Patent Application
20070193279
The present invention relates to an air conditioned seat device used for an automobile seat and an office chair, for example, that promptly provides a human body with a comfortable state even in an environment with uncomfortable outside air temperature. The invention particularly relates to an air conditioned seat device that provides a healthy comfortable sense of seating according to individual preference, and to an air conditioning system using the air conditioned seat device.
An air conditioned seat device with the structure as shown in
In this air conditioned seat device, the air blows out through duct 2 and small holes in seat cover 4 communicating with duct 2. While a human body is seated, the sent air does not flow out through the holes in seat cover 4 at portions that is in contact with the human body, but flows out through those at portions that is not in contact with the human body. Therefore, even if dry air is sent, it does not blow on the human body contacting the seat. Consequently, sweat is not sufficiently vaporized to resolve steaminess. A pressure applied while a human body is seated deforms support member 1 to block a part of duct 2, possibly preventing air from circulating around the entire seat. Meanwhile, small holes in seat cover 4, through which air from the air blower blows out, influence on the design. For example, small holes cannot be provided in seat cover 4 where air from the air blower is not desired to blow out, which will largely constrain the design.
An air conditioned seat device according to the present invention has a support member, an air blower, a skin configured to form a seating surface, an air layer member, and an air-impermeable sheet member. The support member is provided with an air duct. The air blower takes in air from the outside and passes it to the duct. The skin passes air sent from the air blower. The air layer member, provided between the support member and the skin, temporarily stores air supplied from the duct to form an air layer. The sheet member covering the air layer member is provided with an air flow-out opening configured to induce air to flow out from the air layer. With the above-mentioned makeup, blowing out of air is regulated by the air flow-out opening in the sheet member, and an airflow path is ensured even if a pressure is applied while a human body is seated, thus allowing air to circulate around the entire seat. Consequently, the common makeup can be used even if the seat design and conditions change, independently of the blow-out condition of air sent by the air blower.
Hereinafter, descriptions are made for exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the related drawings. The present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The same mark is given to a component similar to that in preceding exemplary embodiments in its description, to omit its detailed description.
In seating portion 51, support member 11 forming the framework of the seat is provided with duct 13, a first duct passing air therethrough. Air conditioning unit (“conditioning unit” hereinafter) 12A for conditioning air is disposed halfway through duct 13. Air blower 14 such as a sirocco fan, a first air blower located at the bottom of the seat, takes air in through air inlet 14B provided in a part except seating surface 26E and sends the air to conditioning unit 12A. The conditioned air is sent toward seating surface 26E through duct 13. Support member 11 has elasticity in which the squash depth of the hip joint position is at least 30 mm and at most 200 mm when a typical human body weighing 75 kg is seated. The elasticity causes decreasing the concentration of the body pressure distribution to improve seating comfort, thus decreasing user's fatigue.
Conditioning unit 12A is composed of peltiert element 15. Peltiert element 15 has first heat exchanger 16 at its cold junction and second heat exchanger 17 at its hot junction. Conditioning unit 12A has dehumidifier 18, a first dehumidifier; drainpipe 19; and evaporating pan 20. Dehumidifier 18 condenses vapor in the air sent from air blower 14 at first heat exchanger 16 to dehumidify the air. Drainpipe 19 collects water condensed by dehumidifier 18. Evaporating pan 20 vaporizes the water collected in drainpipe 19. In the makeup in
Air layer member (member, hereinafter) 21 is disposed on support member 11. That is, member 21 is provided between support member 11 and skin 26. Member 21 made of a porous body with elasticity and high air permeability, such as a sponge-like porous body with a large diameter of air holes, temporarily stores the air supplied from duct 13 to form an air layer. Specifically, member 21 has an elastic modulus equal to or smaller than that of support member 11 and a pressure loss between 0 Pa to 100 Pa inclusive at airflow rate of 0.1 m3 per minute.
PTC heater 22, a sheet member, made of air-impermeable material, has air flow-out opening (opening, hereinafter) 22A for regulating air flowing out from the air layer, and covers member 21. PTC heater 22 has electrode 24 and heating element material 25 disposed on air-impermeable electrically insulating substrate 23 with a self-temperature-control function. Skin 26, having air outlets 26A, composed of skin, seat cover, and others, is disposed so as to cover PTC heater 22. PTC heater 22, a heating element, is used as a sheet member in this way to allow air conditioned seat device 10 to also heat a human body.
Skin 26 is provided with a large number of outlets 26A to form seating surface 26E passing the air sent by air blower 14. Control unit 41A controls energization of PTC heater 22 and driving of air blower 14.
Hereinafter, a description is made for actions of air conditioned seat device 10 composed as mentioned above. The air sent by air blower 14, after being dehumidified by conditioning unit 12A, is led to member 21 through duct 13. The air then blows out from outlets 26A in skin 26 through opening 22A of PTC heater 22 covering member 21.
The blown-out air reaches clothes and a skin surface of a human body, and this dry air vaporizes sweat to prevent steaminess. Member 21 is made of a porous body with elasticity and high air permeability, and its deformation volume ranges between 1% and 90% inclusive. Consequently, member 21 retains air permeability against compression caused by the weight of a human body while being seated. To sufficiently retain air permeability, a preferable deformation volume is between 1% and 10% inclusive. In this case, the dehumidified air can be sent to the buttocks even if opening 22A is provided at the seating position of the buttocks that is compress deformed most largely while being seated, thus preventing steaminess at the buttocks. Meanwhile, using member 21 with the aforementioned elastic modulus and air permeability, air blower 14 made of a small sirocco fan with a diameter of approximately 70 mm can also send air; support member 11 supports the weight of the user; and member 21 uniformizes the body pressure distribution, thus improving seating comfort.
Here, air-impermeable PTC heater 22 has opening 22A covering member 21 and controlling airflow out from member 21. This allows forming member 21 with a large volume, thus filling the entire seat with the air from duct 13. That is to say, as a result of sending air to member 21, the entire seat remains being filled with air, which can be blown out from any part of the seat. Still, the air can be blown out from opening 22A of air-impermeable PTC heater 22 provided in predetermined places through outlets 26A in skin 26. When air is sent to member 21 particularly made of porous body with elasticity and high air permeability, member 21 is filled with air uniformly. Then, the air stably blows out from the outlets in skin 26 through opening 22A of PTC heater 22. This makeup, dispensing with an airflow path, beam and column, and the like, simplifies the structure.
As mentioned above, the blow-out position of air can be adjusted according to the position and shape of opening 22A, which allows air to be blown out that is optimum to seating conditions and the like, according to the seat design and shape. Therefore, member 21 can be common even if the seat design and others change, because the structure of member 21 is not influenced by blow-out conditions of air. Further, design of skin 26 can be more flexible, because the blow-out position of air can be regulated by opening 22A. PTC heater 22, covering member 21, allows a load to be applied to entire member 21, and the deformation volume to be reduced, when a load caused by seating or the like is applied, resulting in load bearing and durability increased owing to a synergistic effect of PTC heater 22 and member 21.
If using the method of bonding any two components out of skin 26, PTC heater 22, and member 21, through heat-melting bonding material, bonding can be performed by passing steam from the skin 26 side through opening 22A. This method tightly bonds these components, particularly near opening 22A of PTC heater 22.
The description aforementioned is on actions and advantages common in cooling and heating. Next, actions in heating are mainly described. In heating, control unit 41A energizes PTC heater 22 to heat the vicinity of seating surface 26E. Meanwhile, dry air blows out from outlets 26A, the air that has been sent through air blower 14, conditioning unit 12A, duct 13, and member 21. This air is warmed by an air conditioning device for heating the cabin where air conditioned seat device 10 is arranged, for example, and thus the user is indirectly heated by the air as well. Therefore, the user is heated without feeling steaminess at his or her buttocks. That is, PTC heater 22 heats the user directly with heat conduction through skin 26. The user feels warmth quickly, thus improving comfort. When the user uses only PTC heater 22 for heating for a long time, he or she may feel steaminess even in winter; however, when air conditioned by conditioning unit 12A is sent by air blower 14, the steaminess is resolved, thus improving comfort.
Here, reversing the polarity of peltiert element 15 in conditioning unit 12A causes air sent by air blower 14 to be warmed for heating. In this case, however, conditioning unit 12A requires its rising time, and rise in temperature requires some time due to the large heat capacities of the duct for air warmed by conditioning unit 12A, and of member 21. Consequently, some time is required before the user feels warmth, thus impairing comfort at first use. Meanwhile, in air conditioned seat device 10 according to this embodiment, PTC heater 22, a sheet-like heating element disposed near seating surface 2E, heats the user directly with heat conduction through skin 26. The user feels warmth quickly, thus improving comfort.
PTC heater 22 has a self-temperature-control function and a sheet-like, wide heating area, thus lowering the temperature at its heating surface, to improve comfort as well as safety. On the other hand, if a linear heater is used for the sheet-like heating element, for example, it has a linear, small heating area, thus raising the temperature at its heating surface. To maintain the average surface temperature at 40° C., for example, the temperature at its heating area has to be controlled for 70° C. to 120° C. locally, and a complicated structure with a temperature controller such as a thermostat is needed. The locally high temperature may cause problems due to heating including burn injuries. Further, the uneven temperature distribution impairs comfort. Furthermore, as the temperature difference from its surrounding environments is large, heating loss is large when being unused or at a part not contacting a human body, causing large power consumption. Contrarily, in a case PTC heater 22 is used for the sheet-like heating element, the heating portion is sheet-like with a large area. To maintain the average surface temperature at 40° C., the temperature at its heating portion can be controlled for 45° C. to 50° C. Furthermore, the self-temperature-control function, dispensing with a temperature controller such as a thermostat, simplifies the structure. The temperature not so high frees the user from concern for burn injuries; the uniform temperature distribution improves comfort; and the small temperature difference from its surrounding environments reduces heat loss and power consumption.
With the makeup where dehumidifier 18 is placed before air blower 14 outside the seat body to send air dehumidified by air blower 14, the same advantage is available. Besides peltiert element 15, a compression type freezer provides the same advantage.
Here, if a sufficient air conditioning effect is available simply by sending air, conditioning unit 12A is not required. Skin 26, provided with outlets 26A, does not necessarily need visible holes, as long as skin 26 is air-permeable.
In
As shown in
Next, a description is made for detailed actions of control unit 41A.
After starting energization of PTC heater 22, the surface temperature gradually rises. However, when air blower 14 is driven simultaneously with the energization of PTC heater 22, the user feels colder due to the sent air in a cold environment. This is because rise in temperature requires some time due to the large heat capacities of duct 13 and member 21. If air blower 14 is driven when the surface temperature reaches a certain level, the heat stored in members surrounding PTC heater 22 then transfers to the air sent by blower 14 in the process of passing through duct 13 and member 21. Consequently, the warm air is blown out from outlets 26A, and the surface temperature changes as shown by curve 43, to improve a sense of warmth. That is, air conditioned seat device 10 can warm the air in member 21 as well by PTC heater 22, with its fast heating capability retained, and can send sufficiently warm air at a burst. Accordingly, the user feels warmth more strongly, thus significantly improving comfort synergistically. Experiments prove that preferable time “t1” after starting energization of heater 22 until starting driving air blower 14 is 3 to 5 minutes.
When air blower 14 is driven continuously after “t1” elapses, although the surface temperature temporarily rises and then gradually drops owing to the sent air, the humidity at the human skin remains almost unchanged at a low level, thus steaminess is prevented.
As aforementioned, air blower 14, driven after “t1” elapses, allows warm air to be blown out from outlets 26A, and the surface temperature changes as shown by curve 44, to improve warmth. By intermittently driving air blower 14 as well, the air sent by blower 14 is heated while passing through the surrounding materials heated by PTC heater 22. Then, the temperature of air blown out from outlets 26A provided in skin 26 rises to increase a sense of warmth. When the surface temperature reaches the saturated region, the temperature in the cabin rises to 20° C. to 25° C., causing the user to feel steaminess. However, intermittently driving air blower 14 to send air to the surface of the human body prevents steaminess.
As aforementioned, control unit 41A preferably controls driving air blower 14 after a certain period of time elapses from starting energization of PTC heater 22 when heating. Further, control unit 41A preferably controls driving air blower 14 intermittently after starting energization of PTC heater 22.
Besides the above-mentioned control actions, control unit 41A may control PTC heater 22 and air blower 14 so as to alternately perform energization of PTC heater 22 and driving of air blower 14 to send air from duct 13 intermittently. In this case, the air in member 21 warmed by PTC heater 22 can be used for heating the user, and heating by PTC heater 22 and by air sent from air blower 14 are intermittently applied, allowing the user to feel a sense of warmth more strongly. In addition, PTC heater 22 and air blower 14 are not simultaneously energized, namely either one of the maximum electric capacities is reached, thus reducing the overall maximum electric capacity.
In the above-mentioned makeup, control unit 41B drives air blower 14 when the surface temperature reaches “T1” after starting energization of PTC heater 22; and stops air blower 14 when the surface temperature drops to “T2”, which is lower than “T1”. Here, sensor 42 outputs a first value for “T1”, and a second value for “T2”, lower than the first value. In other words, control unit 41B drives air blower 14 when output from sensor 42 reaches or exceeds the first value after starting energization of PTC heater 22, and stops air blower 14 when output from sensor 42 drops to the second value. For example, “T1” and “T2” are set to 36° C. and 34° C., respectively.
In the present embodiment, when the surface temperature reaches the set temperature of 36° C., air blower 14 is driven, and the air sent by air blower 14 blows out from outlets 26A through duct 13 and member 21. At this moment, the warm air accumulated in materials surrounding PTC heater 22 then is blown out from outlets 26A to raise the skin temperature, thus improving a sense of warmth. After then, if sending air is continued, the skin temperature begins to drop because the temperature in the cabin is approximately 25° C., and air blower 14 is stopped when the skin temperature drops to the set temperature of 34° C. When air blower 14 stops to quit sending air, the surface temperature begins to rise, and then air blower 14 is driven again at 36° C., and the skin temperature rises at an accelerating rate. During this time, the humidity at the human skin remains roughly constant at a low level, thus steaminess is prevented. Here, the makeup and control actions for stopping air blower 14 according to output from sensor 42 may be applied to the first exemplary embodiment.
Flexible pad 48 such as a thin sponge-like pad with high air permeability is disposed between PTC heater 22 and skin 26. In this makeup, even if a material lacking flexibility to some degree is used for PTC heater 22 in order to enhance the strength and the like of air-impermeable PTC heater 22, pad 48 supplements the flexibility and the like. This increases degree of freedom in choosing material for PTC heater 22, thus allowing comfort while being seated to be improved. Therefore, the elastic modulus of pad 48 is preferably equal to or lower than that of support member 11, more preferably equal to or lower than that of member 21. Since pad 48 is located between outlets 26A in skin 26 and opening 22A of PTC heater 22, opening 22A of PTC heater 22 disappears from the surface of skin 26, thus enhancing the appearance. This makeup may be applied to the other exemplary embodiments.
In the present embodiment, air conditioning unit 12B is provided with dehumidifier 31 having a dehumidification agent (adsorbent) such as zeolite or silica gel with an adsorptive property. The dehumidification agent in dehumidifiers 31 is heated by heater units 32, which are first and second heater units such as electric heaters, through convection, radiation, or conduction. Vent 33 is further provided to communicate dehumidifier 31 to the outside of air conditioned seat device 10. Outlet air duct selector (selector, hereinafter) 35 which is a damper or the like is provided to be driven by stepping motor 34 or the like. Selector 35 closes duct 13 when vent 33 is opened and opens duct 13 when vent 33 is closed. Control unit 54 is connected to air blower 14, selector 35, and heater unit 32 through power level adjusting unit 53 such as a DC-DC converter. Control unit 54 controls driving of air blower 14, position of selector 35, and energization of heater unit 32. The makeup otherwise is the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment.
In the above-mentioned makeup, a recycle-mode operation in which first dehumidifier 31 recovers its dehumidification performance is performed. Selector 35 is controlled to be positioned where vent 33 is opened; heater unit 32 is driven; and after air blower 14 is first stopped for “t1” (e.g. 20 seconds), air blower 14 is driven for “t2” (e.g. 1 second) at a flow rate of 0.2 m3 per minute. These actions are repeated from then on.
When silica gel used as a dehumidification agent is heated to 120° C., watery vapor starts desorbing from the dehumidification agent, and air blower 14 discharges the generated vapor to the inside of the cabin from vent 33. In this case, while heat generated by heater unit 32 transmits to the surface of the dehumidification agent, air blower 14 is not driven when the surface of the dehumidification agent is low in temperature. Consequently, the surface temperature of the dehumidification agent rises quickly, thus causing vapor to desorb from the dehumidification agent quickly. Additionally, sending air intermittently rather than at a constant flow rate of 0.01 m3 per minute increases the surface temperature of the adsorbent. Accordingly, the amount of heat transfer to the inside of the adsorbent increases through Fourier's law to shorten the recycle time. Further, not requiring adjusting the blow volume simplifies the makeup of the device.
After the recycle mode completes, a dehumidify-mode operation as shown in
As mentioned above, air conditioned seat device 10 according to the present embodiment dehumidifies air in the cabin using dehumidifier 31 having an adsorbent such as silica gel and zeolite. Then, device 10 blows out the dehumidified air from outlets 26A in the seat body and vaporizes sweat on the human body surface to absorb vaporization heat, thus promptly providing the human body with coolness. After the sweat is vaporized, sweat perspired from the human body after then is dehumidified to prevent steaminess. Further, PTC heater 22, a heater unit provided near skin 26, supplies the human body with heat through heat conduction to provide a moderate sense of warmth as well. Arbitrarily setting the senses of coolness and warmth according to individual preference implements an air-conditioning environment comfortable for a human body
A dehumidification agent such as zeolite and silica gel having adsorptive effect used as dehumidifier 31 dispenses with disposal of dew condensation water, unlike with a method of dehumidifying through dew condensation with a peltiert element or the like. The dehumidifier can dehumidify air even with a low dew point in winter or the like, to prevent steaminess due to seating for a long time in winter. Further, heater unit 32 for heating a dehumidification agent is provided to allow the dehumidification agent to be recycled for prolonged stable dehumidification, thus implementing a comfortable air-conditioning environment.
If dehumidifier 31 is structured as an adsorbent supported on the surface of heater unit 32 such as stainless-steel wire mesh, the recycle-mode time may be as short as approximately 30 seconds, thus dehumidified air desirably stops in a recycle mode for a short time.
The present embodiment may be provided with control units 41A, 41B, and sensor 42 described in the first and second exemplary embodiments. These control units may be integrated with control unit 54.
Next, a detailed description is made for various kinds of control actions by control unit 54 in recycle and dehumidify modes.
A description is made for the actions in the above-mentioned makeup. A condition in the cabin is assumed to be approximately 50° C., 25% RH in summer. As shown in
When the car air-conditioner is driven, the in-cabin temperature and humidity gradually drop to 35° C., 50% RH in 10 minutes, and to 25° C., 50% RH in 30 minutes. Accordingly, even if control unit 54 controls the energizing amount for heater unit 32 to 35 W when recycling after 10 minutes or later after starting operation; and to 20 W, after 20 minutes or later, a sufficient sense of coolness is provided. In a steady state after 30 minutes or later, even if the energizing amount in a recycle mode is 0 W, the temperature and humidity of the air blown out from the outlets by the air conditioner is suppressed to a low level, and thus moderate coolness is available while decreasing the humidity at seating surface 26E. That is, control unit 54 controls the power applied to heater unit 32 through power level adjusting unit 53 and gradually reduces the power applied to heater unit 32.
As mentioned above, in the air conditioned seat device using adsorption type dehumidifier 31 dispensing with disposal of dew condensation water, the user can enjoy coolness rapidly even at a high in-cabin temperature. Meanwhile, when the room temperature decreases owing to the effect of the in-cabin air-conditioning, the user feels moderate coolness without feeling steaminess, while the power consumption decreases.
Next, a description is made for a second control action with which control unit 54 controls the energization time for heater unit 32.
In this control action, control unit 54 controls so that the recycle time is long immediately after starting a recycle-mode operation. That is, the recycle-mode time (t1) is 30 seconds, for example, for 10 minutes after starting operation. Meanwhile, after a certain period of time, for example 10 to 20 minutes, elapses after starting operation, when the in-cabin air conditioner becomes effective, the recycle-mode time (t2) is 20 seconds, for example. After 20 minutes or later, when the cabin temperature drops to 25° C. or lower, the recycle-mode time (t2) is 10 seconds, for example. In such a manner, control unit 54 controls so that the recycle-mode time reduces sequentially. In a steady state after 30 minutes or later, the recycle-mode time may be controlled to 0, namely continuous dehumidification (sending air) may be performed. Even if such operation is performed, the temperature and humidity of the air blown out from outlets 26A are suppressed to a low level by the air conditioner, and the user feels moderate coolness while the humidity at seating surface 26E decreases, with the power consumption decreasing.
Here, only the energization time for heater unit 32 may be changed while the recycle-mode time remains constant (that is a third control action).
In this control action, control unit 54 controls the energization time for heater unit 32 in a recycle mode so that it is long immediately after starting operation. In the above-mentioned makeup, the in-cabin condition is assumed to be approximately 50° C., 25% RH in summer. Control unit 54 first performs a recycle-mode operation for “t1” (e.g. 30 seconds). Specifically, control unit 54 controls selector 35 to a position to open vent 33, and drives heater unit 32 for “ton1” (e.g. 30 seconds). Simultaneously, after stopping air blower 14 for a first 10 seconds, air blower 14 is driven intermittently at a flow rate of 0.3 m3 per minute.
When the car air-conditioner is driven, the in-cabin temperature and humidity gradually drop to 35° C., 50% RH in 10 minutes, and to 25° C., 50% RH in 30 minutes. Accordingly, control unit 54 performs a recycle-mode operation for “t1” even after 10 minutes or later after starting operation. At this moment, heater unit 32 is driven for “ton2” (e.g. 20 seconds), shorter than “ton1”, and air blower 14 is intermittently driven first. After 20 minutes or later, a recycle-mode operation is still performed for “t”1, however, heater unit 32 is driven for “ton3” (e.g. 10 seconds), further shorter, and air blower 14 is intermittently driven first. In a steady state after 30 minutes or later, the recycle-mode time may be controlled to 0, namely continuous dehumidification (sending air) may be performed. Even if such operation is performed, the temperature and humidity of the air blown out from outlets 26A are suppressed to a low level by the air conditioner, and the user feels moderate coolness while the humidity at seating surface 26E decreases, with the power consumption decreasing.
Here, control unit 54 may control each component as shown in
If multiple conditioning units 12B are provided as shown in
Dehumidifier 31 at back portion 52 dehumidifies air sent by air blower 14 at back portion 5, which is a second air blower. Air blower 14 at back portion 52 takes in air from the outside to pass it through duct 13 at back portion 52, which is a second duct different from duct 13 at seating portion 51.
In other words, conditioning unit 12B at back portion 52 performs a recycle-mode operation first, while conditioning unit 12B at seating portion 51 performs a dehumidify-mode operation first. With such a control operation, multiple heater units 32 are not activated simultaneously, thus suppressing a maximum current for recycling to be low.
In the control action shown in
Further, the following makeup can be adopted. That is, if conditioning units 12B are respectively provided for the driver's seat and passenger's seat, and a control unit for controlling conditioning units 12B for both seats is provided, the control unit, during energization of heater unit 32 of one of conditioning units 12B, stops the other heater unit 32 or limits the energizing amount. In other words, when multiple seats are provided with conditioning units 12B respectively, the control unit, during energization of at least one heater unit 32, stops at least one of heater units 32 other than energized one or limits the energizing amount. With such a control operation, power consumption by the air conditioned seat device is reduced in the entire vehicle.
Next, a description is made for the makeup in which various kinds of sensors are further provided in the makeup shown in
In the above-mentioned makeup, the in-cabin condition is assumed to be approximately 50° C., 25% RH in summer. As shown in
When the car air-conditioner is driven, the in-cabin temperature and humidity gradually drop. Accordingly, control unit 54 performs a recycle-mode operation for “t1” (e.g. 30 seconds) even if output from sensor 55 reaches “T1” (e.g. 40° C.). At this moment, control unit 54 drives heater unit 32 for “ton2” (e.g. 20 seconds), shorter than the first heating period of time “ton1”. After time elapses, when output, from sensor 55 reaches “T2” (e.g. 32° C.), lower than “T1”, control unit 54 drives heater unit 32 for “ton3” (e.g. 10 seconds), shorter than “ton2”, in a recycle-mode operation. After more time elapses, when output from sensor 55 reaches “T3” (e.g. 25° C.), lower than “T2”, the recycle-mode time is controlled to 0, namely continuous dehumidification (sending air) is performed. That is, control unit 54 controls so as to restrict the energizing amount for heater unit 32 when output from sensor 55 is lower than a predetermined value. Even if such operation is performed, the temperature and humidity of the air blown out from the outlets by the air conditioner are suppressed to a low level, and the user feels moderate coolness while the humidity at seating surface 26E decreases, with the power consumption decreasing.
Next, a description is made for the case where dry air humidity sensor (sensor, hereinafter) 56 for sensing the humidity of air dehumidified by conditioning unit 12B is provided.
In the above-mentioned makeup, the in-cabin condition is assumed to be approximately 50° C., 25% RH in summer. As shown in
When the car air-conditioner is driven, the in-cabin temperature and humidity gradually drop. Accordingly, control unit 54 performs a recycle-mode operation for “t1” (e.g. 30 seconds) even if output from sensor 56 reaches “H1” (e.g. 21% RH). At this moment, control unit 54 drives heater unit 32 for “ton2” (e.g. 20 seconds), shorter than the first heating period of time “ton1”. After time elapses, when output from sensor 56 reaches “H2” (e.g. 18% RH), lower than “H1”, control unit 54 drives heater unit 32 for “ton3” (e.g. 10 seconds), shorter than “ton2”, in a recycle-mode operation. After more time elapses, when output from sensor 56 reaches “H3” (e.g. 15% RH), lower than “H2”, the recycle-mode time is controlled to 0, namely continuous dehumidification (sending air) is performed. That is, control unit 54 restricts the energizing amount for heater unit 32 when output from sensor 56 is lower than a predetermined value. Even if such operation is performed, the temperature and humidity of the air blown out from the outlets are suppressed to a low level by the air conditioner, and the user feels moderate coolness while the humidity at seating surface 26E decreases, with the power consumption decreasing.
Next, a description is made for the case where temperature sensor (sensor, hereinafter) 57 for sensing the temperature at dehumidifier 31 is provided.
In the above-mentioned makeup, the in-cabin condition is assumed to be approximately 50° C., 25% RH in summer. As shown in
When the car air-conditioner is driven, the in-cabin temperature and humidity gradually drop. Accordingly, the humidity of the in-cabin air drops, vapor desorbed with recycling decreases even if dehumidifier 31 is heated by heater unit 32, and thus the temperature at dehumidifier 31 rises. Here, control unit 54 performs a recycle-mode operation for “t1” (e.g. 30 seconds) even if output from sensor 57 reaches “T4” (e.g. 60° C.). At this moment, control unit 54 drives heater unit 32 for “ton2” (e.g. 20 seconds), shorter than the first heating period of time “ton1”. After time elapses, when output from sensor 57 reaches “T5” (e.g. 30° C.), higher than “T4”, control unit 54 drives heater unit 32 for “ton3” (e.g. 10 seconds), shorter than “ton2”, in a recycle-mode operation. That is, control unit 54 restricts the energizing amount for heater unit 32 when output from sensor 57 is higher than a predetermined value. Even if such operation is performed, the temperature and humidity of the air blown out from the outlets are suppressed to a low level by the air conditioner, and the user feels moderate coolness while the humidity at seating surface 26E decreases, with the power consumption decreasing.
Next, a description is made for the case where outside temperature sensor (sensor, hereinafter) 58 is provide for sensing the temperature of air outside air conditioned seat device 10, such as in the cabin.
In the above-mentioned makeup, the in-cabin condition is assumed to be approximately 50° C., 25% RH in summer. As shown in
When the car air-conditioner is driven, the in-cabin temperature and humidity gradually drop. Here, control unit 54 performs a recycle-mode operation for “t1” (e.g. 30 seconds) even if output from sensor 58 reaches “T6” (e.g. 35° C.). At this moment, control unit 54 drives heater unit 32 for “ton2” (e.g. 20 seconds), shorter than the first heating period of time “ton1”. After time elapses, when output from sensor 58 reaches “T7” (e.g. 27° C.), lower than “T6”, control unit 54 drives heater unit 32 for “ton3” (e.g. 10 seconds), shorter than “ton2”, in a recycle-mode operation. After more time elapses, when output from sensor 58 reaches “T8” (e.g. 25° C.), lower than “T7”, the recycle-mode time is controlled to 0, namely continuous dehumidification (sending air) is performed. That is, control unit 54 restricts the energizing amount for heater unit 32 when output from sensor 58 is lower than a predetermined value. Even if such operation is performed, the temperature and humidity of the air blown out from the outlets are suppressed to a low level by the air conditioner, and the user feels moderate coolness while the humidity at seating surface 26E decreases, with the power consumption decreasing.
Next, a description is made for the case where external humidity sensor (sensor, hereinafter) 59 is provided for sensing the humidity of air outside air conditioned seat device 10, such as in the cabin.
In the above-mentioned makeup, the in-cabin condition is assumed to be approximately 50° C., 25% RH in summer. As shown in
When the car air-conditioner is driven, the in-cabin temperature and humidity gradually drop. Here, control unit 54 performs a recycle-mode operation for “t1” (e.g. 30 seconds) even if output from sensor 59 reaches “H4” (e.g. 21% RH). At this moment, control unit 54 drives heater unit 32 for “ton2” (e.g. 20 seconds), shorter than the first heating period of time “ton1”, in a recycle mode. After time elapses, when output from sensor 59 reaches “H5” (e.g. 18% RH), lower than “H4”, control unit 54 drives heater unit 32 for “ton3” (e.g. 10 seconds), shorter than “ton2”, in a recycle-mode operation. After more time elapses, when output from sensor 59 reaches “H6” (e.g. 15% RH), lower than “H5”, control unit 54 sets the recycle-mode time to 0, namely continuous dehumidification (sending air) is performed. That is, control unit 54 restricts the energizing amount for heater unit 32 when output from sensor 59 is lower than a predetermined value. Even if such operation is performed, the temperature and humidity of the air blown out from the outlets are suppressed to a low level by the air conditioner, and the user feels moderate coolness while the humidity at seating surface 26E decreases, with the power consumption decreasing.
In this makeup, PTC heater 22B is arranged so as to contact parts with thin subcutaneous fat, such as the femur, having more sensitivity to warmth than a part with thick subcutaneous fat, such as buttocks. Consequently, the user feels a sense of warmth effectively. PTC heater 22C is provided at a position where contacting the back and the shoulders, to heat only parts that the human body contacts while being seated, thus giving a sense of warmth effectively as well. By arranging PTC heaters 22B, 22C so as to give a sense of warmth effectively in this way, heating is available with a small amount of energy and additionally with a short rising time.
In the present embodiment, the example is illustrated where PTC heater 22B is provided at one position, and PTC heaters 22C are provided at three positions, but not limited to this arrangement. It would be adequate as long as PTC heaters 22B, 22C at seating portion 51 and back portion 52 are differently arranged respectively, and are provided directly beneath skin 26 effectively.
With this makeup, a large amount of dry air is blown out from outlets 26A provided at the central part of back portion 52, goes through clothes to reach the back, and is supplied to the upper back promptly along the recess on the human body surface, along the backbone. Consequently, the user rapidly feels coolness over the wide range of the back. In this way, even if the volume of the supplied dry air is small, coolness is effectively provided to the human body, to enable downsizing of the device. Further, a small volume of air provides coolness to reduce the operation noise of the device.
In the present embodiment, a large number of outlets 26A are provided at the central part of back portion 52, but not necessarily limited to this arrangement. It would be adequate as long as outlets 26A are effectively provided with the disposition pattern of outlets 26A at back portion 52 different from that at seating portion 51.
In this makeup, groove 13A is provided in a manner that it communicates with seating surface 26E from the side of support member 11. Consequently, air is conducted at a position free from a load of the human body, with low pressure loss in sending air, resulting in sending air to the end without depressing the air volume performance. In addition, a through-hole or a void into which member 21 sinks is not provided at a position where a load of seating surface 26E is applied, thus seating comfort is kept.
Meanwhile, conditioning unit 12A is not essential in the same way as in the first exemplary embodiment. Air can be sent over the entire position where the human body contacts seating surface 26E except by forming an air layer using member 21. Such configurations are described hereinafter.
In this makeup, vent groove (groove, hereinafter) 13B is provided at the seating surface 26E side of support member 11, which is an elastic body such as urethane foam. Further, vent groove (groove, hereinafter) 13C is provided so that it communicates with groove 13B and branches while spreading on seating surface 26E. Skin 26 covers support member 11 without member 21 forming an air layer being provided. Skin 26 is provided therein with outlets 26A, and air sent from air blower 14 spreads at groove 13C and is sprayed on the human body from the entire surface of skin 26. PTC heater 22, conditioning unit 12A, or conditioning unit 12B may be provided although they are not in
Hereinafter, a description is made for the actions and effects of the air conditioned seat device with the above-mentioned makeup. When air blower 14 is driven, the in-cabin air is sent into groove 13A at a flow rate of 0.2 m3 per minute, for example. Then the air is sent to seating surface 26E to be sprayed on the surface of the seated human body from outlets 26A provided on skin 26. Consequently, the human body feels coolness. When the room temperature drops by means of an air conditioning device such as a car air-conditioner or room air-conditioner, coolness further increases.
In the present embodiment, groove 13A is provided in a manner that it communicates with seating surface 26E from the side of support member 11 so that it distributes air to groove 13B on seating surface 26E as mentioned above. Consequently, air is conducted at a position free from a load of the human body, with low pressure loss in sending air, resulting in sending air to the end without depressing the air volume performance. In addition, a through-hole is not provided in seating surface 26E, thus seating comfort is kept. Air is conducted at a position free from a load of the human body, namely at the side of support member 11, to implement low pressure loss, resulting in downsizing of air blower 14. In addition, the simple makeup with groove 13A provided on the side of support member 11 improves yields in molding for manufacturing.
Meanwhile, providing groove 13C that is formed by branching groove 13B at seating surface 26E enables air to be sent to the entire area where the human body contacts seating surface 26E, and thus the human body immediately feels coolness.
Further, as shown in
Here, skin 26 may use other material.
By providing air-permeable skin 26B on the top surface of support member 11, vent grooves 13B, 13C are covered with skin 26B even if a human body seats on vent groove 13A in seating surface 26E. Consequently, skin 26B disperses a load of the human body and smoothes asperities such as grooves 13B, 13C to improve seating comfort. Further, the air diffusing at skin 26B is sent to parts except those directly above vent grooves 13A, 13B, 13C, thus increasing coolness.
Next, makeup for making the function of groove 13A more effective is described.
In the makeup shown in
Seating surface 26E is provided therein with a large number of outlets 26A to blow out air from skin 26, and its side is provided thereon with air-impermeable skin 26C without outlets being provided. With this makeup, air passing through the inside of groove 13A is led to seating surface 26E without leaking from the side with skin 26C provided, and is blown out from outlets 26A in seating surface 26E, to give coolness to a human body. Additionally, air-impermeable skin 26C allows air to be blown out to only a required area, which enables downsizing of the device while maintaining required performance.
As in
Next, a description is made for more preferable makeup of the airflow path.
In this makeup, duct 13D is made of material with an elastic modulus smaller than that of support member 11 and enough flexibility so as not to give uncomfortable feeling when a human body is seated, and thus is not hard unlike a duct made of resin or metal. Consequently, when duct 13D is disposed on the side, which is covered with skin 26 and can be contacted by the user, duct 13D with elasticity and flexibility like support member 11 does not give uncomfortable feeling if contacted. Duct 13D arranged on the side does not need to bear the weight of a human body, and thus can use material with a low elastic modulus. Even if a constructional element such as a driving mechanism for a power seat is arranged at the bottom of seating portion 51, the makeup is suitable for duct 13D to be routed to seating surface 26E. That is, the installation location for air blower 14 and the like become flexible. Further, duct 13D made of elastic material absorbs the vibration of air blower 14 as well. Here,
More specifically, in a dehumidify mode, selector 35 is set to a position where vent 33 is closed and air blower 14 is driven. Air blower 14 sends in-cabin air (e.g. 35° C., 55% RH) to dehumidifier 31 at a flow rate of 0.2 m3 per minute, for example. Dehumidifier 31 adsorbs moisture in this air, and the air decreases in its humidity while heated with its adsorption heat, resulting in a high temperature and low humidity (48° C., 18% RH). Then, this air is led to duct 13A, sent to seating surface 26E, and sprayed on the surface of a seated human body from outlets 26A provided in skin 26.
Meanwhile, in a recycle-mode, selector 31 is positioned so that vent 33 opens and heater unit 32, that is an electrical resistance heating element, is activated. For example, if an adsorbent used in dehumidifier 31 is silica gel, heater unit 32 heats to 130° C. to cause vapor to be emitted from the adsorbent. Then the highly humid air is emitted from vent 33 to the outside of air conditioned seat device 10, such as the inside of the cabin.
Here, adsorbent 25 can be recycled most efficiently if the motor of air blower 14 is a direct-current motor, and the rotation rate is controlled so that air blower 14 blows feeble wind with a blow volume of approximately 0.02 m3 per minute.
Next, a description is made for a vent groove with another makeup provided in support member 11.
In this makeup, multiple vent grooves (groove, hereinafter) 13A, 13E are provided so that they communicate with seating surface 26E from the side. Air blower 14 sends the air dehumidified by conditioning unit 12B to groove 13A, and air blower 14A sends the air taken in from parts other than seating surface 26E of air conditioned seat device 10 to groove 13E directly. Consequently, the air sent to groove 13A is transferred to groove 13B on the seat surface and distributed on the surface owing to groove 13C. On the other hand, the in-cabin air sucked by air blower 14A is sent to seating surface 26E through groove 13E, and vent grooves 13F, 13G. In this makeup, as grooves 13A, 13E are independently provided, the air flows are not mixed before spraying on a human body, the humidity of the dehumidified air from is prevented from decreasing, and the temperature of the cooled air is prevented from increasing, thus depression in coolness is avoided.
Hereinafter, a description is made for the actions and effects of the air conditioned seat device with the above-mentioned makeup. Air blower 14 sends the air dehumidified by conditioning unit 12B to groove 13A and to groove 13C on seating surface 26E through groove 13B, and then sprays the dehumidified air on a human body to give coolness. Air blower 14A sends air to grooves 13F, 13G on seating surface 26E through groove 13E and sprays the air on a human body to give coolness. With this makeup, dehumidified air is intensively sprayed on a position with a large number of cold spots on a human body, and thus an uncomfortable state in summer is immediately changed to a comfortable one.
Contrarily to this makeup, dehumidified air may be sent to groove 13E and in-cabin air may be sent to groove 13A.
Vehicle air conditioner 71 made of a refrigeration unit with refrigeration cycle method is composed of compressor 72, condenser 73, decompressor 74, and vaporizer 75, each circularly connected with piping so that the refrigerant circulates. Vehicle air conditioner 71 heat-exchanges the air sucked by cabin air blower (air blower, hereinafter) 76, which is a third air blower with variable blow capacity, with vaporizer 75, to blow out cool conditioned air into cabin 61 from outlets 77 that is open to the front of the driver's seat. Compressor 72 rotates with engine 78 as its drive source.
Operation setting unit 79 directs operation for both air conditioned seat device 10 and vehicle air conditioner 71. Operation setting unit 79 includes operation buttons (not illustrated) for directing run and stop of air conditioned seat device 10 and vehicle air conditioner 71, respectively; operation performance setting buttons (not illustrated) for setting the blow volume and performance of respective devices; and a temperature setting button (not illustrated) for setting a target value of the operation performance for vehicle air conditioner 71.
Control unit 80 is composed of a microprocessor and its peripheral circuit, and electrically connected to air blower 14, heater unit 32, and selector 35; and to compressor 72 and air blower 76, respectively. Control unit 80 accepts directions from operation setting unit 79 and incorporates a program executing a sequence for controlling operation of air conditioned seat device 10 and vehicle air conditioner 71, according to the directions taken in. Control unit 80, when taking in the direction for turning on and off by the operation button on operation setting unit 79, runs and stops air conditioned seat device 10 simultaneously with vehicle air conditioner 71. At this moment, control unit 80 controls so as to increase the blow volume of air blower 14 when that of air blower 76 is large and vice versa. Above-mentioned air conditioned seat device 10, vehicle air conditioner 71, and control unit 80 compose the air conditioning system.
Hereinafter, a description is made for the actions and effects of this air conditioning system. Generally, when an automobile is parked in the summer scorching heat, the temperature in cabin 61 rises to 35° C. or higher and that of skin 26 reaches approximately 60° C. When the driver riding in the automobile starts engine 78, turns on the operation button of operation setting unit 79, and sets the operation performance setting button to the maximum, control unit 80 starts operation of air conditioned seat device 10 and vehicle air conditioner 71. Then, control unit 80 starts operation of air conditioned seat device 10 in a dehumidify mode as shown in
On the other hand, vehicle air conditioner 71 has already started along with air conditioned seat device 10. In vehicle air conditioner 71, the refrigerant circulates among condenser 73, decompressor 74, vaporizer 75, and compressor 72, by means of compressor 72 while air conditioned seat device 10 directly performs dehumidified air-conditioning on a human body. Air blower 76 is operated at its maximum performance, and sends air to vaporizer 75. This air is efficiently heat-exchanged at vaporizer 75, gradually decreases its temperature to be cool air, and blows out from outlets 77 into cabin 61 to begin air-conditioning of the inside of cabin 61.
Vehicle air conditioner 71 with a long rising time in its air conditioning effect lowers the room temperature of cabin 61 to 25° C. in approximately 15 to 30 minutes. When the room temperature drops, the user switches the operation performance setting button of vehicle air conditioner 71 from the maximum performance to minimum, resulting in the blow volume of air blower 76 decreasing. When the blow volume of air blower 76 decreases, control unit 80 reduces the blow capacity of air blower 14 regardless of the setting of the operation performance setting button of air conditioned seat device 10. Accordingly, when the temperature in cabin 61 is high, the blow volume is large, giving coolness to the human body; when the in-cabin temperature drops, the blow volume from air conditioned seat device 10 becomes small. Consequently, overcooling of the human body is prevented, and the noise of air blower 14 is not heard owing to that of air blower 76 all the way to the steady state from immediately after starting operation.
If vehicle air conditioner 71 is an automatic air conditioner, control unit 80 decreases the operation performance of vehicle air conditioner 71, when receiving a signal from outside temperature sensor (sensor, hereinafter) 58 for sensing the temperature in cabin 61. In this case, control unit 80 may decrease the blow capacity of air blower 14 regardless of the setting of the operation performance setting button on air conditioned seat device 10 as well. The same advantage as that in the above-mentioned makeup is also available in this case.
Control unit 80 may be connected with vehicle speed sensor (sensor, hereinafter) 82 for sensing the traveling speed of an automobile, and may set the blow volume of air blower 14 according to the traveling speed regardless of the setting of operation performance setting button on air conditioned seat device 10. If control unit 80 is programmed so as to reduce the blow capacity of air blower 14 at a vehicle speed of 40 km per hour or lower, the blow capacity of air blower 14 decreases with a low vehicle speed and low vehicle noise. Consequently, the noise of air blower 14 is not heard owing to that of the vehicle.
Control unit 80 may be connected with engine revolution sensor (sensor, hereinafter) 83 for sensing revolution speed of engine 78, and may set the blow volume of air blower 14 according to the engine speed regardless of the setting of operation performance setting button on air conditioned seat device 10. If control unit 80 is programmed so as to reduce the blow capacity of air blower 14 at an engine speed of 1,500 r.p.m. or lower, the blow capacity of air blower 14 decreases with a low engine 78 speed and low vehicle noise. Consequently, the noise of air blower 14 is not heard owing to that of engine 78.
The above description is made with air conditioned seat device 10 shown in
In the makeup shown in
As control unit 80 is connected to air blower 76, control unit 80 can senses the air volume of air blower 76. On the other hand, when control units are separately provided, an air volume sensor made of a wind gauge or the like for measuring the air volume of air blower 76 may be provided at outlets 77, for example, and connected to the control unit for controlling air conditioned seat device 10. In other words, control unit 80 functions as an air volume sensor for measuring the air volume of air blower 76; control unit 80 sets the air volume of air blower 14 according to output from the air volume sensor.
The above description illustrates the case where air conditioned seat device 10 is installed in cabin 61, but device 10 may be placed in a room of a house or office and interlocked with an air conditioner driven from commercial power for air-conditioning the inside of the room. In this case, the control unit may be divided in units as mentioned above and the divided units may be connected to each other wirelessly.
In the above-mentioned respective exemplary embodiments, their unique makeup realizes its advantage even if singly applied. Meanwhile, their unique makeup can be applied in combination to the extent possible. Such makeup is included in the present invention.
An air conditioned seat device according the present invention can use the common makeup independently of the blow-out condition of the air sent by the air blower and of changes in seat design and the like. The air conditioned seat device can be applied to an automobile use such as a car seat heater and to heating appliances.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-065171 | Mar 2004 | JP | national |
| 2004-065172 | Mar 2004 | JP | national |
| 2004-065173 | Mar 2004 | JP | national |
| 2004-065194 | Mar 2004 | JP | national |
| 2004-068560 | Mar 2004 | JP | national |
| 2004-068565 | Mar 2004 | JP | national |
This application is a U.S. national phase application of PCT International Application PCT/JP2005/004579
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP05/04579 | 3/9/2005 | WO | 9/8/2006 |
