40 headrests 100 Vehicle seat air conditioning system 110 1st ventilation duct 111 First air intake 112 First connection port 120 2nd ventilation duct 121 Second air intake 122 Second connection port 130 3rd ventilation duct 131 Discharge port 140 First temperature sensor 150 Second temperature sensor 160 Third temperature sensor 170 Adjustment section 171 doors 172 Actuators 180 Blower 190 Information Processing Department 190A ECU 191 Acquisition Department 192 Control Unit 193 Output section 194 Memory section 210 Notification device 220 motion sensors 230 Vehicle air conditioning equipment 240 Interior Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. A vehicle seat air conditioning system used in a seat that is installed in a vehicle and has a seat back and seat cushion, The aforementioned sheet includes a built-in blower, A first air passage through which air drawn in by the blower passes, through a first air intake port provided on the surface of the seat, which is the side facing the person sitting on the seat; A second air passage through which air drawn in by the blower passes, which is an air intake different from the first air intake and is provided in a location other than the surface of the sheet, A third air passage guides the air introduced from at least one of the first air passage and the second air passage to an outlet provided on the surface of the seat back, which is the side facing the person sitting on the seat, An adjustment unit adjusts the ratio of the airflow rate from the first air passage to the third air passage to the airflow rate from the second air passage to the third air passage by adjusting the opening of a first connection port connecting the first air passage and the third air passage, and a second connection port connecting the second air passage and the third air passage. The system comprises a control unit that controls the blower and the adjustment unit, The control unit adjusts the ratio by controlling the adjustment unit to adjust the opening degree based on the first temperature, which is the temperature in the first air passage; the second temperature, which is the temperature in the second air passage; and the third temperature, which is the temperature in the third air passage. Vehicle seat air conditioning system.

2. The control unit adjusts the ratio based on x calculated by the following formula (1), when the first temperature is a, the second temperature is b, and the third temperature is c. The above equation (1) is x = (c - b) / (a ​​- b). Vehicle seat air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. If the absolute value of the difference between x and the target value is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the control unit adjusts the opening degree to change by a first amount based on temperature relationship information indicating the correlation between x and the opening degree, so that x becomes the target value. The vehicle seat air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, if the absolute value is less than the first threshold, When the absolute value is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the adjustment unit controls the opening by a second change amount smaller than the first change amount, based on the temperature relationship information, so that x becomes the target value. When the absolute value is less than the second threshold, the adjustment unit is controlled so as not to change the opening. Vehicle seat air conditioning system according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, The detection result of the human presence sensor for detecting whether or not the person is seated on the seat is obtained, Based on the above x, it is determined whether or not the person is seated on the seat. If the determination result of whether or not the person is seated on the sheet based on x does not match the detection result, information indicating that the determination result and the detection result do not match is output. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The control unit, Based on the above x, it is determined whether or not the person is seated on the seat. If it is determined that the person is seated on the seat, the rotation speed of the blower is adjusted to a predetermined rotation speed. If it is determined that no person is seated on the seat, the rotation speed of the blower is adjusted to be less than the predetermined rotation speed. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. The control unit, If x is equal to or greater than the third threshold, it is determined that the person is not seated on the seat. If x is less than the third threshold, it is determined that the person is seated on the seat. Vehicle seat air conditioning system according to claim 5.

8. The control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the blower by controlling the blower based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the blower based on output relationship information showing the correlation between the rotation speed of the blower and the opening degree. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The third temperature sensor for detecting the third temperature is provided in the third ventilation passage. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. The first temperature sensor for detecting the first temperature is provided in the first ventilation passage. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

12. The control unit is located inside the vehicle's passenger compartment and uses the temperature detected by the passenger compartment temperature sensor, which detects the temperature inside the passenger compartment, as the first temperature. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

13. The second temperature sensor for detecting the second temperature is provided in the second ventilation passage. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

14. The control unit uses the air conditioning temperature information, which indicates the temperature of the air blown out by the vehicle air conditioning equipment installed in the vehicle, as the second temperature. A vehicle seat air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

15. The control unit corrects the temperature relationship information based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the seat is not occupied by a person, or when a predetermined person is occupied by a person. Vehicle seat air conditioning system according to claim 3 or 4.

16. The control unit corrects the output relationship information based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the seat is not occupied by a person, or when a predetermined person is occupied by a person. Vehicle seat air conditioning device according to claim 9.

17. The control unit calculates x based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the person is not seated on the seat. If the calculated x is below the fourth threshold, which is lower than the third threshold, the notification device will be notified that the sheet is clogged. Vehicle seat air conditioning device according to claim 7.

18. The control unit calculates x based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature when the person is not seated on the seat. If the calculated x differs from the third threshold, the third threshold is changed to the calculated x. Vehicle seat air conditioning device according to claim 7.

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