U.S. patent application number 15/209420 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-03 for heater-equipped seat.
The applicant listed for this patent is Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Atsunori HASHIMOTO, Takehiko ISE, Yoshiaki KUROSAWA.
Application Number | 20160318427 15/209420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51227031 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160318427 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ISE; Takehiko ; et
al. |
November 3, 2016 |
HEATER-EQUIPPED SEAT
Abstract
A vehicle heating apparatus (100A) of the present disclosure is
a heating apparatus to be mounted on a vehicle seat (11) at a
position below a sitting portion (5) of the vehicle seat (11). The
vehicle heating apparatus (100A) includes: a housing (10) having an
intake port (2), a blowing port (3), and an internal space (4)
serving as a flow path of air from the intake port (2) to the
blowing port (3); a fan (6) provided in the internal space (4); a
heater (7) provided in the internal space (4); and a mounting
structure (8) adapted to mount the housing (10) to the vehicle seat
(11) in such a manner that the housing (10) is movable in a width
direction of the vehicle seat (11). Therefore, the vehicle heating
apparatus (100A) of the present disclosure is highly convenient for
occupants.
Inventors: |
ISE; Takehiko; (Osaka,
JP) ; KUROSAWA; Yoshiaki; (Osaka, JP) ;
HASHIMOTO; Atsunori; (Aichi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
51227031 |
Appl. No.: |
15/209420 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14395715 |
Oct 20, 2014 |
9421893 |
|
|
PCT/JP2013/007082 |
Dec 3, 2013 |
|
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15209420 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/56 20130101; B60N
2/5657 20130101; B60N 2/5685 20130101; B60N 2/5635 20130101; B60N
2/5678 20130101; B60N 2/5614 20130101; B60N 2/995 20180201 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/56 20060101
B60N002/56 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 23, 2013 |
JP |
2013-010553 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A heater-equipped seat comprising: a sitting portion; a housing
having an intake port, a blowing port, and an internal space
serving as a flow path of air from the intake port to the blowing
port, the housing mounted at a position below the sitting portion;
a fan provided in the internal space; a heater provided in the
internal space; and a mounting structure adapted to mount the
housing in such a manner that the housing is movable in a width
direction of the heater-equipped seat.
17. The heater-equipped seat according to claim 16, the blowing
port is located above the intake port and opens downwardly relative
to a horizontal direction.
18. The heater-equipped seat according to claim 16, wherein the
flow path of air has a narrowing flow path having a flow path
cross-sectional area that decreases from an upstream side toward a
downstream side in a flow direction of air.
19. The heater-equipped seat according to claim 16, further
comprising a support structure fixed to the heater-equipped seat
and supporting the heating apparatus, wherein the mounting
structure of the heating apparatus has an engaging portion that is
in engagement with the support structure.
20. The heater-equipped seat according to claim 19, wherein the
support structure has a rail fixed to the heater-equipped seat so
as to extend in the width direction of the heater-equipped seat,
and the engaging portion is in engagement with the rail in such a
manner that the housing is movable along the rail in the width
direction of the heater-equipped seat.
21. The heater-equipped seat according to claim 20, the engaging
portion is in engagement with an upper end portion of the rail and
a lower end portion of the rail.
22. The heater-equipped seat according to claim 20, further
comprising a locking mechanism provided at an end in a width
direction of the housing, wherein the locking mechanism includes: a
locking portion that restrains movement of the housing in the width
direction of the heater-equipped seat by being in contact with the
rail; and a lever operative to disengage the locking portion from
the rail.
23. The heater-equipped seat according to claim 16, wherein a pair
of the heating apparatuses are mounted at a distance from each
other in the width direction of the heater-equipped seat.
24. The heater-equipped seat according to claim 19, wherein a pair
of the heating apparatuses are mounted at a distance from each
other in the width direction of the heater-equipped seat, the
support structure has a left support structure and a right support
structure that are fixed at a distance from each other in the width
direction of the heater-equipped seat, and the pair of heating
apparatuses are supported respectively by the left support
structure and by the right support structure.
25. The heater-equipped seat according to claim 24, further
comprising a seat position adjustment bar provided between the left
support structure and the right support structure and operative to
adjust a position of the heater-equipped seat in a back-and-forth
direction.
26. The heater-equipped seat according to claim 21, wherein the
rail has a middle portion spaced from the housing in a region
between the upper end portion and the lower end portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle heating apparatus
to be attached to vehicle seats. The present invention also relates
to a heater-equipped vehicle seat including the vehicle heating
apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As seats for vehicles such as wheeled vehicles,
heater-equipped vehicle seats capable of supplying warm air to the
lower legs of occupants have been conventionally proposed.
[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a heater-equipped vehicle seat
200 in which an air conditioner 210 is disposed within a seat
cushion 211B as shown in FIG. 12. The air conditioner 210 has an
intake port 202, an intake duct 204A, an air blower 206, a pair of
discharge ducts 204B, a pair of heaters 207, and a pair of
discharge ports 203. The heater 207 is disposed within each of the
pair of discharge ducts 204B. The intake port 202 and the pair of
discharge ports 203 open in a forward direction with respect to the
heater-equipped vehicle seat 200, and are arranged side by side in
a horizontal direction. In addition, the discharge port 203 is
provided with a fin 203A for causing air discharged from the
discharge port 203 to be directed downward.
[0004] Patent Literature 2 discloses a heater-equipped vehicle seat
300 including, as shown in FIG. 13, a seat cushion 311B, a leg rest
member 308, an air blower 306, and a duct 304. A portion of the
duct 304 is formed in the leg rest member 308. Warm air delivered
from the air blower 306 is supplied toward the lower legs of an
occupant through the duct 304. The leg rest member 308 is
configured to move back and forth in response to the back-and-forth
movement of the legs of the occupant.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0005] Patent Literature 1: JP 2011-254882 A
[0006] Patent Literature 2: JP 2012-183154 A
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0007] The heater-equipped vehicle seats described in Patent
Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 have room for further
performance improvement in terms of convenience for occupants. In
view of this, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle
heating apparatus and a heater-equipped vehicle seat that are
highly convenient for occupants.
Solution to Problem
[0008] The present disclosure provides a vehicle heating apparatus
to be mounted on a vehicle seat at a position below a sitting
portion of the vehicle seat, the vehicle heating apparatus
including:
[0009] a housing having an intake port, a blowing port, and an
internal space serving as a flow path of air from the intake port
to the blowing port;
[0010] a fan provided in the internal space;
[0011] a heater provided in the internal space; and
[0012] a mounting structure adapted to mount the housing to the
vehicle seat in such a manner that the housing is movable in a
width direction of the vehicle seat.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0013] With the features of the above vehicle heating apparatus, a
vehicle heating apparatus highly convenient for the occupant can be
provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heater-equipped vehicle
seat according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a major portion of the
heater-equipped vehicle seat of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of a vehicle heating apparatus
according to the first embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the IV-IV line
of FIG. 3.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of
the vehicle heating apparatus according to the first
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating a
circulating flow of warm air.
[0020] FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of a major portion of a locking
mechanism of a vehicle heating apparatus according to a
modification.
[0021] FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a major portion of the
vehicle heating apparatus in which the locking mechanism of FIG. 7A
is in a locked state.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a major portion of a
heater-equipped vehicle seat according to another modification.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a front view of a vehicle heating apparatus
according to a second embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a front view of a vehicle heating apparatus
according to a third embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a front view of a vehicle heating apparatus
according to still another modification.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a conventional
heater-equipped vehicle seat.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a side view of another conventional
heater-equipped vehicle seat.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0028] In the heater-equipped vehicle seat 200 of Patent Literature
1, the positions of the discharge ports 203 in the width direction
of the heater-equipped vehicle seat 200 are fixed at particular
positions. In order to, for example, increase the warmth for an
occupant, the occupant may desire to adjust the positions of the
discharge ports 203 in the width direction in accordance with the
bodily characteristics of the occupant or the sitting posture of
the occupant. However, in the heater-equipped vehicle seat 200 of
Patent Literature 1, the positions of the discharge ports 203 in
the width direction cannot be adjusted.
[0029] In the heater-equipped vehicle seat 300 of Patent Literature
2, the leg rest member 308 moves in a back-and-forth direction in
response to the movement of the legs of the occupant; however, the
leg rest member 308 does not move in the width direction of the
heater-equipped vehicle seat 300.
[0030] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle
heating apparatus to be mounted on a vehicle seat at a position
below a sitting portion of the vehicle seat, the vehicle heating
apparatus including:
[0031] a housing having an intake port, a blowing port, and an
internal space serving as a flow path of air from the intake port
to the blowing port;
[0032] a fan provided in the internal space;
[0033] a heater provided in the internal space; and
[0034] a mounting structure adapted to mount the housing to the
vehicle seat in such a manner that the housing is movable in a
width direction of the vehicle seat.
[0035] According to the first aspect, the housing of the vehicle
heating apparatus can be mounted to a vehicle seat by the mounting
structure in such a manner that the housing is movable in a width
direction of the vehicle seat. The occupant can move the housing of
the vehicle heating apparatus to an appropriate position in the
width direction of the vehicle seat in accordance with the bodily
characteristics of the occupant, the sitting posture of the
occupant, etc. Therefore, the convenience for the occupant is
high.
[0036] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides the
vehicle heating apparatus as set forth in the first aspect,
wherein, in a usage state where the vehicle heating apparatus is
mounted on the vehicle seat, the blowing port is located above the
intake port and opens downwardly relative to a horizontal
direction. According to the second aspect, the intake port is
located below the blowing port. Furthermore, the blowing port opens
downwardly relative to the horizontal direction. Therefore, warm
air blown out through the blowing port forms a circulating flow
below the leg of the occupant and thus is highly likely to reach
the intake port. Therefore, the temperature of air drawn into the
intake port can be increased, and the amount of heating required
for the heater can be reduced.
[0037] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides the
vehicle heating apparatus as set forth in the first aspect or the
second aspect, wherein the flow path of air has a narrowing flow
path having a flow path cross-sectional area that decreases from an
upstream side toward a downstream side in a flow direction of air.
According to the third aspect, the flow velocity of the air flow
toward the downstream side can be increased.
[0038] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides the
vehicle heating apparatus as set forth in any one of the first to
third aspects, wherein the mounting structure has an engaging
portion that engages with a support structure fixed to the vehicle
seat. According to the fourth aspect, the housing can be mounted to
the vehicle seat by engagement of the engaging portion with the
support structure.
[0039] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides the
vehicle heating apparatus as set forth in the fourth aspect,
wherein the support structure has a rail fixed to the vehicle seat
so as to extend in the width direction, and the engaging portion
engages with the rail in such a manner that the housing is movable
along the rail in the width direction. According to the fifth
aspect, the housing can be moved along the rail. Therefore, the
position of the vehicle heating apparatus in the width direction
can be minutely adjusted.
[0040] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides the
vehicle heating apparatus as set forth in the fifth aspect,
wherein, in a usage state where the vehicle heating apparatus is
mounted on the vehicle seat, the engaging portion engages with an
upper end portion of the rail and a lower end portion of the rail.
According to the sixth aspect, since the engaging portion engages
with the upper end portion of the rail or the lower end portion of
the rail, the posture of the housing is stable when the engaging
portion is in engagement with the rail.
[0041] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure provides the
vehicle heating apparatus as set forth in the fifth aspect or the
sixth aspect, further including a locking mechanism provided at an
end in the width direction of the housing, wherein the locking
mechanism includes: a locking portion that restrains movement of
the housing in the width direction by being in contact with the
rail in a usage state where the vehicle heating apparatus is
mounted on the vehicle seat; and a lever operative to disengage the
locking portion from the rail. According to the seventh aspect, the
housing of the vehicle heating apparatus can be made movable along
the rail by using the lever to disengage the locking portion from
the rail. In addition, the movement of the housing of the vehicle
heating apparatus in the width direction can be restrained by the
locking portion being in contact with the rail.
[0042] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure provides a
heater-equipped vehicle seat including:
[0043] a vehicle seat having a sitting portion; and
[0044] the vehicle heating apparatus according to any one of the
first to seventh aspects that is mounted on the vehicle seat at a
position below the sitting portion so as to be movable in a width
direction of the vehicle seat.
[0045] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure provides the
heater-equipped vehicle seat as set forth in the eighth aspect,
wherein a pair of the vehicle heating apparatuses are mounted on
the vehicle seat at a distance from each other in the width
direction. According to the ninth aspect, the occupant can adjust
the positions of the vehicle heating apparatuses in the width
direction in accordance with the positions of the right and left
legs of the occupant. Therefore, the convenience for the occupant
is further improved.
[0046] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure provides the
heater-equipped vehicle seat as set forth in the eighth aspect or
the ninth aspect, further including a support structure fixed to
the vehicle seat and supporting the vehicle heating apparatus,
wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle heating apparatus has
an engaging portion that engages with the support structure.
According to the tenth aspect, the vehicle heating apparatus can be
mounted to the vehicle seat by engagement of the engaging portion
with the support structure.
[0047] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure provides the
heater-equipped vehicle seat as set forth in the tenth aspect,
wherein the support structure has a left support structure and a
right support structure that are fixed to the vehicle seat at a
distance from each other in the width direction, and the pair of
vehicle heating apparatuses are supported respectively by the left
support structure and by the right support structure. According to
the eleventh aspect, a space between the left support structure and
the right support structure can be effectively used.
[0048] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure provides the
heater-equipped vehicle seat as set forth in the eleventh aspect,
further including a seat position adjustment bar provided between
the left support structure and the right support structure and
operative to adjust a position of the vehicle seat in a
back-and-forth direction. According to the twelfth aspect, the seat
position adjustment bar can be provided by using the space between
the left support structure and the right support structure.
[0049] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure provides the
heater-equipped vehicle seat as set forth in any one of the eighth
to twelfth aspects, wherein the support structure has a rail fixed
to the vehicle seat so as to extend in the width direction, and the
engaging portion is in engagement with the rail in such a manner
that the housing of the vehicle heating apparatus is movable along
the rail in the width direction of the vehicle seat. According to
the thirteenth aspect, the housing can be moved along the rail.
Therefore, the position of the vehicle heating apparatus in the
width direction can be minutely adjusted.
[0050] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure provides the
heater-equipped vehicle seat as set forth in the thirteenth aspect,
wherein the engaging portion is in engagement with an upper end
portion of the rail and a lower end portion of the rail. According
to the fourteenth aspect, since the engaging portion engages with
the upper end portion of the rail and the lower end portion of the
rail, the posture of the housing is stable when the engaging
portion is in engagement with the rail.
[0051] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure provides the
heater-equipped vehicle seat as set forth in the fourteenth aspect,
wherein the rail has a middle portion spaced from the housing in a
region between the upper end portion and the lower end portion.
According to the fifteenth aspect, the middle portion can be used,
for example, to fix the rail to the vehicle seat.
[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described with reference to the drawings. The following description
relates to examples of the present invention, and the present
invention is not limited by these examples. The following
description assumes that the vehicle is placed on a horizontal
plane.
First Embodiment
[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, a heater-equipped vehicle seat 1
includes: a vehicle seat 11 having a back cushion 11A and a sitting
cushion 11B; and vehicle heating apparatuses 100A. The
heater-equipped vehicle seat 1 is attached to a base member 12
provided on a floor of the vehicle. The back cushion 11A supports
the back of the occupant. In the sitting cushion 11B is formed a
sitting portion S that supports the upper legs of the occupant. The
vehicle heating apparatuses 100A are mounted on the vehicle seat 11
at positions below the sitting portion S so as to be movable in the
width direction (Y direction) of the vehicle seat. That is, the
heater-equipped vehicle seat 1 includes the vehicle seat 11 having
the sitting portion S and the vehicle heating apparatuses 100A
mounted on the vehicle seat 11 at positions below the sitting
portion S. The vehicle heating apparatuses 100A are provided on an
end portion of the vehicle seat 11 in the forward direction (the
positive direction of the X axis), and mainly supply warm air to
the lower legs of the occupant. In the accompanying drawings, the
XY plane is horizontal. The forward direction with respect to the
heater-equipped vehicle seat 1 is defined as the positive direction
of the X axis. The width direction of the heater-equipped vehicle
seat 1 is defined as the Y direction, and the direction from the
right leg of the occupant toward the left leg of the occupant is
defined as the positive direction of the Y axis. The vertical
direction perpendicular to the XY plane is defined as the Z
direction, and the vertically upward direction is defined as the
positive direction of the Z axis. In the present description,
"left" and "right" are determined with respect to the occupant
seated on the heater-equipped vehicle seat 1.
[0054] As described above, the vehicle heating apparatus 100A is a
heating apparatus to be mounted on the vehicle seat at a position
below the sitting portion S of the vehicle seat 11. As shown in
FIG. 2, the heater-equipped vehicle seat 1 further has a support
structure 13 fixed to the vehicle seat 11. The support structure 13
supports the vehicle heating apparatus 100A. As shown in FIG. 4,
the vehicle heating apparatus 100A includes a housing 10, a fan 6,
a heater 7, and a mounting structure 8. The housing 10 has an
intake port 2, a blowing port 3, and an internal space 4 serving as
a flow path of air from the intake port 2 to the blowing port 3.
The fan 6 is provided in the internal space 4. The heater 7 is also
provided in the internal space 4. The mounting structure 8 is a
structure for mounting the housing 10 to the vehicle seat 11 in
such a manner that the housing 10 is movable in the width direction
(Y direction) of the vehicle seat 11.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, the blowing port 3 is located above the
intake port 2 and opens downwardly relative to the horizontal
direction in a state (referred to as a "usage state" hereinafter)
where the vehicle heating apparatus 100A is mounted on the vehicle
seat 11. That is, the blowing port 3 opens obliquely downward. In
addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the housing 10 has a confining wall 9
that restrains air from being drawn into the intake port 2 from the
back or side in the usage state.
[0056] In the usage state, the flow path 4 extends upwardly from
the intake port 2, turns obliquely downward at the upper end of the
housing 10, and extends to the blowing port 3. The housing 10 has a
portion bent in a hook shape, in which portion the blowing port 3
is formed. By the action of the fan 6, air around the intake port 2
is drawn through the intake port 2 and supplied to the internal
space 4 (flow path). The air delivered upwardly by the fan 6 is
heated by the heater 7 when flowing in the flow path 4. The air
heated by the heater 7 (warm air) is blown out of the housing 10
through the blowing port 3.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the fan 6 is located closer to the
intake port 2 than the heater 7. In the present embodiment, the
heater 7 is not situated in that portion of the flow path 4 which
is upstream of the fan 6. With such a configuration, pressure loss
of air flow in the portion of the flow path 4 which is upstream of
the fan 6 is reduced; therefore, reduction in the suction power of
the fan 6 is prevented. Since the heater 7 is located in that
portion of the flow path 4 which is downstream of the fan 6, the
length of the flow path 4 between the heater 7 and the blowing port
3 is relatively short. Therefore, heat loss of the air heated by
the heater 7 is reduced. Furthermore, since the air blown from the
fan 6 certainly passes through the heater 7, it is possible to
reduce non-uniformity of flow velocity distribution of the warm air
blown out through the blowing port 3.
[0058] The vehicle heating apparatus 100A further includes a flow
regulating member 5 provided in the internal space 4 at a position
closer to the intake port 2 than the fan 6. In the present
embodiment, the heater 7 is provided closer to the intake port 2
than the flow regulating member 5. The flow velocity distribution
of the flow of air delivered upwardly by the fan 6 is uniformized
by the flow regulating member 5. Therefore, the air flow with the
flow velocity distribution uniformized by the flow regulating
member 5 reaches the heater 7. As a result, the heater 7 can heat
the air flow uniformly.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, warm air blown to the outside thorough
the blowing port 3 flows downwardly along the lower leg of the
occupant and reaches the floor of the vehicle. The warm air having
reached the floor of the vehicle is pushed by the subsequent warm
air blown out through the blowing port 3, flows upwardly and
backwardly, and reaches the vicinity of the intake port 2. Some of
the warm air having reached the vicinity of the intake port 2 is
drawn into the intake port 2 and supplied to the flow path inside
the housing 10. That is, the warm air blown out through the blowing
port 3 forms a circulating flow in the vicinity of the leg of the
occupant and thus is highly likely to reach the intake port 2.
Therefore, the temperature of the air drawn into the intake port 2
can be increased, and the amount of heating required for the heater
7 can be reduced.
[0060] As the fan 6, an axial-flow fan or a centrifugal fan can be
used. The amount of air delivered by the fan 6 is not particularly
limited. For example, it is recommended that the air flow have a
flow velocity of 0.4 to 2.0 m/sec immediately after being driven by
the fan 6. If so, the circulating flow of warm air as described
above is more likely to be formed. The heater 7 is, for example, an
electric heater such as a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient)
heater or a ceramic heater. In this case, the heater 7 generates
heat by receiving electricity supplied from a power supply (omitted
from the drawings), and heats the air flowing in the flow path 4.
The output power of the heater 7 is not particularly limited, and
is, for example, 50 to 300 W. The heater 7 may be a hot-water
heater or the like that performs heating using a coolant having
exchanged heat with a heat source (e.g., a water-cooled engine)
external to the vehicle heating apparatus 100A.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, in the upper end portion of the housing
10, the blowing port 3 extends continuously in the width direction
(Y-axis direction). When the vehicle heating apparatus 100A in the
usage state is viewed in plan from the front of the sitting portion
S, the positions of the blowing port 3 and the intake port 2 in the
width direction (Y-axis direction) coincide with each other. That
is, when the intake port 2 is shifted in parallel in the vertical
direction (Z-axis direction) in a plan view where the vehicle
heating apparatus 100A is viewed in plan from the front of the
sitting portion S, the intake port 2 overlaps the blowing port 3.
Specifically, the intake port 2 is located directly below the
blowing port 3. With such a positional relationship, the intake
port 2 is located on the path of the flow of warm air blown out
through the blowing port 3; therefore, the warm air blown out
through the blowing port 3 is highly likely to reach the intake
port 2. Accordingly, the circulation of warm air between the
blowing port 3 and the intake port 2 is promoted.
[0062] The width of the blowing port 3 is greater than the width of
the intake port 2. The ratio of the width W2 of the blowing port 3
to the width W1 of the intake port 2 (W2/W1) is, for example, in
the range of 1.2 to 10. With such a configuration, the
above-described effect is more satisfactorily obtained, in addition
to which the effect as described below can be obtained. The blowing
port 3 is required to have a certain width since it is necessary to
warm the calf of the occupant. By contrast, the area of the opening
of the intake port 2 is desirably small in order that air is
efficiently drawn into the intake port 2 by increasing the flow
velocity of the air in the vicinity of the intake port 2 in the
flow path 4. With the ratio (W2/W1) being in the above range, it is
possible to ensure both the warmth for the calf of the occupant and
the efficient suction of air into the intake port 2.
[0063] In the usage state, as shown in FIG. 5, the normal line B to
the opening face of the blowing port 3 is downwardly inclined at an
angle (blowing angle) .theta. to the horizontal plane A. The
blowing angle .theta. is not particularly limited as long as it is
more than 0.degree. and less than 90.degree.. The blowing angle
.theta. is, for example, in the range of 30.degree. to 70.degree..
With the blowing angle .theta. being in this range, warm air blown
out through the blowing port 3 is highly likely to flow along the
lower leg of the occupant and is also highly likely to reach the
intake port 2. Therefore, both high probability of warm air
reaching the intake port 2 and ensuring of warmth for the lower leg
of the occupant are reliably achieved. In order to enhance this
effect, the blowing angle .theta. is desirably in the range of
35.degree. to 60.degree. , and more desirably in the range of
40.degree. to 50.degree..
[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, the flow path 4 has a narrowing flow
path 4A having a flow path cross-sectional area that decreases from
the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow direction of
air. Specifically, the width of the narrowing flow path 4A in the
back-and-forth direction (X-axis direction) of the heater-equipped
vehicle seat 1 becomes smaller with decreasing distance to the
blowing port 3. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the length of the
housing in the width direction (Y-axis direction) becomes smaller
with decreasing distance to the blowing port 3. Along with this,
the length of the narrowing flow path 4A in the width direction
also becomes smaller with decreasing distance to the blowing port
3. Therefore, the flow velocity of air flow is increased on the
downstream side in the narrowing flow path 4A. As a result, warm
air is blown out through the blowing port 3 at a high flow
velocity; therefore, the warmth for the occupant can be
increased.
[0065] The narrowing flow path 4A is formed downstream of the
heater 7 in the flow direction of air. Therefore, warm air produced
by heating by the heater 7 flows in the narrowing flow path 4A, due
to which the flow velocity of the warm air is increased. With such
a configuration, the flow velocity of air flowing in the heater 7
is lower than the flow velocity of air flowing in the downstream
portion of the narrowing flow path 4A. Therefore, the air flowing
in the heater 7 can be sufficiently heated by the heater 7.
[0066] The mounting structure 8 will be described. As shown in FIG.
5, the mounting structure 8 has an engaging portion 8A that engages
with the support structure 15 fixed to the vehicle seat 11. That
is, the heater-equipped vehicle seat 1 includes the support
structure 13 that supports the vehicle heating apparatus 100A.
Specifically, the support structure 13 has a rail 13C fixed to the
vehicle seat 11 so as to extend in the width direction (Y-axis
direction). The support structure 13 is fixed to the vehicle seat
11 by a jig 14. In the jig 14, for example, there are formed screw
holes or the like used for fixing the support structure 13. The jig
14 is fixed to the vehicle seat 11 by rivets or the like. The
engaging portion 8A is in engagement with the rail 13C in such a
manner that the housing 10 is movable along the rail 13C in the
width direction (Y-axis direction). Due to such a configuration,
the position of the vehicle heating apparatus 100A in the width
direction can be minutely adjusted. For example, the engaging
portion 8A may be formed so as to extend continuously from one end
to the other end in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the
housing 10. Alternatively, a plurality of engaging portions 8A may
be arranged at intervals in the width direction (Y-axis direction)
of the housing 10.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, the rail 13C has an upper end portion
13D, a lower end portion 13E, and a middle portion 13F. The upper
end portion 13D extends in the upward direction (the positive
direction of the Z axis) in the usage state. The lower end portion
13E extends in the downward direction (the negative direction of
the Z axis) in the usage state. The engaging portion 8A is in
engagement with the upper end portion 13D and the lower end portion
13E. In the engaging portion 8A is formed an engaging slit 8B for
engaging with the rail 13C. The width of the engaging slit 8B (the
width in the X-axis direction) is slightly greater than the
thickness of the upper end portion 13D or the thickness of the
lower end portion 13E. Therefore, the occupant can minutely move
the housing 10 along the rail 13C in the width direction. Since the
engaging portion 8A engages with both of the end portions of the
rail 13C in the up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction) in the
usage state, the posture of the housing is stable when the engaging
portion 8A is in engagement with the rail 13A is stabilized. In
addition, since an interval equal to or greater than a certain
length is formed between the position where the engaging portion 8A
engages with the upper end portion 13D and the position where the
engaging portion 8A engages with the lower end portion 13E, the
amount of backlash of the housing 10 in the back-and-forth
direction (X-axis direction) of the heater-equipped vehicle seat 1
is reduced.
[0068] The middle portion 13F is spaced from the housing 10 in a
region between the upper end portion 13D and the lower end portion
13E. For example, the rail 13C can be fixed to the vehicle seat 11
by inserting and tightening screws into through holes formed in the
middle portion 13F and into screw holes of the jig 14. That is, the
middle portion 13E can be used to fix the rail 13C to the vehicle
seat 11.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of the vehicle heating
apparatuses 100A are mounted on the vehicle seat 11 at a distance
from each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction).
Therefore, the occupant can adjust the position of one vehicle
heating apparatus 100A in the width direction to the position of
the left leg of the occupant, and can adjust the position of the
other vehicle heating apparatus 100A in the width direction to the
position of the right leg of the occupant. Consequently, the
convenience for the occupant can be improved. When there is a gap
formed between the lower part of the right leg of the occupant and
the lower part of the left leg of the occupant, supply of the warm
air toward the gap can be prevented.
[0070] The support structure 13 has a left support structure 13A
(left rail) and a right support structure 13B (right rail) that are
fixed to the vehicle seat 11 at a distance from each other in the
width direction (Y-axis direction). The pair of vehicle heating
apparatuses 100A are supported respectively by the left support
structure 13A and by the right support structure 13B. With such a
configuration, the space between the left support structure 13A and
the right support structure 13B can be effectively used. A power
supply unit (omitted from the drawings) that supplies electricity
to the fan 6 and the heater 7, or a control unit (omitted from the
drawings) that controls the number of revolutions of the fan 6 or
the amount of heating by the heater 7, may be disposed outside the
housing 10. For example, the space between the left support
structure 13A and the right support structure 13B can be used to
dispose the power supply unit or the control unit. When the power
supply unit or the control unit is disposed below the vehicle seat
11, cables that make electrical connection between the power supply
unit or the control unit and the fan 6 or the heater 7 can be laid
out by using the space.
Modification
[0071] The vehicle heating apparatus 100A and the heater-equipped
vehicle seat 1 of the present embodiment can be modified in various
respects. The heater-equipped vehicle seat 1 may further include a
locking mechanism that can be set to a locking position for
restraining the movement of the housing 10 in the width direction
(Y-axis direction) and to an unlocking position for permitting the
movement of the housing 10 in the width direction (Y-axis
direction). This locking mechanism is, for example, a latch that
comes into contact with the housing 10 at the locking position.
With such a feature, it is possible to prevent the housing 10 from
being moved in the width direction (Y-axis direction) by, for
example, an inertial force generated during travel of the
vehicle.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the vehicle heating
apparatus 100A may further include a locking mechanism 15 provided
at an end in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the vehicle
heating apparatus 100A. The locking mechanism 15 includes a lever
15A, a locking portion 15B, and a spring 15C. The lever 15A and the
locking portion 15B are integrally formed as a plate bent in an
L-shape. The spring 15C urges the L-shaped plate constituted by the
lever 15A and the locking portion 15B so as to press the lever 15A
in the upward direction (the positive direction of the Z axis).
Thus, as shown in FIG. 7B, the locking portion 15B restrains the
movement of the housing 10 in the width direction (Y-axis
direction) by being in contact with the rail 13C.
[0073] The lever 15A is formed so as to disengage the locking
portion 15B from the rail 13C. By the occupant pressing the lever
15A downwardly against the urging force of the spring 15C, the
locking portion 15B is disengaged from the rail 13C as shown in
FIG. 7A. Thus, the housing 10 of the vehicle heating apparatus 100A
is made movable along the rail 13C in the width direction (Y-axis
direction). When the fingers of the occupant are released from the
lever 15A, the L-shaped plate is pivoted by the urging force of the
spring 15C until the locking portion 15B comes into contact with
the rail 13C. With such a feature, after adjustment of the position
of the housing 10 of the vehicle heating apparatus 100A in the
width direction (Y-axis direction), the movement of the housing 10
in the width direction (Y-axis direction) can be restrained.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the housing 10 from being
moved in the width direction (Y-axis direction) by, for example, an
inertial force generated during travel of the vehicle.
[0074] The support structure 13 may be in the form of a plurality
of hooks fixed to the vehicle seat 11 at predetermined intervals in
the width direction (Y-axis direction), and the engaging portion 8A
may be configured to engage with at least one (preferably two or
more) of the hooks. In this case, there may be formed an engaging
hole for engaging with the hook in the engaging portion 8A, and the
engaging portion 8A may be attachable to and detachable from the
hook. The plurality of hooks may be arranged in a line in the width
direction. With such a feature, the support structure 13 can be
simplified.
[0075] The engaging portion 8A may be configured to be attachable
to and detachable from the support structure 13. For example, the
engaging portion 8A may engage only with the upper end portion 13D
of the rail 13C. With such a feature, the vehicle heating apparatus
100A can easily be removed from the vehicle seat 11 for maintenance
or the like.
[0076] The heater-equipped vehicle seat 1 may be configured so that
the position of the vehicle heating apparatus 100A (specifically
the housing 10) can be adjusted continuously or stepwise in the
width direction. Furthermore, the heater-equipped vehicle seat 1
may be configured so that the vehicle heating apparatus 100A can
occupy only two positions in the width direction. Specifically, the
number of positions where the vehicle heating apparatus 100A can be
fixed may be only two. Even such a configuration can respond
satisfactorily to a situation where the occupant sits on the seat
with his/her legs apart and a situation where the occupant sits on
the seat with his/her legs close together.
[0077] The support structure 13 may be configured to extend
continuously from one end to the other end of the vehicle seat 11
in the width direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, the range
of motion of the vehicle heating apparatus 100A in the width
direction can be set wide.
[0078] A single vehicle heating apparatus 100A or a plurality of
vehicle heating apparatuses 100A may be mounted on the vehicle seat
11.
[0079] The heater 7 may be located closer to the intake port 2 than
the fan 6. With such a feature, the flow velocity of warm air blown
out through the blowing port 3 can be increased due to the
relatively short distance between the fan 6 and the blowing port 3.
As a result, the circulation of warm air between the blowing port 3
and the intake port 2 is promoted.
[0080] When a pair of the vehicle heating apparatuses 100A are
mounted on the vehicle seat 11, there may be a difference between
the temperature of warm air blown out through the blowing port 3 of
one vehicle heating apparatus 100A and the temperature of warm air
blown out through the blowing port 3 of the other vehicle heating
apparatus 100A. That is, the amount of heating by the heater 7 of
one vehicle heating apparatus 100A may be larger than the amount of
heating by the heater 7 of the other vehicle heating apparatus
100A. With such a feature, for example, warm air having a higher
temperature can be blown out through the blowing port 3 of one of
the pair of vehicle heating apparatuses 100A that is provided
closer to a window of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to
reduce the influence of radiation of cool air from the window of
the vehicle and thereby to achieve sensory balance of the warmth
for the occupant.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, the heater-equipped vehicle seat 1 may
further include a seat position adjustment bar 16 provided between
the left support structure 13A and the right support structure 13B
and operative to adjust the position of the vehicle seat 11 in the
back-and-forth direction (X-axis direction). Depending on its
position, the seat position adjustment bar 16 can be in two states,
a restraining state and a releasing state. When the seat position
adjustment bar 16 is in the restraining state, the relative
movement between the vehicle seat 11 and the base member 12 is
restrained by a locking mechanism (omitted from the figure) coupled
to the seat position adjustment bar 16. When, for example, the seat
position adjustment bar 16 is tilted by the occupant in the upward
direction (the positive direction of the Z axis) of the vehicle
seat 11, the state of the seat position adjustment bar 16 changes
from the restraining state to the releasing state. When the seat
position adjustment bar 16 is in the releasing state, the lock by
the locking mechanism (omitted from the figure) coupled to the seat
position adjustment bar 16 is released, and the relative movement
between the vehicle seat 11 and the base member 12 is enabled.
Thus, the occupant can adjust the position of the vehicle seat 11
in the back-and-forth direction (X-axis direction). With such a
configuration, the occupant can easily adjust the position of the
vehicle seat 11 in the back-and-forth direction. In addition, the
seat position adjustment bar can be provided by using the space
between the left support structure and the right support structure.
Since the parts operated by the occupant for the adjustment of the
position of the vehicle heating apparatus 100A and the adjustment
of the position of the vehicle seat 11 are closely located, the
convenience for the occupant is improved.
Second Embodiment
[0082] A vehicle heating apparatus 100B of a second embodiment of
the present disclosure will be described. Unless otherwise
described, the second embodiment is configured in the same manner
as the first embodiment. The components of the second embodiment
that are the same as or correspond to those of the first embodiment
are denoted by the same reference characters as used in the first
embodiment, and the detailed description of the components are
omitted in some cases. That is, the descriptions given for the
first embodiment and the modifications of the first embodiment can
apply to the present embodiment unless technically inconsistent.
This also holds true for the embodiment described later.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 9, upward blowing ports 3B are formed in
the housing 10 of the vehicle heating apparatus 100B. The upward
blowing ports 3B are openings formed so as to blow warm air
upwardly in the usage state. The upward blowing ports 3B are formed
at positions adjacent respectively to one end of the blowing port 3
in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and to the other end of
the blowing port 3 in the width direction. That is, the pair of
upward blowing ports 3B open at both ends in the width direction of
the housing 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, warm air is not only
blown out through the blowing port 3 but is also blown out through
the upward blowing ports 3B upwardly. Accordingly, warm air can be
supplied so as to encompass the upper legs of the occupant, due to
which the warmth for the occupant can be increased.
Third Embodiment
[0084] A vehicle heating apparatus 100C of a third embodiment of
the present disclosure will be described. As shown in FIG. 10,
oblique blowing ports 3C are formed in the housing 10. The oblique
blowing ports 3C are formed so as to blow warm air obliquely upward
in the usage state. Specifically, the oblique blowing ports 3C are
formed so as to blow warm air upwardly of the housing 10 in a
direction (an obliquely upward direction) inclined relative to the
Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The oblique blowing
ports 3C are formed at positions adjacent respectively to one end
of the blowing port 3 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and
the other end of the blowing port 3 in the width direction. That
is, the pair of oblique blowing ports 3C open at both ends in the
width direction of the housing 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10,
warm air is not only blown out through the blowing port 3 but is
also blown out obliquely upward.
[0085] It is often the case that the vehicle seat 11 is located
adjacent to a window of the vehicle that separates the indoor space
of the vehicle from the outside atmosphere. Therefore, cool air may
be radiated from the window of the vehicle toward the occupant. In
this case, warm air can be blown out obliquely upward toward the
window of the vehicle through the oblique blowing ports 3C of the
vehicle heating apparatus 100C. Therefore, the influence of
radiation of cool air from the window of the vehicle is reduced,
due to which the warmth for the occupant can be increased. The
oblique blowing port 3C may be provided only at that one of the two
ends in the width direction of the upper end portion of the housing
10 which is closer to the window of the vehicle.
Another Modification
[0086] As shown in FIG. 11, a vehicle heating apparatus 100D may
include a radiation member 10A on the front surface of the housing
10. The radiation member 10A exchanges heat with warm air present
between the heater 7 and the blowing port 3, and radiates heat
outwardly. In the usage state, the radiation member 10A radiates
heat forward. The radiation member 10A is a metal plate made of
aluminum, iron, or the like. In order to ensure a large radiation
area, projections and depressions are formed in the front face of
the radiation member 10A. The back face of the radiation member 10A
is in contact with the housing 10, and is thus heated by warm air
present between the heater 7 and the blowing port 3. An opening
appropriate for the size of the radiation member 10A may be formed
in the front face of the housing 10, and the radiation member 10A
may be attached in such a manner as to close the opening. In this
case, the back face of the radiation member 10A forms a portion of
the flow path 4. With such a feature, heat can be radiated forward
by the radiation member 10A; therefore, the warmth for the occupant
can be increased.
[0087] In the vehicle heating apparatus 100D, a plate-shaped
electric heater (omitted from the figure) such as a PTC heater or a
ceramic heater may be attached to the front face of the housing 10
in place of the radiation member 10A or in addition to the
radiation member 10A. Also with such a feature, the warmth for the
occupant can be increased.
[0088] The pair of vehicle heating apparatuses mounted on the
vehicle seat 11 at a distance from each other in the width
direction (Y-axis direction) may be constituted by an arbitrary
combination of the vehicle heating apparatuses 100A to 100D
described above. In this case, in order to reduce the influence of
the radiation of cool air from a window of the vehicle, it is
recommended to use the vehicle heating apparatus 100C as that one
of the pair of vehicle heating apparatuses which is closer to the
window of the vehicle.
[0089] The postures of the vehicle heating apparatuses 100A to 100D
in the usage state are not limited to those assumed by the vehicle
heating apparatuses 100A to 100D in the case where the XY plane is
horizontal in the accompanying drawings. The postures of the
vehicle heating apparatuses 100A to 100D in the usage state may be
those assumed by the vehicle heating apparatuses 100A to 100D in
the case where the XY plane in the accompanying drawings is
inclined at an angle of, for example, 5.degree. or less to the
horizontal plane.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0090] The vehicle heating apparatuses disclosed in the present
description can be applied to seats of vehicles such as
automobiles, electric trains, airplanes, and ships.
* * * * *