JP2021146990A - Seat temperature adjusting device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a seat temperature adjusting device capable of awakening a user seated on a seat and also suppressing complication of a structure.SOLUTION: A seat temperature adjusting device 2 includes: a suction fan 43 capable of sucking air into a seat back 13; a first discharge fan 41 and a second discharge fan 42 discharging the air in the seat back 13; a first check valve 44a provided to a space to a first flow passage 17c connecting the suction fan 43 and the first discharge fan 41; a second check valve 44b provided to a space to a second flow passage 17d connecting the suction fan 43 and the second discharge fan 42; and a control part 60 controlling the seat heater 20, the suction fan 43, the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42. The control part 60 controls the seat heater 20, the suction fan 43, the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42 so as to cause temperature difference between the right side and the left side of the seat back 13, on the basis of information indicating user's drowsiness.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present disclosure relates to, for example, a seat temperature control device for warming a seat equipped in a vehicle or the like.

Patent Document 1 discloses a drowsiness suppressing device that is attached to a seat and suppresses drowsiness of an occupant.

The drowsiness suppression device includes a Perche element, a cold air blower, a cold air heat exchanger, a hot air blower, a hot air heat exchanger, and an outlet door. By being controlled by the control unit, the Pelche element produces an endothermic action in the endothermic section and a heat generating action in the heat generating section. The cold air blower and the hot air blower are driven and controlled by the control unit. The cold air heat exchanger exchanges heat between the air from the cold air blower and the heat absorbing portion of the Pelche element. The hot air heat exchanger exchanges heat between the air from the hot air blower and the heat generating portion of the Pelche element. The air outlet door opens and closes the exhaust port of the hot air passage by being controlled by the control unit.

In this drowsiness suppression device, the control unit heats the heat generating part of the Pelche element to exhaust the hot air from the hot air passage, and the control unit is cooled by the endothermic part of the Pelche element to exhaust the cold air from the cold air passage. NS.

JP-A-2018-144655

For example, in a seat temperature control device used as a conventional drowsiness suppression device, the drowsiness of a user sitting in a seat is used as a trigger to supply warm air and cold air to the user to promote awakening of the drowsy user. ing. However, in the conventional seat temperature control device, a Perche element, a blower for cold air, a heat exchanger for cold air, a blower for hot air and a heat exchanger for hot air are provided to generate hot air and cold air, or hot air and cold air are generated. The air outlet door that changes the hot air passage and the cold air passage for exhausting the air will be arranged. For this reason, the structure of the conventional seat temperature control device becomes complicated.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a seat temperature control device that can awaken a user who sits in a seat and can suppress the complexity of the structure.

The seat temperature control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with an intake fan capable of sucking air into the backrest portion of the seat via a seat heater, and to the left and right of the backrest portion, respectively, from the upper portion of the backrest portion to the seat. A first flow path that connects the first discharge fan and the second discharge fan that discharge the air of the backrest portion through the seat heater, and the intake fan and the first discharge fan toward the user seated in the seat. A first check valve provided between the two, a second check valve provided between the second flow path connecting the intake fan and the second discharge fan, the seat heater, the intake fan, and the above. A control unit for controlling the first discharge fan and the second discharge fan is provided, and the control unit is said to generate a temperature difference between the right side and the left side of the backrest portion based on the information indicating the drowsiness of the user. It controls the seat heater, the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan.

It should be noted that this comprehensive or specific embodiment may be realized by any combination of systems, methods, integrated circuits, and the like.

The seat temperature control device of the present disclosure can awaken a user who sits in a seat and can suppress the complexity of the structure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat provided with a seat temperature control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a seat incorporating a seat temperature control device according to line II-II of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a seat temperature control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a case where the second seat pad, the heater wire, and the like in the embodiment are viewed from the front. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the case where the second seat pad, the heater wire, and the like in the embodiment are viewed from the front, and is a schematic plan view showing the case where the first discharge fan, the second discharge fan, and the intake fan are controlled. It is a figure. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the case where the second seat pad, the heater wire, and the like in the embodiment are viewed from the front, and is a schematic plan view showing the case where the first discharge fan, the second discharge fan, and the heater wire are controlled. It is a figure. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a case where the second seat pad, the heater wire, and the like in the embodiment are viewed from the front, and is a case where the first discharge fan, the second discharge fan, the intake fan, and the heater wire are controlled. It is a schematic plan view which shows. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat temperature control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat temperature control device in the first modification of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a seat temperature control device according to the second modification of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat temperature control device in the second modification of the embodiment.

The seat temperature control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with an intake fan capable of sucking air into the backrest portion of the seat via a seat heater, and to the left and right of the backrest portion, respectively, from the upper portion of the backrest portion to the seat. A first flow path that connects the first discharge fan and the second discharge fan that discharge the air of the backrest portion through the seat heater, and the intake fan and the first discharge fan toward the user seated in the seat. A first check valve provided between the two, a second check valve provided between the second flow path connecting the intake fan and the second discharge fan, the seat heater, the intake fan, and the above. A control unit for controlling the first discharge fan and the second discharge fan is provided, and the control unit is said to generate a temperature difference between the right side and the left side of the backrest portion based on the information indicating the drowsiness of the user. It controls the seat heater, the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan.

For example, as time passes after the user sits in the seat, the arousal level such as the user becoming drowsy tends to decrease. Therefore, in the present disclosure, when the information indicating drowsiness is acquired (the degree of arousal decreases), the user can experience the temperature difference between the left and right sides of the backrest portion on the right side and the left side.

For example, a part of the seat heater (for example, the right side or the left side) is heated by setting the heating, and a part of the seat heater (for example, the left side or the right side) is not heated by setting the heating. As a result, a temperature difference between the left and right sides can be generated for each part of the seat heater, so that the back and waist of the user can be stimulated by the temperature difference between the left and right sides.

Further, for example, by driving the first discharge fan or the second discharge fan corresponding to the right side or the left side of the seat heater heated by the heating setting, the warm air warmed by the seat heater is the first discharge fan or the first. 2 Discharge from the discharge fan. Therefore, the user feels that the right side or the left side is warm due to the warm air from the rear. By stopping the second discharge fan or the first discharge fan corresponding to the left or right side of the seat heater that is not heated by setting it to non-heating and driving the intake fan, air is sucked into the backrest and the user and the user Airflow is generated between the backrest and the backrest. Therefore, the user feels that the left side or the right side is cool due to the rearward intake flow.

Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform sensation due to the stimulus caused by the temperature difference between the intake flow and the warm air.

Further, even if the entire seat heater is set to non-heating, if the drive of the first discharge fan or the second discharge fan is stopped and the second discharge fan or the first discharge fan is driven to drive the intake fan, the seat heater is driven. Normal temperature air is discharged from the discharge fan. Again, the user feels particularly cool on the left or right side.

Further, even if the entire seat heater is set to be heated, if the drive of the first discharge fan is stopped to drive the second discharge fan, or the drive of the second discharge fan is stopped to drive the first discharge fan. , Warm air is discharged from the driven discharge fan. For this reason, the user feels particularly warm on the left or right side.

Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform sensation on the left side or the right side due to the stimulus from the wind from the rear.

Further, in this seat temperature adjusting device, when the seat temperature is adjusted so that the user is normally comfortable and the user's alertness is lowered, as described above, the control unit is on the right side and the left side of the backrest portion. Only the seat heater and the three fans (intake fan, first discharge fan and second discharge fan) are controlled so that a temperature difference occurs. Therefore, unlike the conventional seat temperature control device, the structure is unlikely to be complicated.

Therefore, in the seat temperature control device, the user who sits in the seat can be awakened, and the complexity of the structure can be suppressed.

In particular, in the seat temperature control device, if the control unit controls the seat heater, the intake fan, the first discharge fan and the second discharge fan, a temperature difference can be generated on the right side and the left side of the backrest portion. It is difficult to increase the control process compared to the seat temperature control device.

The control unit of the seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure sets the right side of the seat heater corresponding to the right side of the backrest portion of the seat to be heated or not heated, and the left side of the backrest portion of the seat. The left side of the seat heater corresponding to the above is set to non-heating or heating, and the first check valve and the second check valve are stopped by the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan. If so, the first flow path and the second flow path are closed by closing, and the first check valve is closed by closing when the first discharge fan is driven. The first check valve is opened when the first discharge fan is stopped and the intake fan is driven to open the first flow path, and the second check valve is the second discharge fan. Closes to close the second flow path, stops the second discharge fan, and opens the second flow path when the intake fan is driving to open the second flow path. ..

According to this, by individually controlling the first discharge fan, the second discharge fan, and the intake fan, each of the first check valve and the second check valve can be opened or closed individually. can. Therefore, the user feels cool on the left side or the right side due to the generation of airflow between the back and buttocks of the user seated in the seat and the backrest. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform sensation on the left side or the right side due to the stimulus from the wind from the rear.

Further, by individually combining the heating setting and the non-heating setting on the left and right sides of the seat heater, warm air or air can be discharged from the first discharge fan, and hot air or air can be blown from the second discharge fan. Can be discharged.

In the seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit acquires the information indicating the drowsiness, the seat heaters on the left and right sides are set to non-heating, the first discharge fan is stopped, and the first discharge fan is stopped. The second discharge fan is driven to drive the intake fan.

According to this, since the air blown from the second discharge fan is applied to the user, the user feels cool on the left side or the right side where the air blown from the second discharge fan is applied. Also, the intake of the intake fan makes the user feel cool on the right or left side. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform feeling.

In the seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit acquires the information indicating the drowsiness, the seat heaters on the left and right sides are set to heat, the first discharge fan is stopped, and the first discharge fan is stopped. 2 The discharge fan is driven and the intake fan is not driven.

According to this, with the backs of both the left and right sides warmed by the seat heater, warm air is blown to the rear of the user from the second discharge fan, so that the user is on the left side where the warm air from the second discharge fan is hit. Or only the right side feels warm. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform feeling.

In the seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit has a first control mode, and in the first control mode, when the control unit acquires information indicating the drowsiness, both left and right sides are left and right. One of the seat heaters is heated by the heating setting, the first discharge fan corresponding to the heated seat heater is driven, and the other seat heater on both the left and right sides is heated by the non-heating setting. Instead, the second discharge fan corresponding to the other unheated seat heater is stopped to drive the intake fan.

According to this, by driving the first discharge fan corresponding to one of the seat heaters heated by setting the heating, the user can use the warm air discharged from the one seat heater and the first discharge fan. The right or left side of the feels warm. Further, by stopping the second discharge fan corresponding to the other seat heater that does not heat by setting non-heating and driving the intake fan, the user can use the intake flow sucked from the seat surface to the left side of the user or the user. The right side feels cool. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform sensation due to the stimulus caused by the temperature difference between the left and right sides. As a result, the seat temperature controller can awaken the user more.

In the seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit has a second control mode, and in the second control mode, when the information indicating the drowsiness is acquired, the seat heaters on both the left and right sides are turned on. When the first discharge fan is stopped, the second discharge fan is driven, the intake fan is driven, and information indicating drowsiness is continuously acquired for a predetermined period without heating due to the non-heating setting, both the left and right sides are left and right. One of the seat heaters is heated by the heating setting, the first discharge fan corresponding to the heated seat heater is driven, and the other seat heater on both the left and right sides is heated by the non-heating setting. Instead, the second discharge fan corresponding to the other unheated seat heater is stopped to drive the intake fan.

According to this, first, since the air at room temperature is discharged from the second discharge fan toward the user, the user feels cool on the left side or the right side where the air from the second discharge fan is applied. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform feeling.

Further, when the user is drowsy (the user's alertness is low) for a predetermined period or longer, the user feels warm on the right side or left side of the user and cool on the left side or right side of the user as described above. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform sensation due to the stimulus caused by the temperature difference between the left and right sides. As a result, the seat temperature controller can awaken the user more.

In the seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit has a first control mode and a second control mode, and in the first control mode, when information indicating the drowsiness is acquired, left and right One of the seat heaters on both sides is heated by the heating setting to drive the first discharge fan corresponding to the one seat heater, and the other seat heater on both the left and right sides is heated by the non-heating setting. When the second discharge fan corresponding to the other seat heater is stopped to drive the intake fan without heating and the information indicating the drowsiness is acquired in the second control mode, the seats on both the left and right sides are obtained. When the first discharge fan is stopped, the second discharge fan is driven to drive the intake fan, and information indicating drowsiness is continuously acquired for a predetermined period without heating the heater by the non-heating setting, left and right. One of the seat heaters on both sides is heated by the heating setting, the first discharge fan corresponding to the heated seat heater is driven, and the other seat heater on both the left and right sides is set to non-heating. The second discharge fan corresponding to the other unheated seat heater is stopped to drive the intake fan, and the first control mode and the second control mode are based on predetermined conditions. To switch between.

According to this, by switching between the first control mode and the second control mode, the user feels a more uneven feeling due to the change of the stimulus due to the temperature difference between the left and right. As a result, the seat temperature controller can awaken the user more.

In the seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit does not acquire the information indicating the drowsiness for a predetermined period or more, the seat heater is suppressed so that the temperature difference between the left and right sides of the backrest portion is suppressed. Controls the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan.

According to this, when the user is awake, the back and waist of the user can be uniformly warmed or uniformly cooled. Therefore, a comfortable environment can be provided to the user.

In the seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit switches between heating settings and non-heating settings on the right and left sides of the seat heater based on predetermined conditions, and the first discharge fan and the said. The drive and stop of the second discharge fan are switched.

For example, in a device that only discharges hot air from the first discharge fan or cold air from the second discharge fan, the user may become accustomed to switching between hot air and cold air.

However, according to the present disclosure, for example, by switching between the first control mode and the second control mode, even if the user feels warm on the right side, he / she feels cool on the right side or cool on the left side of the user. However, I feel warm on the left side. In this way, since the part where the user feels warm or cool changes, the user feels a more uneven sensation due to the stimulus caused by the temperature difference between the left and right sides. As a result, the seat temperature controller can awaken the user more.

In the seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined condition includes a predetermined period.

According to this, according to a predetermined period, the heating setting and the non-heating setting can be individually switched on the right side and the left side of the seat heater, and the drive and stop of the first discharge fan and the second discharge fan can be switched. It can be switched individually.

The seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that detects the user's arousal level, and the control unit provides information indicating the drowsiness if the detected arousal level is less than a specified value. To get.

According to this, since the user's drowsiness (alertness) can be detected accurately, the control unit appropriately sets the seat heater, the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan if the user is drowsy. Can be controlled to. As a result, the user is given a stimulus due to the temperature difference between the left and right sides, so that the seat temperature control device can make the user more awake.

The seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is built in the backrest portion of the seat, heats the right side or the left side of the backrest portion by the heating setting, and heats the left side or the right side of the backrest portion by the non-heating setting. It is equipped with a seat heater that does not heat.

According to this, since the temperature difference can be increased on the right side or the left side of the seat heater, it becomes easy to give the user a stimulus due to the temperature difference between the left and right sides. Therefore, the seat temperature control device can make the user more awake because the user tends to feel a non-uniform sensation.

The seat temperature control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a temperature sensor that detects the body surface temperature of the user, and the control unit is based on the body surface temperature of the user detected by the temperature sensor. It controls the seat heater, the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan.

According to this, the temperature at which the backrest portion is heated by the seat heater can be raised or lowered according to the body surface temperature of the user. That is, the control unit can give the user a temperature higher or lower than the user's body surface temperature. Furthermore, by controlling the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan, the body surface temperature of the user can be changed. These make it easier for the user to be aware of the non-uniform sensation, so that the seat temperature control device can make the user more awake.

It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims will be described as arbitrary components.

Further, each figure is a schematic view and is not necessarily exactly illustrated. Further, in each figure, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. Further, in the following embodiments, expressions such as a substantially rectangular shape are used. For example, a substantially rectangular shape not only means that it is completely rectangular, but also means that it is substantially rectangular, that is, it contains an error of, for example, about several percent. Further, the substantially rectangular shape means a rectangular shape within a range in which the effect of the present disclosure can be obtained. The same applies to expressions using other "abbreviations".

In the following description, the front-rear direction of the seat is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the vertical direction of the seat is referred to as the Z-axis direction. Further, the left-right direction of the seat, that is, the direction perpendicular to each of the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is referred to as the Y-axis direction. Further, the front side of the seat in the X-axis direction is referred to as a plus direction side, and the rear side of the seat is referred to as a minus direction side. Further, the left side of the seat (the front right side when viewed in FIG. 1) in the Y-axis direction is referred to as a plus direction side, and the opposite side is referred to as a minus direction side. Further, the right side is the right side of the user with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle when the user is seated in the seat 1, and is in the minus direction of the Y axis. Further, the left side is the left side of the user with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle when the user is seated in the seat, and is the Y-axis plus direction. Further, the upper side of the seat in the Z-axis direction is referred to as a plus direction side, and the lower side of the seat is referred to as a minus direction side. The same applies to FIGS. 2 and later.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment)
<Composition: Seat 1>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the seat 1 provided with the seat temperature control device 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the seat 1 incorporating the seat temperature control device 2 in line II-II of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the seat temperature control device 2 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, for example, the seat 1 equipped in a vehicle or the like can warm the acromion, back and waist of the user seated in the seat 1. The seat temperature control device 2 can also warm the nape of the user seated in the seat 1. Such a seat 1 includes a seat cushion 10, a seat back 13, a headrest 15, a seat heater 20, a first discharge fan 41, a second discharge fan 42, an intake fan 43, a detection unit 50, and the like. It includes a control unit 60 and a power supply unit 70. The seat back 13, the seat heater 20, the first discharge fan 41, the second discharge fan 42, the intake fan 43, the detection unit 50, and the control unit 60 constitute the seat temperature control device 2. The seat temperature control device 2 blows warm air and normal temperature air (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as air) from behind the user toward the user seated in the seat 1. Further, the seat temperature control device 2 alternately blows warm air and blown air to the user.

[Seat cushion 10]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat cushion 10 is a seat portion of the seat 1 that supports the lower limbs such as the back and waist of the user who is seated in the seat 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat cushion 10 has a first seat pad 11a corresponding to a cushion material and a first seat cover 11b covering the first seat pad 11a.

The first seat pad 11a is made of, for example, urethane foam or the like, and constitutes a part of the seat 1 main body. The first seat pad 11a has a thick, substantially rectangular plate shape, and is arranged in a posture substantially parallel to the XY plane. The first seat pad 11a supports the lower limbs of the seated person.

The first seat cover 11b is a cover that covers the first seat pad 11a and the seat heater 20. The first seat cover 11b is, for example, a leather cover, a fiber cover, or the like.

[Seat back 13]
The seat back 13 supports the acromion and back of the user seated in the seat 1. The seat back 13 is an example of a backrest portion. The seat back 13 is long along the Z-axis direction and is arranged so as to stand up against the seat cushion 10. The seat back 13 has a second seat pad 14a corresponding to a cushion material and a second seat cover 14b covering the second seat pad 14a.

The second seat pad 14a is made of, for example, urethane foam or the like, and is arranged in an inclined posture with respect to the YY plane. The second seat pad 14a supports the acromion and back of the seated person.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a case where the second seat pad 14a, the heater wire 31 and the like in the embodiment are viewed from the front.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second seat pad 14a is formed with a pair of communication portions 16 for applying warm air and air to the user seated in the seat 1 and for sucking air.

The pair of communication portions 16 are arranged between the second seat pad 14a and the headrest 15. One of the pair of communication portions 16 (right side: Y-axis minus direction side in FIG. 4) is formed on the right side of the second seat pad 14a, and the other (left side: Y-axis plus direction side in FIG. 4) is the second seat pad. It is formed on the left side of 14a.

Further, the second seat pad 14a includes a first discharge fan 41, a second discharge fan 42, an intake fan 43, a first check valve 44a and a second check valve 44b, and the first discharge fan 41 and the second check valve 44b are built-in. 2 Air flows into the seat back 13 by driving the discharge fan 42 and the intake fan 43.

On the surface of the second seat pad 14a on the X-axis positive direction side, a first suction path 17a, a second suction path 17b, a first flow path 17c, a second flow path 17d, and a discharge flow path 17e are provided. It is formed.

The first suction path 17a is a groove-shaped flow path extending along the Z-axis direction (the length direction of the second seat pad 14a). The first suction passage 17a is formed on the right side of the second seat pad 14a, and is formed on the right side of the second seat cover 14b by driving the intake fan 43 or the first discharge fan 41. The air flowing in from the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 flows.

The second suction path 17b is a groove-shaped flow path extending along the Z-axis direction (the length direction of the second seat pad 14a). The second suction passage 17b is formed on the left side of the second seat pad 14a, and is formed on the left side of the second seat cover 14b by driving the intake fan 43 or the second discharge fan 42. The air flowing in from the ventilation holes 14a1 flows.

The first flow path 17c is a groove-shaped flow path that connects to the first suction path 17a and the second flow path 17d and extends along the left-right direction (the width direction of the second seat pad 14a). The first flow path 17c connects the intake fan 43 and the first discharge fan 41. Specifically, the first flow path 17c is a flow path to the opening 16a of the communication portion 16 on which air is discharged by the rotation of the first discharge fan 41 and the intake fan 43. Further, the first flow path 17c is closed or opened by the first check valve 44a.

The second flow path 17d is a groove-shaped flow path that connects to the first suction path 17a and the first flow path 17c and extends along the left-right direction (the width direction of the second seat pad 14a). The second flow path 17d connects the intake fan 43 and the second discharge fan 42. Specifically, the second flow path 17d is a flow path to the opening 16a of the other communication portion 16 where air is discharged by the rotation of the second discharge fan 42 and the intake fan 43. Further, the second flow path 17d is closed or opened by the second check valve 44b.

The discharge flow path 17e is a flow path for discharging the air taken in by the intake fan 43, that is, the air taken in by the intake fan 43 toward the rear side of the seat back 13. The discharge flow path 17e extends from the intake fan 43 in the minus direction of the X-axis. The discharge flow path 17e extends to, for example, the lower side of the seat back 13, that is, the end on the negative side of the Z axis so as not to blow air to the person seated behind the seat back 13. The configuration is not particularly limited.

The second seat cover 14b is a cover that covers the second seat pad 14a. The second seat cover 14b is, for example, a leather cover, a fiber cover, or the like.

A plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 are formed in the second seat cover 14b. Specifically, a plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 are formed along the vertical direction on the right side of the second seat cover 14b, and a plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 are formed along the vertical direction on the left side of the second seat cover 14b. In the present embodiment, a plurality of passages arranged in two rows along the Z-axis direction in each of the portion corresponding to the left side of the second seat cover 14b and the portion corresponding to the right side of the second seat cover 14b. Pore 14a1 is formed.

The plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the right side and the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the left side increase the area of the opening surface of the ventilation holes 14a1 along the minus direction of the Z axis, and the two ventilation holes 14a1 adjacent to each other in the Z axis direction. The interval becomes narrower in the minus direction of the Z axis. This is because, in the first suction passage 17a and the second suction passage 17b, the inflow of air by these fans tends to be weaker as the ventilation holes 14a1 are farther from the first discharge fan 41, the second discharge fan 42, and the intake fan 43. be.

[Headrest 15]
The headrest 15 is a head rest portion that supports the head of a person seated in the seat 1. The headrest 15 is fixed to the end of the seat back 13 on the Z-axis positive direction side.

[Seat heater 20]
The seat heater 20 is built in the seat back 13 of the seat 1 of a vehicle or the like, and heats the back portion 13a to heat the back portion and the waist portion of a person. That is, the seat heater 20 heats the right side or the left side of the seat back 13 by the heating setting, and does not heat the left side or the right side of the seat back 13 by the non-heating setting. By incorporating the same configuration as the seat heater 20 into the seat cushion 10 of the seat 1, the seat surface portion 10a of FIG. 1 of the seat cushion 10 may also be warmed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the seat heater 20 is arranged between the second seat pad 14a and the second seat cover 14b. In the present embodiment, the seat heater 20 is arranged at a position corresponding to the back and waist of the person. The seat heater 20 is provided on the back surface 13a of the seat 1 and warms the back and waist of a person through the second seat cover 14b by the electric power supplied by the control unit 60 and the power supply unit 70.

As an elastic member for the seat heater 20, a seat pad covering the seat heater 20 may be provided between the seat heater 20 and the second seat cover 14b.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat heater 20 has a base material 30 and a heater wire 31.

The base material 30 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The base material 30 is a non-woven fabric formed in a sheet shape by a material having elasticity, flexibility and ductility, a cloth-like foamable resin such as urethane, and the like.

The base material 30 is a portion corresponding to the back and waist of a person, and is arranged between the surface of the second seat pad 14a (the surface on the Z-axis plus direction side) and the second seat cover 14b. The base material 30 has a size corresponding to the seat surface portion 10a of the seat 1. A heater wire 31 is arranged on the surface of the base material 30 (the surface on the Z-axis plus direction side).

The heater wire 31 is a conductive wire that is electrically connected to a control unit 60 for controlling the electric power supplied to the heater wire 31 and generates heat by the electric power from the power supply unit 70 controlled by the control unit 60. In the heater wire 31, the heating setting (heated portion (also referred to as heat generating portion) is set) in which a part is heated (heated) is set by being controlled by the control unit 60, and the non-heating setting in which a part is not heated (also referred to as a heat generating portion). A non-heated part (also called a non-heat-generating part) is set). The heater wire 31 has a right heater wire 31a and a left heater wire 31b. The right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b are wires that are independent of each other and generate heat (heat) individually. The right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b are paired on the left and right, and are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the upright direction of the seat back 13.

The right heater wire 31a is arranged on the right side of the surface of the base material 30 corresponding to the right side of the seat back 13, and is electrically connected to the control device. Further, one side of the right heater wire 31a is grounded. The right heater wire 31a generates heat when an electric current is passed from the control device, and heats the right side of the second seat cover 14b of the seat back 13.

The left heater wire 31b is arranged on the left side of the surface of the base material 30 corresponding to the left side of the seat back 13 and is electrically connected to the control device. Further, one side of the left heater wire 31b is also grounded. The left heater wire 31b generates heat when an electric current is passed from the control device, and heats the left side of the second seat cover 14b of the seat back 13.

The right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b are sewn and fixed to the surface of one surface of the base material 30 so as to return from the control unit 60 through each part of the base material 30 to the control unit 60. NS. The right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b are metal wires such as copper alloys. The right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b are sewn on the surface of the base material 30 by the sewing thread so that a zigzag pattern is formed. The right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b may be arranged and fixed to the base material 30 by means such as adhesion as a means other than the sewing thread.

[First discharge fan 41 and second discharge fan 42]
The first discharge fan 41 is arranged on the first flow path 17c in the vicinity of the opening 16a of one of the communication portions 16 in order to blow air to the right side of the user seated in the seat 1. The first discharge fan 41 is provided on the right side of the seat back 13, and discharges the air of the seat back 13 that has flowed in from the upper part of the seat back 13 toward the user seated in the seat 1 through the seat heater 20. The first discharge fan 41 is electrically connected to the control unit 60 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 60 to discharge air from one of the communication units 16. More specifically, when the first discharge fan 41 is driven, air is taken in from a plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 formed on the right side of the second seat cover 14b, and the seat heater 20, the first suction path 17a and the first Air is discharged from one of the communication portions 16 via the flow path 17c. When the base material 30 is a non-woven fabric or the like, it is not necessary to form holes at the positions of the base material 30 corresponding to the respective communication portions 16, and the base material 30 may be formed. When the base material 30 is a foamable resin or the like, holes may be formed in the base material 30 corresponding to the respective communication portions 16.

The second discharge fan 42 is arranged on the second flow path 17d in the vicinity of the opening 16a of the other communication portion 16 in order to blow air to the left side of the user seated in the seat 1. The second discharge fan 42 is provided on the left side of the seat back 13, and discharges the air of the seat back 13 that has flowed in from the upper part of the seat back 13 toward the user seated in the seat 1 through the seat heater 20. The second discharge fan 42 is electrically connected to the control unit 60 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 60 to discharge air from the other communication unit 16. Specifically, when the second discharge fan 42 is driven, air is taken in from a plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 formed on the left side of the second seat cover 14b, and the seat heater 20, the second suction path 17b, and the second flow flow. Air is discharged from the other communication portion 16 via the path 17d.

Each of the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42 is individually driven and controlled by the control unit 60.

In the present embodiment, the first discharge fan 41 is arranged on the right side and the second discharge fan 42 is arranged on the left side, but the opposite may be true. Not limited to.

[Intake fan 43]
The intake fan 43 can suck air into the seat back 13 of the seat 1 via the seat heater 20. The intake fan 43 is electrically connected to the control unit 60 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 60 to discharge air from the discharge flow path 17e. Specifically, the intake fan 43 is driven to take in air through a plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 formed on the right side of the second seat cover 14b, or is formed on the left side of the second seat cover 14b. Air is taken in through a plurality of ventilation holes 14a1. Further, by driving the intake fan 43, air that has passed through the first flow path 17c and the first suction path 17a is discharged from the discharge flow path 17e, or via the second flow path 17d and the second suction path 17b. The generated air is discharged from the discharge flow path 17e.

The intake fan 43 is arranged between the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42 in order to discharge air to the rear of the seat 1.

[First check valve 44a and second check valve 44b]
The first check valve 44a is provided between the first flow path 17c connecting the intake fan 43 and the first discharge fan 41.

The first check valve 44a closes the first flow path 17c by closing the intake fan 43 and the first discharge fan 41 when they are stopped. Further, the first check valve 44a closes the first flow path 17c by closing when the first discharge fan 41 is driven. Further, the first check valve 44a opens the first flow path 17c by opening when the first discharge fan 41 is stopped and the intake fan 43 is driven. That is, the first check valve 44a is the first flow path due to the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 formed on the right side of the second seat cover 14b by driving the intake fan 43 and the air flowing in from one of the communication portions 16. Open 17c. The first check valve 44a closes the first flow path 17c mainly when the intake fan 43 is not driven. However, even if the intake fan 43 is driven, if the first discharge fan 41 is driven, the first discharge fan 41 is better so that the first check valve 44a closes the first flow path 17c. It is designed to be driven stronger than the intake fan 43.

The second check valve 44b is provided between the second flow path 17d connecting the intake fan 43 and the second discharge fan 42.

The second check valve 44b closes the second flow path 17d by closing the intake fan 43 and the second discharge fan 42 when they are stopped. Further, the second check valve 44b closes the second flow path 17d by closing the second check valve 44b when the second discharge fan 42 is driven. The second check valve 44b opens the second flow path 17d by opening when the second discharge fan 42 is stopped and the intake fan 43 is being driven. That is, the second check valve 44b has a second flow path due to a plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 formed on the left side of the second seat cover 14b by driving the intake fan 43 and air flowing in from the other communication portion 16. Open 17d. The second check valve 44b closes the second flow path 17d mainly when the intake fan 43 is not driven. However, even if the intake fan 43 is driven, if the second discharge fan 42 is driven, the second check valve 44b of the second discharge fan 42 closes the second flow path 17d. It is designed to drive stronger than the intake fan 43.

In the present embodiment, the first check valve 44a is arranged on the right side and the second check valve 44b is arranged on the left side, but the opposite may be true. It is not limited to the form of.

[Detector 50]
The detection unit 50 is a sensor that is communicably connected to the control unit 60 and detects drowsiness based on the degree of arousal of the user. The detection unit 50 detects the user's alertness and outputs information indicating the detected user's alertness to the control unit 60. The detection unit 50 is, for example, an image pickup device, a pulse wave meter, or the like.

When the detection unit 50 is an imaging device, the detection unit 50 acquires information indicating the line of sight, the number of blinks, the speed, and the like by imaging the user's face, and the line of sight, the number of blinks, and the number of blinks shown in the acquired information. The user's alertness is detected based on the speed and the like. In the present embodiment, the control unit 60 detects drowsiness based on the arousal level acquired from the detection unit 50, but drowsiness may be detected based on the arousal level detected by the detection unit 50.

When the detection unit 50 is a pulse wave meter, the detection unit 50 acquires information indicating a change in heart rate, a heart rate frequency, etc. obtained by measuring the user's heart rate, and uses the acquired information as information. The user's alertness may be detected based on the indicated change in heart rate, heart rate frequency, and the like. The above-mentioned means for detecting the user's alertness is an example, and if the user's alertness can be detected, the means is not limited to the above and may be realized by using other known means.

The detection unit 50 outputs information indicating the detected arousal level to the control unit 60.

[Control unit 60]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the control unit 60 is electrically connected to the seat heater 20, the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 42, and the seat heater 20, the intake fan 43, and the second. The 1 discharge fan 41 and the 2nd discharge fan 42 are controlled.

The control unit 60 turns the current flowing through the first discharge fan 41, the second discharge fan 42, the intake fan 43, and the heater wire 31 on and off, or changes the current value to change the current value of the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42. It is a microcomputer that controls the output of the intake fan 43 and the amount of heat generated by the heater wire.

In addition, the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the arousal level of the user seated in the seat 1, and acquires information indicating drowsiness based on the information indicating the arousal level. The information indicating drowsiness is a case where the arousal level of the user is less than a specified value, and is a state in which the user is drowsy. The control unit 60 controls to heat only the right side or the left side of the seat heater 20, controls the current value supplied to the heater wire 31, and takes in air based on the acquired arousal level of the user. It controls the fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 42. The control unit 60 executes the normal mode when the acquired user's alertness is equal to or higher than the specified value, and executes the awakening mode when the acquired user's alertness is less than the specified value. Here, the default value is a threshold value indicating a state in which the user begins to feel drowsy. Therefore, if the arousal level is low (if you feel drowsy), it will be less than the specified value, and if the arousal level is high (if you are awake), it will be above the specified value.

Specifically, the control unit 60 has a normal mode and an awakening mode.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a case where the second seat pad 14a, the heater wire 31, and the like in the embodiment are viewed from the front, and the first discharge fan 41, the second discharge fan 42, and the intake fan 43 are controlled. It is a schematic plan view which shows the case. FIG. 5A illustrates the seat temperature control device 2 when only the intake fan 43 is driven, and FIG. 5b shows the seat temperature control device 2 when the first discharge fan 41 and the intake fan 43 are driven. Illustrate. Further, FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a case where the second seat pad 14a, the heater wire 31 and the like in the embodiment are viewed from the front, and the first discharge fan 41, the second discharge fan 42 and the heater wire 31 are shown. It is a schematic plan view which shows the case which controlled. FIG. 6a illustrates the seat temperature control device 2 when the first discharge fan 41, the second discharge fan 42, and the heater wire 31 are controlled, and FIG. 6b b controls the first discharge fan 41 and the heater wire 31. The seat temperature control device 2 in the case of the above is illustrated. In FIG. 5, the state in which these fans are driven is shown by a solid line, and the state in which they are not driven is shown by a broken line. The same applies to the figures after FIG. Further, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the heater wire 31 is shown by a broken line when the seat heater 20 is set to non-heating, and the heater wire 31 is shown by a solid line when the seat heater 20 is set to heat. The same applies to FIG. 7.

In the normal mode, as shown in a of FIG. 5a and a of FIG. 6, the control unit 60 sets the entire seat heater 20 to be heated or not heated. Further, the control unit 60 sets the right side of the seat heater 20 corresponding to the right side of the seat back 13 of the seat 1 to be heated or not heated. Further, the control unit 60 sets the left side of the seat heater 20 corresponding to the left side of the seat back 13 of the seat 1 to non-heating or heating. In the normal mode, when the entire seat heater 20 is set to be heated, the control unit 60 heats the entire heater wire 31 by passing an electric current through the entire heater wire 31 to heat the back and waist of the user. Further, when it is desired to warm the user more, as shown in FIG. 6a, the control unit 60 heats the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b according to the heating setting, and heats the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan. By controlling 42, the air warmed by the right heater line 31a and the left heater line 31b is blown out as warm air from the pair of communication portions 16.

Further, when it is desired to cool the user, as shown in FIG. 5a, the control unit 60 does not heat the entire seat heater 20 by the non-heating setting, and stops the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42. By controlling to drive the intake fan 43, air is sucked from the back of the user. As a result, the user feels that the back and waist are cool due to the air flow (intake flow) generated between the seat back 13 and the user.

In the awakening mode, heating is set so that the right side of the heater wire 31 of the seat heater 20 is heated, and the left side of the heater wire 31, which is another part, is not heated. That is, in the awakening mode, the control unit 60 controls the heated portion that is a part of the seat heater 20, the heated portion, and the non-heated portion that is another part, thereby warming a part of the back and a part of the waist of the user. Or cool it down. In this case, the control unit 60 sets two regions in which the surface of the seat heater 20 is divided into two.

As the awakening mode, when the control unit 60 acquires the information indicating the drowsiness of the user, the seat heater 20, the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 41 so as to cause a temperature difference between the right side and the left side of the seat back 13. Controls the discharge fan 42.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5b, when the control unit 60 acquires the information indicating drowsiness, the seat heaters 20 on both the left and right sides are set to non-heating, the first discharge fan 41 is driven, and the second discharge fan 41 is driven. The discharge fan 42 is stopped and the intake fan 43 is driven. That is, when the control unit 60 drives the first discharge fan 41, the air blown from one of the communication units 16 causes the user to feel cool around the right shoulder portion. Further, when the control unit 60 stops the second discharge fan 42 to drive the intake fan 43, air flows in from the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the left side of the seat back 13, so that there is a space between the seat back 13 and the user. Due to the airflow (inspiratory flow) generated in, the user feels cool on the left side of the back and waist. It should be noted that the intake fan 43 also provides gentle intake from the communication portion 16 on the left side, although it is not as strong as the air blown from the first discharge fan 41. This also makes it easier for the user to feel the temperature difference.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a case where the second seat pad 14a, the heater wire 31 and the like in the embodiment are viewed from the front, and is a first discharge fan 41, a second discharge fan 42, an intake fan 43 and a heater wire. It is a schematic plan view which shows the case where 31 is controlled. FIG. 7a illustrates the seat temperature control device 2 when the first discharge fan 41, the intake fan 43 and the right heater wire 31a are controlled, and FIG. 7b shows the second discharge fan 42, the intake fan 43 and the left heater. The seat temperature control device 2 when the line 31b is controlled will be illustrated.

The control unit 60 has a first control mode and a second control mode as the awakening mode.

In the first control mode, as shown in a of FIG. 7, when the control unit 60 acquires the information indicating drowsiness, one of the left and right side seat heaters 20 is heated according to the heating setting, and the heated seat heater 20 is heated. The first discharge fan 41 corresponding to 20 is driven, the other seat heater 20 on both the left and right sides is not heated by the non-heating setting, and the second discharge fan 42 corresponding to the other non-heated seat heater 20 is stopped. And drive the intake fan 43. That is, as shown in a of FIG. 7, when the control unit 60 drives the first discharge fan 41, the air warmed when passing through the seat heater 20 is blown out from one communication unit 16 as warm air. As a result, the user feels warm around the right shoulder. Further, when the control unit 60 stops the second discharge fan 42 to drive the intake fan 43, air flows in from the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the left side of the seat back 13, so that there is a space between the seat back 13 and the user. The airflow generated by the user feels cool on the left side of the back and waist.

In the second control mode, as shown in b of FIG. 5, when the control unit 60 acquires the information indicating drowsiness, the seat heaters 20 on both the left and right sides are not heated by the non-heating setting, and the first discharge fan 41 is stopped. , The second discharge fan 42 is driven, and the intake fan 43 is driven. For example, the start of the second control mode may be executed when the information indicating drowsiness is first acquired after the detection of the user seated in the seat 1 is started.

Further, in the second control mode, as shown in FIG. 7a, when the information indicating drowsiness is continuously acquired for a predetermined period, one of the left and right side seat heaters 20 is heated according to the heating setting, and one of the heated seat heaters 20 is heated. The first discharge fan 41 corresponding to the seat heater 20 of the above is driven, the other seat heater 20 on both the left and right sides is not heated by the non-heating setting, and the second discharge fan corresponding to the other unheated seat heater 20 is not heated. 42 is stopped and the intake fan 43 is driven.

In this way, in the seat temperature control device 2, the temperatures of the first suction passage 17a and the first flow path 17c in the seat back 13 and the temperatures of the second suction passage 17b and the second flow path 17d are made different from each other. , A temperature difference is generated between the left and right sides of the back surface portion 13a.

Further, the control unit 60 switches between the first control mode and the second control mode based on a predetermined condition. Here, the predetermined condition includes a predetermined period. The predetermined condition may be at least one of a predetermined period and an arousal level. The predetermined condition may include the degree of fatigue of the user.

Further, the control unit 60 drives and controls the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 42 based on the user's arousal level. The control unit 60 is in a state where it is recognized that the user is sleeping soundly from the acquired arousal level, or if the arousal level is less than the specified value for a predetermined period or longer, the intake fan 43 and the first discharge fan 41 And the second discharge fan 42 is individually controlled. For example, the control unit 60 switches between warm air and air blown from one communication unit 16 and switches between warm air and air blown from the other communication unit 16 by the control. Specifically, the control unit 60 may discharge warm air from one communication unit 16 and at the same time discharge air from the other communication unit 16, and after a predetermined period of time, blow air from one communication unit 16. May be switched to discharge warm air from the other communicating portion 16 at the same time.

Further, when the acquired arousal level is equal to or higher than the specified value, that is, when the information indicating drowsiness is not acquired for a predetermined period or longer, the control unit 60 takes in the seat heater 20 and the intake air so that the temperature difference between the left and right sides of the seat back 13 is suppressed. It controls the fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 42.

Further, the control unit 60 switches between driving and stopping the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42 based on a predetermined condition. Based on a predetermined condition, the control unit 60 sets the heating setting and the non-heating setting on the right side and the left side of the seat heater 20 in synchronization with the switching between the drive and stop of the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42. Switch.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6a, the control unit 60 heats the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b by setting the heating to the first discharge fan 41 and the first discharge fan 41 in the normal mode. By driving the two discharge fans 42, warm air is blown out from the pair of communication portions 16. Then, as shown in FIG. 5a, the control unit 60 does not generate heat by setting the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b of the heating setting to the non-heating setting, and the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan Switch the drive of 42 to stop or maintain the drive. The control unit 60 also performs the reverse switching as shown in FIGS. 5a to 6a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7a, the control unit 60 generates heat by setting the right heater wire 31a to a heating setting in the awakening mode, and drives the first discharge fan 41 to generate warm air on one side. It is blown out from the communication part 16. Further, by setting the left heater wire 31b to a non-heating setting, the second discharge fan 42 is stopped without generating heat. Then, as shown in b of FIG. 7, the control unit 60 switches the right heater wire 31a of the heating setting to the non-heating setting so as not to generate heat, and switches the first discharge fan 41 from driving to stopping. Further, the left heater wire 31b in the non-heating setting is switched to the heating setting to generate heat, and the second discharge fan 42 is switched from stop to drive. The control unit 60 also performs the reverse switching shown in FIG. 7b to FIG. 7a.

[Power supply unit 70]
The power supply unit 70 is a power supply circuit that supplies electric power to the heater line 31 via the control unit 60 and the like. Here, the power supply unit 70 is a DC power supply supplied from a battery (not shown). The power supply unit 70 adjusts the current supplied to the heater wire 31 by being controlled by the control unit 60.

<Processing>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat temperature control device 2 according to the embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 8, the detection unit 50 detects the user's arousal level by measuring the user's state (S11). When the detected alertness is less than the specified value, for example, the user is in a state of drowsiness, and when the detected alertness is greater than or equal to the specified value, the user is awake. The detection unit 50 outputs information indicating the arousal level of the detected user to the control unit 60.

Next, when the control unit 60 acquires the information indicating the arousal level of the user, it determines whether or not the arousal level indicated by the information is less than the specified value (S12).

Next, when the arousal level is equal to or higher than the specified value (NO in S12), the control unit 60 ends the process.

On the other hand, when the arousal degree is less than the specified value (YES in S12), the control unit 60 sets the non-heating setting so that the entire heater wire 31 of the seat heater 20 does not generate heat, stops the first discharge fan 41, and second discharges. The fan 42 and the intake fan 43 are driven (S13). That is, the control unit 60 does not pass a current through the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b, and does not generate heat in the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7b, the first check valve 44a opens the first flow path 17c when the first discharge fan 41 is stopped and the intake fan 43 is driven. Air flows into the first flow path 17c from the opening 16a of the communication portion 16 of the above, or air flows into the first flow path 17c from the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the right side through the first suction passage 17a. , Air is discharged from the discharge flow path 17e. Further, when the second discharge fan 42 is driven, the second discharge fan 42 is driven stronger than the intake fan 43, so that a force acts so that the second check valve 44b closes the second flow path 17d, and the second reverse The check valve 44b is in a state of closing the second flow path 17d. Therefore, the user feels that the right side of the acromion, the back and the lumbar region is cooler due to the intake air flow, and around the left shoulder portion, the opening of the other communication portion 16 from the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the left side via the second suction passage 17b. A cool breeze is felt as the air is discharged from the portion 16a.

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the heater wire 31 was controlled so as not to generate heat in step S13 (S14). The predetermined period may be changed according to the arousal level of the user, and may not be a constant value. The same applies to the following predetermined period.

If the predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S14), the control unit 60 returns the process to step S14.

Next, if the predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S14), the control unit 60 detects the user's alertness and acquires the detected user's alertness from the detection unit 50 (S15). ..

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the arousal level of the user newly acquired from the detection unit 50 in step S15 is less than the specified value (S16).

Next, when the arousal level is equal to or higher than the specified value (NO in S16), the control unit 60 ends the process. At this time, the awakening mode according to step S13 may be returned to the normal mode.

On the other hand, when the arousal level is less than the specified value (YES in S16), the control unit 60 switches between driving and stopping the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42 (S17). In the present embodiment, the control unit 60 switches the first discharge fan 41 from drive to stop, and switches the second discharge fan 42 from stop to drive. The control unit 60 performs these switchings substantially at the same time (synchronizes the switchings).

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed after switching between driving and stopping the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42 as in step S17 (S18).

If the predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S18), the control unit 60 returns the process to step S18.

Next, if the predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S18), the control unit 60 detects the user's alertness and acquires the detected user's alertness from the detection unit 50 (S19). ..

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the arousal level of the user newly acquired from the detection unit 50 in step S19 is less than the specified value (S20).

Next, when the arousal level is equal to or higher than the specified value (NO in S20), the control unit 60 ends the process. At this time, the awakening mode according to step S17 may be returned to the normal mode.

On the other hand, when the arousal level is less than the specified value (YES in S20), the control unit 60 sets, for example, the right heater line 31a to heat and sets the left heater line 31b to non-heat as the first control mode, and sets the first. The discharge fan 41 and the intake fan 43 are driven to stop the second discharge fan 42. Specifically, the control unit 60 allows the current from the power supply unit 70 to flow through the right heater wire 31a that has been set to be heated and the current from the power supply unit 70 to the left heater wire 31b that has been set to be unheated according to the setting of the heater wire 31. Is stopped, the first discharge fan 41 is switched from stop to drive, and the second discharge fan 42 is switched from drive to stop (S21). The control unit 60 performs these switchings substantially at the same time.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7a, when the first discharge fan 41 is driven, air flows in from the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the right side. Therefore, when the air passes through the respective ventilation holes 14a1, the seat heater 20 Warm air is blown from one of the communication portions 16 through the first suction passage 17a. Also. When the second discharge fan 42 is stopped and the intake fan 43 is driven, the second check valve 44b opens the second flow path 17d, so that the second flow path 17d is opened from the opening 16a of the other communication portion 16. Air flows into the second flow path 17d from the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the left side through the second suction passage 17b, and air is discharged from the discharge flow path 17e. Therefore, the user feels a warm breeze around the right shoulder and cools on the left side of the acromion, back and hips.

Steps S17 to S21 correspond to the second control mode.

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the heating of the heater wire 31 was controlled in step S21 (S22).

If the predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S22), the control unit 60 returns the process to step S22.

Next, if the predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S22), the control unit 60 detects the user's alertness and acquires the detected user's alertness from the detection unit 50 (S23). ..

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the user's arousal level newly acquired from the detection unit 50 in step S23 is less than the specified value (S24).

Next, when the arousal level is equal to or higher than the specified value (NO in S24), the control unit 60 ends the process. At this time, the awakening mode according to step S21 may be returned to the normal mode.

On the other hand, when the arousal level is less than the specified value (YES in S24), the control unit 60 sets, for example, the right heater line 31a to be non-heated, sets the left heater line 31b to heat, and sets the first control mode as the first control mode. The discharge fan 41 is stopped, and the second discharge fan 42 and the intake fan 43 are driven. Specifically, the control unit 60 switches between the heating setting and the non-heating setting on the right and left sides of the seat heater 20 in synchronization with the switching between the drive and stop of the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42. (S25). More specifically, as shown in b of FIG. 7, the control unit 60 switches the right heater wire 31a of the heating setting to the non-heating setting and does not heat it, and switches the first discharge fan 41 from driving to stopping. The left heater wire 31b in the non-heating setting is switched to the heating setting to heat it, and the second discharge fan 42 is switched from stop to drive. The control unit 60 performs these switchings substantially at the same time.

The process of FIG. 8 is an example and is not limited to FIG. For example, steps S11 to S14 may be omitted, steps S11 to S18 may be omitted, and steps S11 to S21 may be omitted. Further, steps S14 and subsequent steps may be omitted, steps S17 and subsequent steps may be omitted, and steps S22 and subsequent steps may be omitted. Further, steps S17 to S20 may be omitted, and steps S21 to S24 may be omitted. Further, after passing through the process of step S25, the process may be returned to S18 until the user's arousal level becomes equal to or higher than the specified value.

In this way, the control unit 60 alternately switches between driving and stopping the first discharge fan 41 and the intake fan 43, and alternately switches between stopping and driving the second discharge fan 42 and the intake fan 43. Further, the control unit 60 alternately switches between the heating setting and the non-heating setting of the right heater line 31a, and alternately switches between the non-heating setting and the heating setting of the left heater line 31b. The temperature on the right side and the temperature on the left side of the seat back 13 can be made different, and the temperature of the wind discharged from the first discharge fan 41 and the temperature of the wind discharged from the second discharge fan 42 can be made different. At this time, if the right side of the seat back 13 is warm, warm air is discharged from the first discharge fan 41 on the right side, and if the left side of the seat back 13 is warm, warm air is discharged from the first discharge fan 41 on the left side. .. As a result, the user can be stimulated by the temperature difference between the left and right sides.

Further, the control unit 60 can prevent the user from becoming accustomed to the stimulus due to the temperature difference between the left and right by switching the place where the temperature difference between the left and right occurs as described above with the passage of time. If the user is difficult to awaken, the control unit 60 can give the user a stimulus with a large temperature difference between the left and right sides by driving another fan. Therefore, the user tends to feel a non-uniform sensation, and the user's awakening is promoted.

<Effect>
Next, the operation and effect of the seat temperature control device 2 in the present embodiment will be described.

As described above, the seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment is provided with an intake fan 43 capable of sucking air into the seat back 13 of the seat 1 via the seat heater 20, and on the left and right sides of the seat back 13, respectively. The first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42, and the intake fan 43 and the first discharge, which discharge the air of the seat back 13 from the upper part of the seat back 13 toward the user seated in the seat 1 through the seat heater 20. The first check valve 44a provided between the first flow paths 17c connecting the fan 41 and the second reverse flow path 17d connecting the intake fan 43 and the second discharge fan 42. A stop valve 44b, a seat heater 20, an intake fan 43, a first discharge fan 41, and a control unit 60 for controlling a second discharge fan 42 are provided. Then, the control unit 60 sets the seat heater 20, the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan so that the temperature difference occurs on the right side and the left side of the seat back 13 based on the information indicating the drowsiness of the user. 42 is controlled.

For example, as time passes after the user sits in the seat, the arousal level such as the user becoming drowsy tends to decrease. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the information indicating drowsiness is acquired (the alertness is lowered), the user is allowed to experience the temperature difference between the left and right sides of the seat back 13.

For example, a part of the seat heater 20 (for example, the right side or the left side) is heated by setting the heating, and a part of the seat heater 20 (for example, the left side or the right side) is not heated by setting the heating. As a result, a temperature difference between the left and right sides can be generated for each portion of the seat heater 20, so that the back and waist of the user can be stimulated by the temperature difference between the left and right sides.

Further, for example, by driving the first discharge fan 41 or the second discharge fan 42 corresponding to the right side or the left side of the seat heater 20 heated by the heating setting, the warm air warmed by the seat heater 20 is first. It is discharged from the discharge fan 41 or the second discharge fan 42. Therefore, the user feels that the right side or the left side is warm due to the warm air from the rear. Air is sucked into the seat back 13 by stopping the second discharge fan 42 or the first discharge fan 41 corresponding to the left side or the right side of the seat heater 20 which is not heated by the non-heating setting and driving the intake fan 43. Therefore, an air flow is generated between the user and the seat back 13. Therefore, the user feels that the left side or the right side is cool due to the rearward intake flow.

Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform sensation due to the stimulus caused by the temperature difference between the intake flow and the warm air.

Further, even if the entire seat heater 20 is set to be non-heated, the drive of the first discharge fan 41 or the second discharge fan 42 is stopped, and the second discharge fan 42 or the first discharge fan 41 is driven to drive the intake fan 43. When driven, the blown air at room temperature is discharged from the driven discharge fan. Again, the user feels particularly cool on the left or right side.

Further, even if the entire seat heater 20 is set to be heated, the drive of the first discharge fan 41 is stopped to drive the second discharge fan 42, or the drive of the second discharge fan 42 is stopped to drive the first discharge fan. When 41 is driven, warm air is discharged from the driven discharge fan. For this reason, the user feels particularly warm on the left or right side.

Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform sensation on the left side or the right side due to the stimulus from the wind from the rear.

Further, in the seat temperature adjusting device 2, when the seat temperature is adjusted so that the user is normally comfortable and the user's arousal level is lowered, the control unit 60 is on the right side of the seat back 13 as described above. Only the seat heater 20, the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42 are controlled so that a temperature difference occurs on the left side and the left side. Therefore, unlike the conventional seat temperature control device, the structure is unlikely to be complicated.

Therefore, the seat temperature control device 2 can awaken the user who is seated in the seat 1 and can suppress the complexity of the structure.

In particular, in the seat temperature control device 2, if the control unit 60 controls the seat heater 20, the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42, a temperature difference is generated between the right side and the left side of the seat back 13. Therefore, it is difficult to increase the control process as compared with the conventional seat temperature control device.

In the seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment, the control unit 60 sets the right side of the seat heater 20 corresponding to the right side of the seat back 13 of the seat 1 to heat or not, and sets the left side of the seat back 13 of the seat 1. The left side of the seat heater 20 corresponding to the above is set to non-heating or heating. The first check valve 44a and the second check valve 44b are closed to the first flow path 17c and the second flow when the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 42 are stopped. Road 17d is closed. When the first discharge fan 41 is driven, the first check valve 44a closes the first flow path 17c, the first discharge fan 41 is stopped, and the intake fan 43 is driven. When the second check valve 42b is driven, the second check valve 44b closes the second flow path 17d by opening when the second check valve 42 is driven, and the second check valve 44b closes the second flow path 17d. The second flow path 17d is opened by opening when the fan 42 is stopped and the intake fan 43 is being driven.

According to this, by individually controlling the first discharge fan 41, the second discharge fan 42, and the intake fan 43, each of the first check valve 44a and the second check valve 44b is opened or closed individually. Can be done. Therefore, the airflow is generated between the back and buttocks of the user seated in the seat 1 and the seat back 13, so that the user feels cool on the left side or the right side. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform sensation on the left side or the right side due to the stimulus from the wind from the rear.

In the seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 60 acquires the information indicating drowsiness, the seat heaters 20 on both the left and right sides are set to non-heating, the first discharge fan 41 is stopped, and the second discharge fan is stopped. The 42 is driven, and the intake fan 43 is driven.

According to this, since the air blown from the second discharge fan 42 is applied to the user, the user feels cool on the left side or the right side where the air blown from the second discharge fan 42 is applied. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform feeling.

In the seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment, the control unit 60 has a first control mode. In the first control mode, when the control unit 60 acquires information indicating drowsiness, one of the left and right seat heaters 20 is heated according to the heating setting, and the first discharge fan 41 corresponding to the heated seat heater 20 is heated. Is driven, the other seat heater 20 on both the left and right sides is not heated by the non-heating setting, the second discharge fan 42 corresponding to the other non-heated seat heater 20 is stopped, and the intake fan 43 is driven.

According to this, by driving the first discharge fan 41 corresponding to one of the seat heaters 20 heated by setting the heating, the user can use the temperature discharged from the one seat heater 20 and the first discharge fan 41. The wind makes the user feel warm on the right or left side. Further, by stopping the second discharge fan 42 corresponding to the other seat heater 20 which is not heated by setting non-heating and driving the intake fan 43, the user can use the intake flow sucked from the seat surface portion 10a. The left or right side of the user feels cool. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform sensation due to the stimulus caused by the temperature difference between the left and right sides. As a result, the seat temperature control device 2 can awaken the user more.

In the seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment, the control unit 60 has a second control mode, and in the second control mode, when the control unit 60 acquires information indicating drowsiness, the seat heaters 20 on both the left and right sides are turned on. The first discharge fan 41 is stopped, the second discharge fan 42 is driven, and the intake fan 43 is driven without heating due to the non-heating setting. When the control unit 60 continues to acquire information indicating drowsiness for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 60 heats one of the left and right seat heaters 20 according to the heating setting, and the first discharge corresponding to the heated seat heater 20. The fan 41 is driven, the other seat heater 20 on both the left and right sides is not heated by the non-heating setting, the second discharge fan 42 corresponding to the other unheated seat heater 20 is stopped, and the intake fan 43 is driven. do.

According to this, since the air blown from the second discharge fan 42 is discharged toward the user, the user feels cool on the left side or the right side where the air blown from the second discharge fan 42 is applied. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform feeling.

Further, when the user is drowsy (the user's alertness is low) for a predetermined period or longer, the user feels warm on the right side or left side of the user and cool on the left side or right side of the user as described above. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform sensation due to the stimulus caused by the temperature difference between the left and right sides. As a result, the seat temperature control device 2 can awaken the user more.

In the seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment, the control unit 60 has a first control mode and a second control mode. In the first control mode, when the information indicating drowsiness is acquired, one of the left and right seat heaters 20 is heated by the heating setting to drive the first discharge fan 41 corresponding to the one seat heater 20, and the left and right are left and right. The other seat heater 20 on both sides is not heated by the non-heating setting, and the second discharge fan 42 corresponding to the other seat heater 20 is stopped to drive the intake fan 43. Further, in the second control mode, when the information indicating drowsiness is acquired, the seat heaters 20 on both the left and right sides are not heated by the non-heating setting, the first discharge fan 41 is stopped, the second discharge fan 42 is driven, and the intake air is taken. When the fan 43 is driven and information indicating drowsiness is continuously acquired for a predetermined period, one of the left and right seat heaters 20 is heated according to the heating setting, and the first discharge fan corresponding to the heated seat heater 20 is heated. 41 is driven, the other seat heater 20 on both the left and right sides is not heated by the non-heating setting, and the second discharge fan 42 corresponding to the other unheated seat heater 20 is stopped to drive the intake fan 43. , The first control mode and the second control mode are switched based on a predetermined condition.

According to this, by switching between the first control mode and the second control mode, the user feels a more uneven feeling due to the change of the stimulus due to the temperature difference between the left and right. As a result, the seat temperature control device 2 can awaken the user more.

In the seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 60 does not acquire information indicating drowsiness for a predetermined period or longer, the seat heater 20 and the intake fan are suppressed so that the temperature difference between the left and right sides of the seat back 13 is suppressed. 43, the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42 are controlled.

According to this, when the user is awake, the back and waist of the user can be uniformly warmed or uniformly cooled. Therefore, a comfortable environment can be provided to the user.

In the seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment, the control unit 60 switches between the heating setting and the non-heating setting on the right side and the left side of the seat heater 20 based on a predetermined condition, and the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge The drive and stop of the fan 42 are switched.

For example, in a device that only discharges hot air from the first discharge fan or cold air from the second discharge fan, the user may become accustomed to switching between hot air and cold air.

However, according to the present embodiment, for example, by switching between the first control mode and the second control mode, even if the user feels warm on the right side, he / she feels cool on the right side or cool on the left side of the user. Even if I feel it, I feel warm on the left side. In this way, the user feels a non-uniform sensation due to the stimulus caused by the temperature difference. As a result, the seat temperature control device 2 can awaken the user more.

In the seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment, the predetermined condition includes a predetermined period.

According to this, according to a predetermined period, the heating setting and the non-heating setting can be individually switched on the right side and the left side of the seat heater 20, and the driving of the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42, respectively. You can switch between stop and stop individually.

The seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment includes a detection unit that outputs information indicating drowsiness of the user to the control unit 60 by detecting the user's arousal level.

According to this, since the drowsiness (alertness) of the user can be detected with high accuracy, the control unit 60 can detect the drowsiness (alertness) of the user with the seat heater 20, the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 41 if the user is drowsy. The discharge fan 42 can be appropriately controlled. As a result, the seat temperature control device 2 can awaken the user more because the user is stimulated by the temperature difference between the left and right sides.

The seat temperature control device 2 of the present embodiment is built in the seat back 13 of the seat 1, and heats the right side or the left side of the seat back 13 by the heating setting, and does not heat the left side or the right side of the seat back 13 by the non-heating setting. A seat heater 20 is provided.

According to this, since the temperature difference can be increased on the right side or the left side of the seat heater 20, it becomes easy to give the user a stimulus due to the temperature difference between the left and right sides. Therefore, the seat temperature control device 2 can make the user more awake because the user tends to feel a non-uniform sensation.

(Modification 1 of the embodiment)
This modification differs from the operation of the seat temperature control device of the embodiment in that the operation of the intake fan 43 is stopped. Unless otherwise specified, other configurations in the present embodiment are the same as those in the embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

<Processing>
Further, in this modification, since the same processing as in FIG. 8 of the embodiment is performed, the same processing is designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the processing will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat temperature control device 2 in the first modification of the embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 9, in the seat temperature control device 2, after the processing of steps S11 and S12, if YES in step S12, the control unit 60 does not generate heat of the entire heater wire 31 of the seat heater 20. The heating is set, the first discharge fan 41 is stopped, and the second discharge fan 42 is driven (S13a).

When the second discharge fan 42 is driven, the second check valve 44b closes the second flow path 17d by the air flowing from the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the left side to the other communication portion 16 through the second suction passage 17b. The second check valve 44b closes the second flow path 17d because a force acts on the second check valve 44b. Further, since the intake fan 43 is not driven in this process, the first check valve 44a is not opened either. Therefore, the user feels cool only on the left side of the acromion, back and waist.

Next, in the seat temperature control device 2, after passing through the processes from steps S14 to S19, if YES in step S20, as the first control mode, for example, the right heater line 31a and the left as shown in FIG. 6b. The heater wire 31b is set to heat, the first discharge fan 41 is driven, and the second discharge fan 42 is stopped. That is, the control unit 60 causes the current from the power supply unit 70 to flow through the right heater line 31a and the left heater line 31b that have been set to be heated, switches the first discharge fan 41 from stop to drive, and stops the second discharge fan 42 from drive. Switch to (S21a).

As shown in FIG. 6b, when the first discharge fan 41 is driven, air flows in from the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the right side. Therefore, when the air passes through the respective ventilation holes 14a1, the seat heater 20 warms the air. Then, warm air is blown from one of the communication portions 16 through the first suction passage 17a. Further, since the intake fan 43 is not driven, the first check valve 44a closes the first flow path 17c by the air flowing from the plurality of ventilation holes 14a1 on the right side to the one communication portion 16 through the first suction passage 17a. As a result, the first check valve 44a closes the first flow path 17c. Since the intake fan 43 is not driven in this process, the second check valve 44b is not opened either. Therefore, air is not discharged from the communication portion 16 on the left side. Therefore, the user feels warm only on the right side of the acromion, back and waist.

Then, in the seat temperature control device 2, after the processes from steps S22 to S23 are performed, if YES in step S24, for example, the right heater wire 31a is set to non-heating and the left heater wire 31b is heated as the first control mode. It is set, the first discharge fan 41 is stopped, and the second discharge fan 42 is driven. That is, the control unit 60 switches between the heating setting and the non-heating setting on the right side and the left side of the seat heater 20 in synchronization with the switching between the drive and stop of the first discharge fan 41 and the second discharge fan 42 (S25a). ..

The process of FIG. 9 is an example and is not limited to FIG. For example, steps S11 to S14 may be omitted, steps S11 to S18 may be omitted, and steps S11 to S21 may be omitted. Further, steps S14 and subsequent steps may be omitted, steps S17 and subsequent steps may be omitted, and steps S22 and subsequent steps may be omitted. Further, steps S17 to S20 may be omitted, and steps S21 to S24 may be omitted. Further, after passing through the process of step S25, the process may be returned to S18 until the user's arousal level becomes equal to or higher than the specified value.

<Effect>
Next, the operation and effect of the seat temperature control device 2 in this modification will be described.

As described above, in the seat temperature control device 2 of the present modification, when the control unit 60 acquires the information indicating drowsiness, the seat heaters 20 on both the left and right sides are set to heat, the first discharge fan 41 is stopped, and the first discharge fan 41 is stopped. 2 The discharge fan 42 is driven, and the intake fan 43 is not driven.

According to this, in a state where both the left and right back surfaces are warmed by the seat heater 20, warm air is blown to the rear of the user from the second discharge fan 42, so that the user can receive the warm air from the second discharge fan 42. Feel cool on the right side. Therefore, the user feels a non-uniform feeling.

(Modification 2 of the embodiment)
<Structure>
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the seat temperature control device 2a in the second modification of the embodiment.

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 10, the seat temperature control device 2a further has a temperature sensor 51, which is different from the operation of the seat temperature control device of the embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, other configurations in the present embodiment are the same as those in the embodiment, and the same configurations and functions are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

The seat temperature control device 2a further includes a temperature sensor 51 that detects the body surface temperature of the user.

The temperature sensor 51 can detect the body surface temperature of the body such as the user's face, arms, and neck. The temperature sensor 51 is, for example, an infrared sensor, a resistance temperature detector, or the like. The temperature sensor 51 outputs the detected body surface temperature of the user to the control unit 60.

The control unit 60 controls the seat heater 20, the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 42 based on the user's body surface temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51. That is, when the control unit 60 acquires the information indicating the body surface temperature from the temperature sensor 51, the control unit 60 adjusts the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 31 of the seat heater 20 based on the body surface temperature indicated by the information. For example, the control unit 60 individually adjusts the heat generation temperature of each of the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b by changing the current value or the like supplied to each of the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b.

<Processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 11, the temperature sensor 51 detects the body surface temperature of the user by measuring the state of the user (S31). The temperature sensor 51 outputs information indicating the detected body surface temperature of the user to the control unit 60.

Next, when the control unit 60 acquires the information indicating the body surface temperature of the user, it determines whether or not the body surface temperature indicated by the information is lower than the specified temperature (S12).

Next, when the body surface temperature of the control unit 60 is equal to or higher than the specified temperature (NO in S12), the user's body surface temperature is high, so that the right heater wire 31a or the left heater wire 31b for which heating is set is set. The temperature of is less than the body surface temperature (S33). That is, the control unit 60 reduces or stops the current value flowing through the right heater line 31a or the left heater line 31b for which heating is set. Since the temperature of the seat heater 20 becomes low (it is difficult to become high), the control unit 60 controls the current value flowing through the right heater line 31a or the left heater line 31b so as to lower the body surface temperature of the user. As a result, the user feels cool and therefore feels uneven. In this modification, the right heater wire 31a or the left heater wire 31b is individually heated (at different timings), but the right heater wire 31a and the left heater wire 31b may be heated and set at the same time.

On the other hand, when the body surface temperature of the control unit 60 is lower than the specified temperature (YES in S32), the body surface temperature of the user is low, so that the right heater wire 31a or the left heater wire 31b for which heating is set is set. The temperature is set to be equal to or higher than the body surface temperature (S34). That is, the control unit 60 increases the current value flowing through the right heater line 31a or the left heater line 31b that is set to be heated. Since the temperature of the seat heater 20 becomes high, the control unit 60 controls the current value flowing through the right heater line 31a or the left heater line 31b so as to raise the body surface temperature of the user. As a result, the temperature of the seat heater 20 becomes high, and the user feels hot, so that the user feels a non-uniform feeling.

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the heat generation of the heater wire 31 was controlled in steps S33 or S34 (S35). The predetermined period may be changed according to the arousal level of the user, and may not be a constant value. The same applies to the following predetermined period.

If the predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S35), the control unit 60 returns the process to step S35.

Next, if the predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S35), the control unit 60 ends the process.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8 and the like, in the processing of steps S33 and S34, the heating setting and the non-heating setting of the right heater line 31a and the left heater line 31b may be switched.

Although the body surface temperature is changed by the seat heater 20 here, the body surface temperature is not limited to this, and the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 42 can be controlled in the same manner. The body surface temperature of the user may be changed, or the body surface temperature of the user may be changed by controlling all of the seat heater 20, the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 42. ..

<Effect>
Next, the action and effect of the seat temperature control device 2a in this modification will be described.

As described above, the seat temperature control device 2a of this modified example includes a temperature sensor 51 that detects the body surface temperature of the user. Then, the control unit 60 controls the seat heater 20, the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 42 based on the user's body surface temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51.

According to this, the temperature at which the seat back 13 is heated by the seat heater 20 can be raised or lowered according to the body surface temperature of the user. That is, the control unit 60 can give the seat heater 20 a temperature higher or lower than the user's body surface temperature to the user. Further, by controlling the intake fan 43, the first discharge fan 41, and the second discharge fan 42, the body surface temperature of the user can be changed. These make it easier for the user to be aware of the non-uniform sensation, so that the seat temperature control device 2a can make the user more awake.

(Other modifications, etc.)
Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments 1 and 2 of the embodiments, the present disclosure is limited to the embodiments 1 and 2 of the embodiments and the embodiments. is not it.

For example, in the seat temperature control device according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications 1 and 2, the control unit may be able to gradually heat the heater wire, and the right heater wire and the left heater wire may be used. The temperature of the above may be adjusted individually. Further, the control unit may be able to individually adjust the discharge amount of the first discharge fan, the discharge amount of the second discharge fan, and the intake amount of the intake fan, and the amount of air blown from each of the pair of communication parts. May also be individually adjustable.

Further, in the seat temperature control device according to each of the above-described embodiments and the modified examples 1 and 2 of the embodiment, when performing the awakening control, the order of heating and non-heating control of the right heater line and the left heater line is from which one. It may be. Further, the order of operation and stop of the first discharge fan and the second discharge fan may be either. Further, the heating and non-heating states of the right heater wire and the left heater wire, and the operation and stop states of the first discharge fan and the second discharge fan are switched periodically or randomly, for example, in a period shorter than a predetermined period. You may.

Further, in the seat temperature control device according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications 1 and 2 of the embodiments, variable resistors may be provided on the right heater line and the left heater line. In this case, the control unit may individually adjust the temperature (current value) of the right heater line and the left heater line by controlling the variable resistor.

Further, in the seat temperature control device according to each of the above-described embodiments and the modified examples 1 and 2 of the embodiment, the control unit determines the calorific value (current value flowing through the heater wire) of each of the right heater wire and the left heater wire. The discharge amount of the first discharge fan, the discharge amount of the second discharge fan, and the suction amount of the intake fan may be changed accordingly.

Further, in the seat temperature control device according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications 1 and 2 of the embodiment, the seat temperature control device is formed on a part of the second seat pad, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of seat pads for forming the first flow path and the second flow path may be provided on the surface side of the second seat pad, such as a first discharge fan, a second discharge fan, and an intake fan. May also be provided. That is, the seat temperature control device may be arranged on the surface of the second seat pad.

Further, in the seat temperature control device according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications 1 and 2, the control unit sets the right heater wire to heat and sets the left heater wire to non-heat, and then sets the right heater wire to the right. When the heater wire is switched to the non-heating setting and the left heater wire is switched to the heating setting, the temperature may be determined so that the heat balance is balanced for the user. For example, when the left heater wire is set to be non-heated, heat may be taken from a part of the user corresponding to the non-heated setting portion. Therefore, when the left heater wire is set to be heated, it is heated so as to apply heat taken from a part of the user at the same location. That is, the control unit may control the temperature of the heater wire so as to return a part of the user to the temperature before the heat is taken away. For example, if the right heater wire at the time of heating setting is heated to the first temperature, the left heater wire at the time of heating setting may be heated to the second temperature. At this time, the first temperature is the same as the second temperature, but may be different. The heat balance is appropriately calculated based on a predetermined function or table according to the user's body surface temperature, seat shape, humidity, air temperature, operating condition of the air conditioner, the environment (solar radiation) in the vehicle interior, etc. NS. For example, the control unit senses pre-input information indicating the shape of the seat, information indicating the humidity and temperature acquired from the humidity thermometer, information indicating the operating state of the air conditioner from the air conditioner, and the environment inside the vehicle. The environmental information of the sensor to be used, the temperature of the user's body surface by the temperature sensor, etc. are acquired. Further, the control unit may appropriately set the first temperature and the second temperature according to the heat balance.

Further, each processing unit included in the seat temperature control device according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications 1 and 2 of the embodiment is typically realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip so as to include a part or all of them.

Further, the integrated circuit is not limited to the LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications 1 and 2 of the embodiments, each component is realized by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. May be good. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

In addition, the numbers used above are all exemplified for the purpose of specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the embodiments of the present disclosure and the modified examples 1 and 2 of the embodiments are not limited to the illustrated numbers. ..

Further, the division of the functional block in the block diagram is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks can be realized as one functional block, one functional block can be divided into a plurality of functional blocks, and some functions can be transferred to other functional blocks. You may. Further, the functions of a plurality of functional blocks having similar functions may be processed by a single hardware or software in parallel or in a time division manner.

Further, the order in which each step in the flowchart is executed is for the purpose of exemplifying the present disclosure in detail, and may be an order other than the above. Further, a part of the above steps may be executed at the same time (parallel) as other steps.

In addition, a form obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments and modifications 1 and 2 that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, and modifications of the embodiments and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure also includes a form realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in 1 and 2.

The present disclosure can be used, for example, for vehicles and the like.

1 Seat 2, 2a Seat temperature controller 13 Seat back (backrest)
20 Seat heater 41 1st discharge fan 42 2nd discharge fan 43 Intake fan 50 Detection unit 51 Temperature sensor 60 Control unit

Claims (13)

An intake fan that can suck air into the backrest of the seat via the seat heater,
A first discharge fan and a second discharge fan, which are provided on the left and right sides of the backrest portion and discharge air from the backrest portion through the seat heater toward the user seated in the seat from the upper part of the backrest portion. ,
A first check valve provided between the first flow path connecting the intake fan and the first discharge fan,
A second check valve provided between the second flow path connecting the intake fan and the second discharge fan, and
A control unit for controlling the seat heater, the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan is provided.
Based on the information indicating the drowsiness of the user, the control unit sets the seat heater, the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan so that a temperature difference occurs on the right side and the left side of the backrest part. A seat temperature controller to control. The control unit
The right side of the seat heater corresponding to the right side of the backrest portion of the seat is set to be heated or not heated.
The left side of the seat heater corresponding to the left side of the backrest portion of the seat is set to be unheated or heated.
The first check valve and the second check valve are closed to the first flow path and the second check valve when the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan are stopped. Close the flow path,
The first check valve is
When the first discharge fan is driven, the first flow path is closed by closing the first discharge fan.
When the first discharge fan is stopped and the intake fan is driven, the first flow path is opened by opening.
The second check valve is
When the second discharge fan is driven, the second flow path is closed by closing the second discharge fan.
The seat temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the second flow path is opened by opening the second discharge fan when the second discharge fan is stopped and the intake fan is driven. When the control unit acquires the information indicating the drowsiness, the seat heaters on the left and right sides are set to non-heating, the first discharge fan is stopped, and the second discharge fan is driven to drive the intake fan. The seat temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2. When the control unit acquires the information indicating the drowsiness, the seat heaters on the left and right sides are set to heat, the first discharge fan is stopped, the second discharge fan is driven, and the intake fan is not driven. Item 3. The seat temperature control device according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The control unit has a first control mode.
In the first control mode, when the control unit acquires the information indicating the drowsiness,
The seat heater on one of the left and right sides is heated according to the heating setting, and the first discharge fan corresponding to the heated seat heater is driven.
Claims 1 to 1 for driving the intake fan by stopping the second discharge fan corresponding to the unheated other seat heater without heating the other seat heater on the left and right sides by the non-heating setting. The seat temperature control device according to any one of 4. The control unit has a second control mode.
In the second control mode,
When the information indicating the drowsiness is acquired, the seat heaters on the left and right sides are not heated by the non-heating setting, the first discharge fan is stopped, the second discharge fan is driven, and the intake fan is driven.
When the information indicating the drowsiness is continuously acquired for a predetermined period, the seat heater on one of the left and right sides is heated by the heating setting, and the first discharge fan corresponding to the heated seat heater is driven. The second discharge fan corresponding to the other unheated seat heater is stopped and the intake fan is driven without heating the other seat heater on the left and right sides by the non-heating setting. The seat temperature control device according to any one of 5 to 5. The control unit
It has a first control mode and a second control mode.
In the first control mode, when the information indicating the drowsiness is acquired,
The seat heater on one of the left and right sides is heated according to the heating setting to drive the first discharge fan corresponding to the one seat heater.
The other seat heater on the left and right sides is not heated by the non-heating setting, and the second discharge fan corresponding to the other seat heater is stopped to drive the intake fan.
In the second control mode,
When the information indicating the drowsiness is acquired, the seat heaters on the left and right sides are not heated by the non-heating setting, the first discharge fan is stopped, the second discharge fan is driven, and the intake fan is driven.
When the information indicating the drowsiness is continuously acquired for a predetermined period, the seat heater on one of the left and right sides is heated by the heating setting, and the first discharge fan corresponding to the heated seat heater is driven. The second discharge fan corresponding to the other unheated seat heater is stopped to drive the intake fan without heating the other seat heater on the left and right sides by the non-heating setting.
The seat temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which switches between the first control mode and the second control mode based on a predetermined condition. When the control unit does not acquire information indicating the drowsiness for a predetermined period or longer, the seat heater, the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan are suppressed so that the temperature difference between the left and right sides of the backrest portion is suppressed. The seat temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which controls a discharge fan. The control unit switches between the heating setting and the non-heating setting on the right side and the left side of the seat heater based on a predetermined condition, and switches between driving and stopping the first discharge fan and the second discharge fan. The seat temperature control device according to any one of 8 to 8. The seat temperature control device according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined condition includes a predetermined period. Equipped with a detector that detects the user's alertness
The seat temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit acquires information indicating the drowsiness if the detected alertness is less than a specified value. Any of claims 1 to 11, which is built in the backrest portion of the seat and includes a seat heater that heats the right side or the left side of the backrest portion by a heating setting and does not heat the left side or the right side of the backrest portion by a non-heating setting. The seat temperature control device according to item 1. A temperature sensor for detecting the body surface temperature of the user is provided.
The control unit controls the seat heater, the intake fan, the first discharge fan, and the second discharge fan based on the body surface temperature of the user detected by the temperature sensor. The seat temperature control device according to any one item.

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