Seat air conditioning system

Abstract

A seat air-conditioning device (40) is provided in a seat (1) having a seatback (20) and a headrest (30) which can be raised or lowered and which is mounted on the upper part of the seatback (20). The seat air-conditioning device (40) comprises: a blower (41) built into the seat (1); a first outlet (211) and a second outlet (212) formed in the seatback (20) so that air blown from the blower (41) is discharged from the seatback (20); and the headrest (30). The second outlet (212) is disposed below the first outlet (211), and the first outlet (211) is opened or closed in conjunction with an operation of raising or lowering the headrest (30).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a seat air conditioner that blows air to a user sitting on a seat, a plurality of air vents for blowing air to the user are arranged at different positions on the seat (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, users with different physiques may sit on the seat, but there is a possibility that the blown air discharged from each air vent may not hit an appropriate position for some users.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a seat air conditioner that can blow air to an appropriate position for users with different physiques.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A seat air conditioner according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a seat air conditioner provided in a seat having a seat back and an elevating headrest attached to an upper portion of the seat back, the seat air conditioner including a blower built in the seat, and first and second discharge ports formed in the seat back for discharging air blown from the blower, the second discharge port being disposed below the first discharge port, and the first discharge port being opened and closed in conjunction with an elevating operation of the headrest.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the air conditioning system of this disclosure, it is possible to deliver air to appropriate locations for users of different body types. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a seat having a seat air conditioning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back and headrest in the open state according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back and headrest in a closed state according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a large user seated in the seat in the open state according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a small user seated in the seat in a closed state according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back and headrest in the open state according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back and headrest in a closed state according to Modification 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back and headrest according to Modification 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back and headrest according to Modification 3. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing other installation locations for the active ingredient generator according to Modification Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A seat air conditioning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a seat air conditioning device provided in a seat having a seat back and a headrest that is movable up and down attached to the upper part of the seat back, comprising a blower built into the seat and a first discharge port and a second discharge port formed in the seat back for discharging air blown from the blower from the seat back, wherein the second discharge port is positioned below the first discharge port and the first discharge port opens and closes in conjunction with the raising and lowering operation of the headrest.

[0010] Here, the height-adjustable headrest is designed to adjust its vertical position to suit the user's physique. For example, for a large user, the headrest is positioned at the top of the height-adjustable range, while for a small user, it is positioned at the bottom of the height-adjustable range. In this embodiment, the first discharge port, located above the second discharge port, opens and closes in conjunction with the height-adjustable movement of the headrest. In other words, the open / closed state of the first discharge port can be switched between large and small users, making it possible to deliver air to the appropriate position for users of different physiques.

[0011] Furthermore, the headrest may be positioned higher when the first discharge port is open than when the first discharge port is closed.

[0012] According to this, when the headrest opens the first outlet, it is positioned higher than when the first outlet is closed. Therefore, for taller users with the headrest positioned higher, the first outlet can be opened, and for shorter users with the headrest positioned lower, the first outlet can be closed.

[0013] For example, when the installation position of the second air outlet is appropriately set for a petite user, if air is blown from the first air outlet above the second air outlet, it will disrupt the hair of the petite user and cause discomfort. In the case of a petite user, the headrest is arranged at a lower position and the first air outlet is blocked, so air is not blown from the first air outlet to the petite user. Therefore, the discomfort felt by the petite user can be suppressed.

[0014] On the other hand, if the installation position of the first air outlet is appropriately set for a large-built user, when the headrest is arranged at a higher position, the first air outlet will be opened and appropriate air blowing will be performed from the first air outlet toward the large-built user. At this time, since the second air outlet is blocked by the back of the large-built user, it is difficult to give discomfort to the large-built user.

[0015] By these means, it is possible to suppress the discomfort experienced by users with different body builds.

[0016] Also, a plurality of the first air outlets may be provided side by side in the horizontal direction when the seat back is viewed from the front.

[0017] According to this, since a plurality of the first air outlets are provided side by side in the horizontal direction, air can be blown from both the left and right sides to the neck of the large-built user. Since blood vessels are concentrated in the neck, it is possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of the blood vessels by blowing air to both the left and right sides of the neck.

[0018] Also, a plurality of the second air outlets may be provided side by side in the horizontal direction when the seat back is viewed from the front.

[0019] According to this, since a plurality of the second air outlets are provided side by side in the horizontal direction, air can be blown from both the left and right sides to the neck of the petite user. Since blood vessels are concentrated in the neck, it is possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of the blood vessels by blowing air to both the left and right sides of the neck.

[0020] Furthermore, the headrest may be provided with an opening / closing mechanism that closes the second discharge port when the first discharge port is open.

[0021] According to this, the headrest is provided with an opening / closing mechanism that closes the second outlet when the first outlet is open. Therefore, air can be blown from the first outlet while the second outlet is closed by the opening / closing mechanism. Consequently, concentrated airflow can be achieved from the first outlet.

[0022] Furthermore, the headrest may have a headrest stay that is inserted into the upper part of the seat back, and the opening and closing part may be attached to the headrest stay.

[0023] According to this design, since the opening and closing mechanism is attached to the headrest support of the headrest, the mechanism can be operated in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the headrest. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently open and close the second discharge port.

[0024] Furthermore, the headrest stay may be positioned so as not to overlap the second discharge port when the first discharge port is closed by the opening / closing mechanism, when the seat back is viewed from the front.

[0025] According to this, when the first outlet is blocked by the opening / closing mechanism, the headrest stay is positioned so as not to overlap with the second outlet, making it possible to stably blow air from the second outlet when the first outlet is blocked.

[0026] The headrest stay may be positioned so as not to overlap the first discharge port when the first discharge port is open, when the seat back is viewed from the front.

[0027] According to this, when the first outlet is open, the headrest stay is positioned so as not to overlap with the first outlet, thus preventing the headrest stay from obstructing the airflow from the first outlet.

[0028] Furthermore, the lower end of the main body of the headrest may be shaped to block the first discharge port when the headrest closes the first discharge port, and to be exposed to the air discharged from the first discharge port when the headrest opens the first discharge port.

[0029] According to this design, the lower end of the headrest body is shaped to block the first outlet when the headrest is blocking it, thus blocking the airflow from the first outlet. Also, the lower end of the body is shaped to be in contact with the airflow from the first outlet when the headrest is opening it, so this lower end can change the direction of some of the airflow from the first outlet. For example, it is possible to direct the airflow towards the neck of a large user while preventing the air from directly hitting their head (hair). In other words, it is possible to reduce the discomfort of having one's hair disturbed while improving cooling for the neck.

[0030] Furthermore, the seat back has an outer surface on which the first discharge port is formed, and the lower end has a facing surface opposite to the first discharge port. The first distance between the lower part of the outer surface below the first discharge port and the facing surface may be greater than the second distance between the upper part of the outer surface above the first discharge port and the facing surface.

[0031] According to this, since the first interval is larger than the second interval, when the headrest does not completely block the first outlet, the air discharged from the first outlet and hitting the lower part of the headrest body can be more easily directed downwards from the first outlet. This air flows downwards and merges with the air discharged from the second outlet. In other words, the combined air also flows downwards to some extent. Therefore, the air can be directed towards the neck of a small user.

[0032] Furthermore, the sheet may have an active ingredient generator located at a position connected to the first and second discharge ports.

[0033] According to this, since the active ingredient generator is installed at a position connected to the first and second discharge ports, the active ingredient generated by the generator can be discharged from the first and second discharge ports by airflow. Therefore, the active ingredient can be applied to the user.

[0034] Furthermore, the seat back is provided with guide passages that direct the air from the blower to the first and second discharge ports, and the active ingredient generator may be positioned in these guide passages.

[0035] According to this, since the active ingredient generator is located in the guide path, the active ingredient can be incorporated into the air discharged from both the first and second discharge ports using a single active ingredient generator.

[0036] The active ingredient generator may be located near the first discharge port and the second discharge port.

[0037] According to this design, since the active ingredient generator is positioned near the first and second discharge ports, the active ingredient generated by the generator can be incorporated into the air discharged from both the first and second discharge ports immediately after its generation. Therefore, the active ingredient can be applied to the user before it deteriorates.

[0038] (Embodiment) The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim are described as optional components. The figures are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strictly accurate. In each figure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0039] Expressions indicating relative directions or orientations, such as parallel and orthogonal, can, strictly speaking, include cases where the direction or orientation is not exactly that. For example, two directions being orthogonal does not only mean that the two directions are perfectly orthogonal, but also that they are substantially orthogonal, meaning that there may be a difference of, for example, a few percent.

[0040] 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. Furthermore, the left-to-right direction of the seat, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis directions, is referred to as the Y-axis direction. The XY plane is a horizontal plane. Also, the front side of the seat is referred to as the positive X-axis direction, and the rear side of the seat is referred to as the negative X-axis direction. The left side of the seat (the front right side in Figure 1) is referred to as the positive Y-axis direction, and the opposite side is referred to as the negative Y-axis direction. The right side is the right side of the user relative to the direction of vehicle travel when the user is seated on the seat, and is the negative Y-axis direction. The left side is the left side of the user relative to the direction of vehicle travel when the user is seated on the seat, and is the positive Y-axis direction. The top side of the seat is referred to as the positive Z-axis direction, and the bottom side of the seat is referred to as the negative Z-axis direction. The same applies in Figure 2 and beyond.

[0041] <Sheet> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a seat 1 having a seat air conditioning unit 40 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the seat 1 is, for example, a seat installed in a vehicle, and comprises a seat portion 10, a seat back 20, a headrest 30, and a seat air conditioning unit 40.

[0042] The seat portion 10 is a seat cushion that supports the buttocks and thighs of the user sitting on the seat 1. The seat portion 10 has a first seat pad 11 which corresponds to a cushioning material, and a first seat cover 12 which covers the first seat pad 11, for example, a leather cover or a fiber cover. The first seat pad 11 has a recess formed therein, and a blower 41 which is part of the seat air conditioning unit 40 is housed in the recess. Although not shown, the first seat pad 11 has an intake passage (not shown) connecting the outside of the first seat pad 11 to the blower 41, and when the blower 41 is driven, air is drawn in from the intake passage. In this embodiment, the intake passage is connected to an air conditioning unit (not shown) installed in the vehicle, and warm and cold air supplied from the air conditioning unit is transmitted to the blower 41 via the intake passage. The blower 41 itself may also have an air conditioning function. Furthermore, the first seat pad 11 has a first guide path 13 formed therein that guides the air blown from the blower 41 to the seat back 20.

[0043] The seat back 20 is a backrest that supports the shoulders, back, and waist of a user seated on the seat 1. The seat back 20 is elongated along the Z-axis and is positioned to rise up relative to the seat 10. The seat back 20 has a second seat pad 21 which corresponds to a cushioning material, and a second seat cover 22 which covers the second seat pad 21, such as a leather cover or a textile cover.

[0044] The second seat pad 21 is made of, for example, urethane foam, and its lower end has a configuration that allows for adjustment of the backrest angle. The upper front surface of the second seat pad 21 is provided with a pair of first discharge ports 211 and a pair of second discharge ports 212 located below the first discharge ports 211. The pair of first discharge ports 211 and the pair of second discharge ports 212 may be covered by the second seat cover 22 in a breathable manner, or they may be exposed from the second seat cover 22. Details of the pair of first discharge ports 211 and the pair of second discharge ports 212 will be described later.

[0045] A pair of mounting holes 25 (only one is shown in Figure 1) are provided on the upper part of the second seat pad 21, above the pair of first discharge ports 211. The pair of mounting holes 25 are holes to which the headrest stays 32 of the headrest 30 are attached, and they extend along the Z-axis direction. The pair of mounting holes 25 are positioned on either side of the center of the second seat pad 21 in the Y-axis direction. The pair of mounting holes 25 are exposed from the second seat cover 22.

[0046] The second sheet pad 21 has a second guide path 23 formed therein that guides the air that has passed through the first guide path 13 of the first sheet pad 11 to each first discharge port 211 and each second discharge port 212. Specifically, the base end of the second guide path 23 is in communication with the first guide path 13 of the first sheet pad, and it branches into two midway, with one branch extending to one first discharge port 211 and one second discharge port 212, and the other branch extending to the other first discharge port 211 and the other second discharge port 212.

[0047] The headrest 30 is mounted on the upper part of the seat back 20 so as to be able to move up and down, and its height can be adjusted. Specifically, the headrest 30 has a main body 31 and a pair of headrest stays 32. The main body 31 is the part that supports the head of the user seated in the seat 1 from behind. The lower surface 311 of the main body 31 is curved to conform to the shape of the upper surface of the seat back 20. When the main body 31 is positioned at its lowest position due to height adjustment, the lower surface 311 of the main body 31 overlaps with the upper surface of the seat back 20, covering and closing each of the first discharge ports 211.

[0048] Furthermore, the lower end portion 33 of the main body portion 31 may be shaped to block the first discharge port 211 when the headrest 30 closes the first discharge port 211, and to be in contact with the air discharged from the first discharge port 211 when the headrest 30 opens the first discharge port 211. As mentioned above, the lower surface 311, which is part of the lower end portion 33 of the main body portion 31, is curved to match the shape of the upper surface of the seat back 20. In other words, the lower end portion 33 has a shape that protrudes downward, and the lower surface 311 is an inclined surface that moves in the Z-axis minus direction as it moves in the X-axis plus direction. When the main body portion 31 opens the first discharge port 211, if the lower end portion 33 is positioned to be in contact with the air discharged from the first discharge port 211, it is possible to change the direction of the airflow by having the air from the first discharge port 211 hit the lower end portion 33.

[0049] The pair of headrest stays 32 are rods that extend downward from the lower part of the main body 31 and are inserted into the pair of mounting holes 25 of the second seat pad 21. The insertion length of each headrest stay 32 into each mounting hole 25 can be changed in stages, and at each stage, it is locked into a locking device provided on the second seat pad 21, thereby fixing its vertical position. In other words, the vertical position of the main body 31 can also be fixed in stages. Each first discharge port 211 can be opened and closed in conjunction with raising and lowering the headrest 30. The state in which each first discharge port 211 is open is called the open state, and the state in which each first discharge port 211 is closed is called the closed state.

[0050] <Seat air conditioning system> Next, a seat air conditioning device 40 according to an embodiment will be described. The seat air conditioning device 40 includes the blower 41 described above, a first discharge port 211, a second discharge port 212, and a headrest 30, and the first discharge port 211 is opened and closed in conjunction with the raising and lowering operation of the headrest 30.

[0051] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back 20 and headrest 30 in the open state according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back 20 and headrest 30 in the closed state according to the embodiment. Figures 2(a) and 3(a) are front views of the seat back 20 and headrest 30. A front view is a view of the seat back 20 and headrest 30 from the direction of the positive X axis. In other words, viewing the seat back 20 and headrest 30 from the front corresponds to viewing them from the direction of the positive X axis. Figure 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of the cross-section including the line IIb-IIb in Figure 2(a). Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the cross-section including the line IIIb-IIIb in Figure 3(a).

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pair of first discharge ports 211 are positioned along the Y-axis (horizontal direction) on either side of the center of the second sheet pad 21 in the Y-axis direction. In a cross-sectional view, each first discharge port 211 is formed with an inclination that moves toward the Z-axis plus direction as it moves toward the X-axis plus direction.

[0053] The pair of second discharge ports 212 are positioned below the pair of first discharge ports 211 and are aligned along the Y-axis (horizontal direction) at positions that straddle the center of the second sheet pad 21 in the Y-axis direction. In cross-sectional view, each second discharge port 212 is formed parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0054] In a front view, one first discharge port 211 and one second discharge port 212 are positioned approximately at the same location in the Y-axis direction, and the other first discharge port 211 and the other second discharge port 212 are positioned approximately at the same location in the Y-axis direction.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, in the open state, the main body 31 of the headrest 30 is located higher than in the closed state, and the main body 31 does not cover the pair of first discharge ports 211, leaving them open.

[0056] Figure 4 shows the open state according to the embodiment with a large user seated on the seat 1. As shown in Figure 4, the pair of first discharge ports 211 are exposed when a large user is seated and are positioned to blow air toward the vicinity of the user's neck. As a result, the air from the pair of first discharge ports 211 flows in a direction that surrounds the large user's neck. On the other hand, the pair of second discharge ports 212 are positioned to be blocked by the back of the large user when the user is seated.

[0057] At this time, the air discharged from each first outlet 211 travels toward the user with a certain spread. As a result, a portion of the air hits the lower end 33 of the main body 31, changing the direction of that portion of the air. Specifically, a portion of the air hitting the lower end 33 becomes a flow toward the neck of a large user (see arrow Y1 in Figure 4).

[0058] Figure 5 shows the state in which a small user is seated on the seat 1 in the closed state according to the embodiment. In this case, the main body 31 of the headrest 30 is located lower than in the open state, and the main body 31 covers and closes the pair of first outlets 211. The pair of second outlets 212 are positioned above the shoulders of a user when a smaller user is seated compared to a larger user. In other words, the pair of second outlets 212 are exposed when a small user is seated and are positioned to blow air toward the vicinity of the user's neck. As a result, the air from the pair of second outlets 212 flows in a direction that surrounds the neck of the small user.

[0059] <Effects> As described above, the seat air conditioning device according to the embodiment is a seat air conditioning device 40 provided in a seat 1 having a seat back 20 and a vertically adjustable headrest 30 attached to the upper part of the seat back 20. The seat air conditioning device 40 includes a blower 41 built into the seat 1, a first discharge port 211 and a second discharge port 212 formed in the seat back 20 for discharging air blown from the blower 41 from the seat back 20, and a headrest 30. The second discharge port 212 is located below the first discharge port 211, and the first discharge port 211 opens and closes in conjunction with the vertical movement of the headrest 30.

[0060] Here, the height-adjustable headrest 30 is designed to adjust its vertical position according to the user's physique. For example, for a large user, the headrest 30 is positioned at the top of the height-adjustable range, and for a small user, the headrest 30 is positioned at the bottom of the height-adjustable range. In this embodiment, the first discharge port 211, which is above the second discharge port 212, is opened and closed in conjunction with the height-adjustable movement of the headrest. In other words, the open and closed state of the first discharge port 211 can be switched between a large user and a small user, making it possible to blow air to the appropriate position for users with different physiques.

[0061] Furthermore, when the first discharge port 211 is open, the headrest 30 is positioned higher than when the first discharge port 211 is closed.

[0062] According to this, when the headrest 30 opens the first discharge port 211, it is positioned higher than when the first discharge port 211 is closed. Therefore, for taller users where the headrest 30 is positioned higher, the first discharge port 211 can be opened, and for shorter users where the headrest 30 is positioned lower, the first discharge port 211 can be closed.

[0063] For example, if the installation location of the second outlet 212 is appropriately set for a small user, if air is blown from the first outlet 211, which is above the second outlet 212, it will mess up the small user's hair and cause discomfort. In the case of a small user, the headrest 30 is positioned low and the first outlet 211 is blocked, so air is not blown from the first outlet 211 to the small user. Therefore, discomfort experienced by a small user can be suppressed.

[0064] On the other hand, if the location of the first outlet 211 is appropriately set for a large user, when the headrest 30 is positioned high, the first outlet 211 opens, and appropriate airflow is provided from the first outlet 211 towards the large user. At this time, the second outlet 212 is blocked by the large user's back, so it is less likely to cause discomfort to the large user.

[0065] These measures make it possible to mitigate discomfort experienced by users with different body types.

[0066] Furthermore, multiple first discharge ports 211 are provided, arranged horizontally when viewed from the front of the seat back 20.

[0067] According to this design, since multiple first outlets 211 are arranged horizontally, air can be blown from both the left and right sides of a large user's neck. Because blood vessels are concentrated in the neck, blowing air from both sides of the neck makes it possible to efficiently regulate the temperature of the blood vessels.

[0068] Furthermore, multiple second discharge ports 212 are provided, arranged horizontally when viewed from the front of the seat back 20.

[0069] According to this design, since multiple second outlets 212 are arranged horizontally, air can be blown from both the left and right sides of a small user's neck. Because blood vessels are concentrated in the neck, blowing air from both sides of the neck makes it possible to efficiently regulate the temperature of the blood vessels.

[0070] Furthermore, the lower end portion 33 of the main body portion 31 of the headrest 30 is shaped to block the first discharge port 211 when the headrest 30 closes the first discharge port 211, and to be exposed to the air discharged from the first discharge port 211 when the headrest 30 opens the first discharge port 211.

[0071] According to this, the lower end portion 33 of the main body portion 31 of the headrest 30 is shaped to block the first discharge port 211 when the headrest 30 closes the first discharge port 211, so this lower end portion 33 can block the airflow from the first discharge port 211. Also, the lower end portion 33 of the main body portion 31 is shaped to be in contact with the airflow discharged from the first discharge port 211 when the headrest 30 opens the first discharge port 211, so this lower end portion 33 can change the direction of some of the airflow discharged from the first discharge port 211. For example, it is possible to direct the airflow towards the neck of a large user while suppressing the airflow from directly hitting the head (hair) of that user. In other words, it is possible to improve cooling to the neck while reducing the discomfort of having one's hair disturbed.

[0072] <Variation> Modifications of the above embodiment will be described below. In the following description, parts identical to those in the above embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0073] (Variation 1) Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back 20 and headrest 30 in the open state according to Modification 1. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back 20 and headrest 30 in the closed state according to Modification 1. Figures 6(a) and 7(a) are front views of the seat back 20 and headrest 30. Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the cross-section including the VIb-VIb line in Figure 6(a). Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the cross-section including the VIIb-VIIb line in Figure 7(a).

[0074] Modification 1 differs from the above embodiment in that an opening / closing section 35a is provided on the headrest 30a for opening and closing the second discharge port 212 when the first discharge port 211 is open. In the headrest 30a according to Modification 1, the opening / closing section 35a is fixed to the lower part of a pair of headrest stays 32a. The opening / closing section 35a is a long flat plate in the Y-axis direction and is formed to a size that can close the pair of second discharge ports 212. In addition, a curved section 36a that curves outward is formed in the middle part of the pair of headrest stays 32a.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6, in the open state, the opening / closing section 35a is positioned to cover and close the pair of second discharge ports 212. Also, in the open state, the curved section 36a is positioned between each first discharge port 211 and each second discharge port 212. In the open state, each headrest stay 32a does not overlap the first discharge port 211.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, in the closed state, the opening / closing section 35a is positioned below the pair of second discharge ports 212. Also, in the closed state, the curved section 36a is positioned to correspond to the pair of second discharge ports 212, but the curved section 36a is positioned so as not to overlap with each of the second discharge ports 212. Therefore, each of the second discharge ports 212 remains open.

[0077] As described above, the headrest 30a is provided with an opening / closing section 35a that closes the second discharge port 212 when the first discharge port 211 is open.

[0078] According to this, the headrest 30a is provided with an opening / closing mechanism that closes the second discharge port 212 when the first discharge port 211 is open. Therefore, air can be blown from the first discharge port 211 while the second discharge port 212 is closed by the opening / closing mechanism 35a. Consequently, concentrated air can be blown from the first discharge port 211.

[0079] Furthermore, the headrest 30a has a headrest stay 32a that is inserted into the upper part of the seat back 20, and an opening / closing part 35a is attached to the headrest stay 32a.

[0080] According to this, since the opening / closing part 35a is attached to the headrest stay 32a of the headrest 30a, the opening / closing part 35a can be operated in conjunction with the raising and lowering movement of the headrest 30a. Therefore, it is possible to open and close the second discharge port 212 efficiently.

[0081] Furthermore, when the first discharge port 211 is closed by the opening / closing part 35a, the headrest stay 32a is positioned so as not to overlap with the second discharge port 212 when viewed from the front of the seat back 20.

[0082] According to this, when the first discharge port 211 is closed by the opening / closing part 35a, the headrest stay 32a is positioned so as not to overlap with the second discharge port 212, making it possible to stably blow air from the second discharge port 212 when the first discharge port 211 is closed.

[0083] In this case, the headrest stay 32a does not need to be positioned so as not to completely overlap the second outlet 212 when viewed from the front of the seat back 20. If the headrest stay 32a exposes a portion of the second outlet 212, air can be blown from that portion.

[0084] Furthermore, when the first discharge port 211 is open, the headrest stay 32a is positioned so as not to overlap with the first discharge port 211 when viewed from the front of the seat back 20.

[0085] According to this, when the first discharge port 211 is open, the headrest stay 32a is positioned so as not to overlap with the first discharge port 211, thereby preventing the headrest stay 32a from obstructing the airflow from the first discharge port 211.

[0086] In this case, the headrest stay 32a does not need to be positioned so as not to completely overlap the first outlet 211 when viewed from the front of the seat back 20. If the headrest stay 32a exposes a portion of the first outlet 211, air can be blown from that portion.

[0087] (Modification 2) Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat back 20 and headrest 30b according to Modification 2. Figure 8(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the headrest 30b does not completely block the first discharge port 211. Figure 8(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the seat back 20 and headrest 30b.

[0088] As shown in Figure 8, the lower surface 311b, which is part of the lower end 33 of the headrest 30b, faces the outer surface 213 on the seat back 20 where the first discharge port 211 is formed. In other words, the lower surface 311b is an example of a facing surface. Here, the first distance H1 between the lower part of the outer surface 213 below the first discharge port 211 and the lower surface 311b is greater than the second distance H2 between the upper part of the outer surface 213 above the first discharge port 211 and the lower surface 311b.

[0089] Thus, since the first interval H1 is larger than the second interval H2, when the headrest 30b does not completely block the first outlet 211, the air discharged from the first outlet 211 and hitting the lower end 33 of the main body 31 of the headrest 30b can be made to flow more easily in a direction lower than the first outlet 211. This air flows downward and merges with the air discharged from the second outlet 212. In other words, the air after merging also flows downward to some extent. Therefore, the air can be directed towards the neck of a small user.

[0090] (Variation 3) Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a seat back 20c and headrest 30 according to Modification 3. As shown in Figure 9, the seat back 20c incorporates an active ingredient generator 50, which is part of the seat air conditioning system. The active ingredient generator 50 is a device that generates an active ingredient. The "active ingredient" in this disclosure can be any ingredient that can achieve at least one of the following: virus inactivation, sterilization, deodorization, moisturizing, and freshness preservation. Examples of active ingredients include charged particulate liquid containing OH radicals, OH radicals, O2 radicals, negative ions, positive ions, ozone, or nitrate ions.

[0091] The active ingredient generator 50 is positioned within the seat back 20c, connected to the first discharge port 211 and the second discharge port 212. Specifically, one active ingredient generator 50 is positioned within one of the branch paths of the second guide path 23, near the branching point where it branches to the first discharge port 211 and the second discharge port 212.

[0092] As described above, since the active ingredient generator 50 is located at a position connected to the first discharge port 211 and the second discharge port 212, the active ingredient generated by the active ingredient generator 50 can be discharged from the first discharge port 211 and the second discharge port 212 by being carried by the airflow. Therefore, the active ingredient can be applied to the user.

[0093] Furthermore, the seat back 20c has a second guide path 23 (guide path) formed therein that guides the air from the blower 41 to the first discharge port 211 and the second discharge port 212, and the active ingredient generator 50 may be located in the second guide path 23.

[0094] According to this, since the active ingredient generator 50 is located in the second guide path 23, the active ingredient can be incorporated into the air discharged from both the first discharge port 211 and the second discharge port 212 using a single active ingredient generator 50.

[0095] Furthermore, the active ingredient generator is located near the first and second discharge ports.

[0096] According to this, since the active ingredient generator 50 is positioned near the first discharge port 211 and the second discharge port 212, the active ingredient generated by the active ingredient generator 50 can be included in the air discharged from the first discharge port 211 and the second discharge port 212, respectively. Therefore, the active ingredient can be applied to the user before it deteriorates.

[0097] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing other installation locations for the active ingredient generator 50 according to Modification 3. As shown in Figure 10, the active ingredient generator 50 may be installed near the branching point of the pair of branching paths of the second guide path 23, or more specifically, upstream of the branching point. In this case, one active ingredient generator 50 can supply the active ingredient to each of the pair of first discharge ports 211 and the pair of second discharge ports 212. The active ingredient generator 50 may be placed inside each of the first discharge ports 211 and each of the second discharge ports 212, or it may be placed within the first guide path 13.

[0098] <Other> Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, a seat air conditioning device 40 provided on a vehicle seat was described as an example, but the seat air conditioning device according to this disclosure may also be provided on seats other than vehicle seats. Other seats can be any seat equipped with a height-adjustable headrest, such as office chairs, gaming chairs, and sofas.

[0100] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first discharge port 211 is opened and closed in conjunction with the raising and lowering movement of the headrest 30 by a mechanical structure. However, the seat air conditioning unit may also include a sensor for detecting the raising and lowering movement of the headrest, an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the first discharge port, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing mechanism based on the sensor's detection result. In this case, the control unit can open and close the first discharge port by operating the opening and closing mechanism based on the sensor's detection result.

[0101] <Note> The following technologies are disclosed based on the above description of embodiments.

[0102] (Technology 1) A seat air conditioning device provided in a seat having a seat back and a headrest that is movable up and down attached to the upper part of the seat back, comprising a blower built into the seat and a first discharge port and a second discharge port formed in the seat back for discharging air blown from the blower from the seat back, wherein the second discharge port is positioned below the first discharge port, and the first discharge port opens and closes in conjunction with the raising and lowering operation of the headrest.

[0103] This configuration allows the first air outlet, located above the second outlet, to open and close in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the headrest. In other words, the open / closed state of the first air outlet can be switched depending on whether the user is large or small, making it possible to direct airflow to the appropriate location for users of different body types.

[0104] (Technology 2) The seat air conditioning device according to Technology 1, wherein the headrest is positioned higher when the first discharge port is open than when the first discharge port is closed.

[0105] With this configuration, when the headrest is open, it is positioned higher than when the first discharge port is closed. Therefore, for taller users with the headrest positioned higher, the first discharge port can be opened, and for shorter users with the headrest positioned lower, the first discharge port can be closed.

[0106] For example, if the second air outlet is positioned appropriately for a small user, and air is blown from the first air outlet, which is above the second outlet, it will mess up the user's hair and cause discomfort. In the case of a small user, the headrest is positioned low and the first air outlet is blocked, so air is not blown from the first air outlet to the small user. Therefore, discomfort experienced by small users can be suppressed.

[0107] On the other hand, if the first air outlet is positioned appropriately for a large user, when the headrest is raised, the first air outlet opens, and appropriate airflow is directed towards the large user from the first air outlet. In this case, the second air outlet is blocked by the large user's back, so it is less likely to cause discomfort to the large user.

[0108] These measures make it possible to mitigate discomfort experienced by users with different body types.

[0109] (Technology 3) The seat air conditioning device according to technology 1 or 2, wherein the first discharge ports are provided in a plurality of locations arranged horizontally when viewed from the front of the seat back.

[0110] This configuration, with multiple first outlets arranged horizontally, allows air to be blown from both the left and right sides of a large user's neck. Since blood vessels are concentrated in the neck, blowing air from both sides of the neck allows for efficient temperature regulation of the blood vessels.

[0111] (Technology 4) The seat air conditioning device according to any one of technologies 1 to 3, wherein the second discharge port is provided in multiple locations arranged horizontally when viewed from the front of the seat back.

[0112] This configuration, with multiple second outlets arranged horizontally, allows air to be blown from both the left and right sides of a small user's neck. Since blood vessels are concentrated in the neck, blowing air from both sides of the neck allows for efficient temperature regulation of the blood vessels.

[0113] (Technology 5) The seat air conditioning device according to any one of technologies 1 to 4, wherein the headrest is provided with an opening / closing part that closes the second discharge port when the first discharge port is open.

[0114] With this configuration, the headrest is equipped with an opening / closing mechanism that closes the second outlet when the first outlet is open. Therefore, air can be blown from the first outlet even when the second outlet is closed by the opening / closing mechanism. Consequently, concentrated airflow can be achieved from the first outlet.

[0115] (Technology 6) The seat air conditioning device according to Technology 5, wherein the headrest has a headrest stay inserted into the upper part of the seat back, and the opening and closing part is attached to the headrest stay.

[0116] With this configuration, the opening and closing mechanism is attached to the headrest support of the headrest, allowing it to operate in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the headrest. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently open and close the second discharge port.

[0117] (Technology 7) The seat air conditioning device according to Technology 6, wherein the headrest stay is positioned so as not to overlap with the second discharge port when the first discharge port is closed by the opening / closing part, when the seat back is viewed from the front.

[0118] With this configuration, when the first outlet is blocked by the opening / closing mechanism, the headrest stay is positioned so as not to overlap with the second outlet, thus enabling stable airflow from the second outlet when the first outlet is blocked.

[0119] (Technology 8) The seat air conditioning device according to technology 6 or 7, wherein the headrest stay is positioned so as not to overlap with the first discharge port when the seat back is viewed from the front, when the first discharge port is open.

[0120] With this configuration, when the first outlet is open, the headrest stay is positioned so that it does not overlap with the first outlet, thus preventing the headrest stay from obstructing the airflow from the first outlet.

[0121] (Technology 9) The seat air conditioning device according to any one of the technologies 1 to 8, wherein the lower end of the main body of the headrest is shaped to block the first discharge port when the headrest closes the first discharge port, and to be exposed to the air discharged from the first discharge port when the headrest opens the first discharge port.

[0122] With this configuration, the lower end of the headrest body is shaped to block the first outlet when the headrest is closed, thus blocking the airflow from the first outlet. Also, the lower end of the body is shaped to be in contact with the airflow discharged from the first outlet when the headrest is open, so the direction of some of the airflow discharged from the first outlet can be changed at this lower end. For example, it is possible to direct the airflow towards the neck of a large user while preventing the air from directly hitting their head (hair). In other words, it is possible to improve cooling to the neck while reducing the discomfort of having one's hair disturbed.

[0123] (Technology 10) The seat air conditioning device according to Technology 9, wherein the seat back has an outer surface on which the first discharge port is formed, and the lower end has a facing surface facing the first discharge port, and the first distance between the lower part of the outer surface and the facing surface is greater than the second distance between the upper part of the outer surface and the facing surface.

[0124] This configuration, with the first spacing being larger than the second spacing, allows the air discharged from the first outlet and hitting the lower part of the headrest body to flow more easily downwards from the first outlet, provided the headrest does not completely block the first outlet. This air flows downwards and merges with the air discharged from the second outlet. In other words, the combined airflow also flows downwards to some extent. Therefore, the air can be directed towards the neck of a smaller user.

[0125] (Technology 11) The sheet air conditioning device according to any one of the technologies 1 to 10, wherein the sheet has an active ingredient generator located at a position connected to the first discharge port and the second discharge port.

[0126] With this configuration, the active ingredient generator is positioned to connect to the first and second discharge ports, allowing the active ingredient generated by the generator to be discharged from the first and second discharge ports by airflow. Therefore, the active ingredient can be applied to the user.

[0127] (Technology 12) The seat back is provided with guide passages that guide air from the blower to the first and second discharge ports, and the active ingredient generator is located in the guide passages, as described in Technology 11.

[0128] With this configuration, the active ingredient generator is positioned upstream of the first and second discharge ports in the guide path, so that the air discharged from each of the first and second discharge ports can be infused with the active ingredient using a single active ingredient generator.

[0129] (Technology 13) The seat air conditioning device according to Technology 12, wherein the active ingredient generator is located near the first discharge port and the second discharge port.

[0130] With this configuration, the active ingredient generators are positioned near the first and second discharge ports, allowing the active ingredient generated by the generators to be included in the air discharged from both ports immediately afterward. Therefore, the active ingredient can be applied to the user before it deteriorates. [Industrial applicability]

[0131] This disclosure can be used, for example, in a seat equipped with a height-adjustable headrest. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 sheet 10 Seat area 11 First Seat Pad 12 First Seat Cover 13 First Guideway 20, 20c seat back 21 Second seat pad 22 Second seat cover 23 Second Guideway (Guidance Route) 25 mounting holes 30, 30a, 30b headrests 31 Main body 32, 32a Headrest Stay 33 Lower end 35a Opening / closing part 36a Curved section 40-seat air conditioning system 41 Blower 50 Active ingredient generator 211 First outlet 212 Second outlet 213 Exterior 311, 311b Bottom surface (opposite surface) H1 first interval H2 second interval

Claims

1. A seat air conditioning system provided in a seat having a seat back and a height-adjustable headrest attached to the upper part of the seat back, The aforementioned sheet includes a built-in blower, To discharge the air blown from the blower from the seat back, the seat back is provided with a first discharge port and a second discharge port formed therein, The second discharge port is positioned below the first discharge port. The first discharge port is opened and closed in conjunction with the raising and lowering movement of the headrest. Seat air conditioning system.

2. The headrest is positioned higher when the first discharge port is open than when the first discharge port is closed. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned first discharge ports are arranged in a horizontal direction when viewed from the front of the seat back. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned second discharge ports are arranged in a horizontal direction when viewed from the front of the seat back. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The headrest is provided with an opening / closing mechanism that closes the second discharge port when the first discharge port is open. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The headrest has a headrest stay that is inserted into the upper part of the seat back, The opening and closing mechanism is attached to the headrest stay. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 5.

7. The headrest stay is positioned such that, when the first discharge port is closed by the opening / closing mechanism, it does not overlap the second discharge port when viewed from the front of the seat back. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 6.

8. When the first outlet is open, the headrest stay is positioned so as not to overlap the first outlet when viewed from the front of the seatback. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 6.

9. The lower end of the main body of the headrest is shaped to block the first discharge port when the headrest closes the first discharge port, and to be exposed to the air discharged from the first discharge port when the headrest opens the first discharge port. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The seat back has an outer surface on which the first discharge port is formed, The lower end portion has a surface facing the first discharge port, On the outer surface, the first distance between the lower part of the first discharge port and the opposing surface is greater than the second distance between the upper part of the outer surface of the first discharge port and the opposing surface. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 9.

11. The sheet has an active ingredient generator located at a position connected to the first discharge port and the second discharge port. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The seat back is provided with guide passages that direct the air from the blower to the first and second discharge ports. The active ingredient generator is located in the guide path. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 11.

13. The active ingredient generator is located near the first and second discharge ports. The seat air conditioning device according to claim 12.

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