JP7176502B2 - hot and cold stimulation system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hot/cold stimulation system.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a thermal stimulation system that alternately supplies a thermal stimulation and a cold stimulation to a portion on the back side of a seated person. Hereinafter, alternately and repeatedly supplying a warm stimulus and a cold stimulus is also referred to as supplying a hot/cold stimulus. According to this, blood flow is promoted by expansion and contraction of the blood vessels of the seated person by supplying hot and cold stimuli to the back side portion of the seated person. As a result, the fatigue of the seated person can be reduced.

In this hot/cold stimulation system, a hot stimulation period in which a hot stimulation is supplied and a cold stimulation period in which a cold stimulation is supplied are defined as one cycle, and the hot stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are alternately repeated periodically. Patent Literature 1 discloses adjusting the hot/cold ratio, which is the ratio between the hot stimulation period and the cold stimulation period. By adjusting the hot/cold ratio, it is possible to adjust the hot/cold sensation of the hot/cold stimulus given to the seated person.

JP 2018-193057 A

By the way, according to the study of the present inventor, when both the hot/cold ratio and one cycle are changed with respect to a specific setting of a specific hot/cold ratio and one specific cycle in the supply of hot/cold stimulation, Compared to the setting before the change, it was found that the fatigue reduction effect may be greatly reduced. On the other hand, if one cycle time is set to be substantially the same for the above specific settings and the hot/cold ratio is changed, the fatigue reduction effect will not decrease compared to the setting before the change, or the fatigue reduction effect will increase. It was found that even if the reduction effect decreased, the rate of reduction was small, and a certain fatigue reduction effect could be obtained.

However, although Patent Document 1 discloses changing the hot/cold ratio, it does not disclose how to set the time for one cycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal stimulation system capable of adjusting the thermal sensation while obtaining a certain fatigue alleviating effect.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the invention of claim 1,
Hot and cold stimulation system
a hot/cold stimulus device (20) for supplying hot and cold stimuli to a subject;
Operation of the thermal/cold stimulation device so that the warm stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are cyclically and alternately repeated with the total of the warm stimulation period for supplying the warm stimulation and the cold stimulation period for supplying the cold stimulation as one cycle. A stimulus control unit (S13, S24, S34) that controls the
a hot/cold ratio determination unit (S12, S23, S33) that determines a hot/cold ratio that is the ratio of the hot stimulation period and the cold stimulation period in one cycle;
The stimulation control unit operates the hot/cold stimulation device so that the warm stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are alternately repeated at the hot/cold ratio determined by the hot/cold ratio determining unit,
The hot/cold ratios determined by the hot/cold ratio determining unit include a first ratio and a second ratio that are different from each other,
The hot/cold ratio determining unit determines the hot/cold ratio so that one cycle at the first ratio and one cycle at the second ratio are substantially the same time.

According to this, even if the heating/cooling ratio is changed, the time for one cycle is substantially the same, so a certain fatigue reduction effect can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the thermal sensation given to the subject while obtaining a certain fatigue alleviating effect.

It should be noted that the reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component etc. indicate an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and specific components etc. described in the embodiments described later.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a thermal stimulation system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a seat on which a thermal stimulation device according to a first embodiment is installed; FIG. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the seat of Figure 2; 4 is a time chart showing the details of the operation of the thermal stimulation device of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a plurality of setting buttons for setting hot/cold ratios; It is a figure which shows an example of a hot-cold ratio. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of hot/cold ratios; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of hot/cold ratios; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of hot/cold ratios; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of hot/cold ratios; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a hot/cold ratio set by each setting button shown in FIG. 5; 4 is a flowchart of processing performed by the control device of the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a time chart showing operation details of the thermal stimulus device when each of the third button and the fourth button is pressed; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the thermal stimulation system of 2nd Embodiment. 9 is a flowchart of processing performed by the control device of the second embodiment; FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of hot/cold ratios determined in step S23 of FIG. 15; It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the thermal stimulation system of 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of processing performed by the control device of the third embodiment; FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of hot/cold ratios determined in step S33 of FIG. 18; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a seat on which a thermal stimulation device of another embodiment is installed; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a seat on which a thermal stimulation device of another embodiment is installed; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a seat on which a thermal stimulation device of another embodiment is installed; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a seat on which a thermal stimulation device of another embodiment is installed; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a seat on which a thermal stimulation device of another embodiment is installed;

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each of the following embodiments, portions that are the same or equivalent to each other will be described with the same reference numerals.

(First embodiment)
A thermal stimulation system 10 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle. The thermal stimulation system 10 includes a thermal stimulation device 20 , a control device 30 , an operation switch 41 and a setting switch 42 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the thermal stimulation device 20 is provided on a driver's seat 101 of a vehicle. The thermal stimulation device 20 supplies a thermal stimulation and a cold stimulation to the back side portion of the body of the person sitting on the seat 101 . In this embodiment, the seated person is the target person to whom the thermal stimulus device 20 supplies the thermal stimulus and the cold stimulus. The thermal stimulus is a thermal stimulus with a temperature higher than the body temperature of the seated person. The cold stimulus is a cold heat stimulus that is lower than the body temperature of the seated person.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat 101 has a seat portion 102 that supports the buttocks and thighs of a person sitting there, and a backrest portion 103 that supports the back of the person sitting there. The side of the backrest portion 103 that is in contact with the seated person is the front side. The side of the backrest opposite to the side with which the seated person contacts is the rear side. The backrest portion 103 has a seat pad 104 made of an elastic material and a skin material 105 covering the seat pad 104 .

The thermal stimulation device 20 includes a blower 21, an air passage 22 provided in the seat pad 104, a plurality of holes 23 provided in the front side portion of the seat pad 104, and installed between the seat pad 104 and the upholstery 105. It has a heater 24 and the like. Air blower 21 and heater 24 are connected to the output side of control device 30 . The air blower 21, the air passage 22 and the plurality of holes 23 of the thermal stimulation device 20 constitute a seat ventilation system (hereinafter referred to as SVS).

The thermal stimulation device 20 is capable of supplying cold stimulation to the seated person using SVS. Specifically, when the thermal stimulus device 20 supplies the seated person with a cold stimulus, the blower 21 operates. As a result, air in the passenger compartment is sucked into the air passage 22 through the plurality of holes 23 through the skin material 105, as indicated by an arrow C1 in FIG. In general, the temperature inside the passenger compartment while the vehicle is running is lower than the body temperature of the seated person due to the operation of the air conditioner or the influence of the temperature of the air outside the passenger compartment. Therefore, the temperature of the surface on the front side of the backrest portion 103 is maintained at a lower temperature than the body temperature of the seated person. When the seated person touches the surface on the front side of the backrest portion 103, a cold stimulus is supplied to the back side portion of the body of the seated person. The air sucked into the air passage 22 from the plurality of holes 23 passes through the air passage 22 and the blower 21, and is provided at the lower rear side of the backrest portion 103, as indicated by the arrow C2 in FIG. It is blown out from the rear side hole portion 25 .

In addition, the thermal stimulation device 20 can supply thermal stimulation to the seated person using the heater 24 . Specifically, when the thermal stimulus device 20 supplies a thermal stimulus to the seated person, the heater 24 is activated. As a result, the heater 24 generates heat, and the heat is transferred to the seat pad 104 and the upholstery material 105, so that the temperature of the surface of the front side of the backrest portion 103 is maintained higher than the body temperature of the seated person. By the seated person touching the front side surface of the backrest portion 103, a warm stimulus is supplied to the back side portion of the seated person's body.

The control device 30 controls the operation of the thermal stimulation device 20 . The control device 30 is provided in a space inside an instrument panel (not shown). The control device 30 is composed of a well-known microcomputer including a processor and memory and its peripheral circuits. The memory consists of a non-transitional physical storage medium. The controller 30 implements various calculations and processes by causing the processor to execute programs stored in the memory. Thereby, the control device 30 controls the operation of each of the blower 21 and the heater 24 .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when the operation switch 41 is turned from OFF to ON, the total of the warm stimulation period t1 and the cold stimulation period t2 is defined as one cycle t3, and the warm stimulation period t1 and the cold stimulation period The control device 30 controls the operation of the thermal stimulation device 20 so that t2 and t2 are alternately repeated periodically. The warm stimulation period t1 is a period during which the thermal stimulation device 20 supplies the warm stimulation. The cold stimulation period is a period during which the thermal stimulation device 20 supplies the cold stimulation. During the warm stimulation period t1, the heater 24 is turned on and the blower 21 is turned off. As a result, the temperature of the front surface of the backrest portion 103 increases. During the cold stimulation period t2, the heater 24 is turned off and the blower 21 is turned on. As a result, the temperature of the surface on the front side of the backrest portion 103 is lowered.

The operating switch 41 is a switch that switches between operating and stopping the thermal stimulation device 20 by the operation of the seated person. The activation switch 41 is connected to the input side of the control device 30 . The operation switch 41 is provided on an instrument panel (not shown).

The setting switch 42 is a switch for switching the hot/cold ratio, which is the ratio between the hot stimulation period t1 and the cold stimulation period t2 in one cycle t3, by the operation of the seated person. The setting switch 42 is connected to the input side of the control device 30 . The setting switch 42 is provided on an instrument panel (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 5, the setting switch 42 is composed of a plurality of setting buttons. The multiple setting buttons include a first button 43 , a second button 44 , a third button 45 , a fourth button 46 and a fifth button 47 . The hot/cold ratio and one cycle corresponding to each of the buttons 43 to 47 are pre-stored in the memory of the control device 30 .

The warm stimulation period t1 and the cold stimulation period t2 when the first button 43 is pressed are t11 and t21, respectively, as shown in FIG. The hot/cold ratio at this time is t11:t21=1:3. One cycle t3 at this time is 6 minutes and 30 seconds.

The warm stimulation period t1 and the cold stimulation period t2 when the second button 44 is pressed are t12 and t22, respectively, as shown in FIG. The hot/cold ratio at this time is t12:t22=1:2. One cycle t3 at this time is 6 minutes and 30 seconds.

The warm stimulation period t1 and the cold stimulation period t2 when the third button 45 is pressed are t13 and t23, respectively, as shown in FIG. The hot/cold ratio at this time is t13:t23=1:1. One cycle t3 at this time is 6 minutes and 30 seconds.

The warm stimulation period t1 and the cold stimulation period t2 when the fourth button 46 is pressed are t14 and t24, respectively, as shown in FIG. The hot/cold ratio at this time is t14:t24=2:1. One cycle t3 at this time is 6 minutes and 30 seconds.

The warm stimulation period t1 and the cold stimulation period t2 when the fifth button 47 is pressed are t15 and t25, respectively, as shown in FIG. The hot/cold ratio at this time is t15:t25=3:1. One cycle t3 at this time is 6 minutes and 30 seconds.

Thus, the warm stimulation period t1 becomes longer and the cold stimulation period t2 becomes shorter in the order of the first button 43, the second button 44, the third button 45, the fourth button 46, and the fifth button 47. FIG. The time of one cycle t3 when each button 43 to 47 is pressed is the same.

As shown in FIG. 11, the ratio between the warm stimulation period and the cold stimulation period is changed to various sizes while one period is the same time. The dashed lines in FIG. 11 indicate that the time of one cycle is the same. In this case, if the ratio of the cold stimulation period is large like when the first button 43 and the second button 44 are selected, the seated person feels cold during the entire period during which the hot and cold stimulation is received. The larger the ratio of the cold stimulation period, the lower the temperature felt by the seated person when receiving the thermal stimulation.

On the other hand, when the ratio of the warm stimulation period is large like when the fourth button 46 and the fifth button 47 are selected, the seated person feels warm during the entire period during which the hot and cold stimulation is received. The larger the ratio of the warm stimulation period, the higher the temperature felt by the seated person when receiving the warm and cold stimulation.

Therefore, a plurality of setting buttons 43 to 47 indicate the temperature that the seated person feels when receiving a hot/cold stimulus as information related to the hot/cold ratio. The first button 43 shows the character "low". This means that the temperature felt by the seated person is low when receiving thermal stimulation.
The fifth button 47 shows the character "high". This means that the temperature felt by the seated person is high when receiving thermal stimulation. The third button 45 is marked with the character "middle". This means that the temperature that the seated person feels when receiving thermal stimulation is an intermediate temperature between the "low" temperature and the "high" temperature. The second button 44 is marked with “·”. This indicates that the temperature felt by the seated person when receiving the thermal stimulation is between the "low" temperature and the "medium" temperature. The fourth button 46 is marked with “·”. This indicates the temperature between the "medium" temperature and the "high" temperature that the seated person feels when receiving the thermal stimulation.

In order of the first button 43, the second button 44, the third button 45, the fourth button 46, and the fifth button 47, the temperature that the seated person feels when receiving thermal stimulation increases. When the seated person selects and presses any one of the plurality of buttons 43 to 47, the temperature felt by the seated person when receiving the thermal stimulation can be changed.

In this way, the buttons 43 to 47 indicate the temperature that the seated person feels when receiving a hot/cold stimulus as information related to the hot/cold ratio. Therefore, when the seated person selects and presses one of these buttons 43 to 47, information relating to the hot/cold ratio is indirectly input. Therefore, the setting switch 42 of the present embodiment corresponds to an input section for indirectly inputting information related to the hot/cold ratio by the operation of the seated person.

When one of the plurality of buttons 43 to 47 is pressed, the control device 30 alternately repeats the warm stimulation period and the cold stimulation period at the hot/cold ratio corresponding to the pressed button. The hot/cold stimulation device 20 is activated. In order to realize this, the control device 30 executes the processing shown in FIG. Note that the steps shown in FIG. 12 correspond to functional units that implement various functions. This also applies to other flowcharts.

The processing shown in FIG. 12 is started when the operation switch 41 is switched from OFF to ON. The processing shown in FIG. 12 is repeated until the activation switch 41 is switched from ON to OFF. The processing shown in FIG. 12 may be repeated until a predetermined time elapses after the operation switch 41 is switched from OFF to ON.

In step S<b>11 , the control device 30 reads the switch signal of the setting switch 42 .

Subsequently, in step S12, the control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio based on the switch signal read in step S11. When any one of the plurality of buttons 43 to 47 is pressed by the seated person, the control device 30 reads out the hot/cold ratio corresponding to the pressed button from the memory. This determines the current hot/cold ratio. Further, when none of the plurality of buttons 43 to 47 is pressed by the seated person after the operation switch 41 is switched from OFF to ON, the hot/cold ratio corresponding to the third button 45 as the standard setting is is determined as the hot/cold ratio of If the hot/cold ratio immediately before the operation switch 41 is turned off during the previous operation is stored, the hot/cold ratio may be determined as the current hot/cool ratio.

Subsequently, in step S13, the control device 30 outputs a control signal so that the thermal stimulus device 20 supplies thermal stimulation at the thermal/cold ratio determined in step S12. As a result, the hot/cold stimulation device 20 operates so as to alternately repeat the warm stimulation period t1 and the cold stimulation period t2 at the hot/cold ratio determined in step S12.

By repeatedly executing the process shown in FIG. 12, the hot/cold ratio is changed each time one of the plurality of buttons 43 to 47 is pressed. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the third button 45 is pressed, the hot/cold stimulus device 20 operates at the hot/cold ratio and one cycle corresponding to the third button 45 . The warm stimulation period t1 at this time is t13. The cold stimulation period t2 at this time is t23. After that, when the fourth button 46 is pressed, the hot/cold stimulus device 20 operates at the hot/cold ratio and one cycle corresponding to the fourth button 46 . The warm stimulation period t1 at this time is t14, which is longer than t13. The cold stimulation period t2 at this time is t24, which is shorter than t23. One cycle t3 for the hot/cold ratio corresponding to the fourth button 46 is the same time as one cycle t3 for the hot/cold ratio corresponding to the third button 45 .

Thus, in step S12, control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio to be one of the different hot/cool ratios shown in FIG. In step S13, the control device 30 controls the operation of the thermal stimulation device 20 so that the thermal stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are alternately repeated at the thermal/cold ratio determined in step S12. In the present embodiment, step S12 corresponds to the hot/cold ratio determination unit that determines the hot/cold ratio. Step S13 corresponds to the stimulation control section that controls the operation of the thermal stimulation device.

As described above, the hot/cold ratio determined in step S<b>12 includes the hot/cold ratio corresponding to the third button 45 and the hot/cool ratio corresponding to the fourth button 46 . In step S12, the controller 30 makes one cycle t3 for the hot/cold ratio corresponding to the third button 45 equal to one cycle t3 for the hot/cold ratio corresponding to the fourth button 46. Determine the hot/cold ratio as follows. This is not limited to the third button 45 and the fourth button 46, but can be applied to any two buttons among the plurality of buttons 43-47. Two of the hot/cold ratios corresponding to each of the plurality of buttons 43 to 47 correspond to the first ratio and the second ratio.

Here, according to the study of the present inventor, when both the hot/cold ratio and one cycle are changed with respect to a specific setting of a specific hot/cold ratio and one specific cycle in supplying a hot/cold stimulus, , it was found that the fatigue reduction effect may be greatly reduced compared to the setting before the change. On the other hand, if one cycle time is set to be substantially the same for the above specific settings and the hot/cold ratio is changed, the fatigue reduction effect will not decrease compared to the setting before the change, or the fatigue reduction effect will increase. It was found that even if the reduction effect decreased, the rate of reduction was small, and a certain fatigue reduction effect could be obtained.

For this reason, according to the present embodiment, even if the heating/cooling ratio is changed, the time of one cycle is the same, so a certain fatigue reduction effect can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the thermal sensation given to the seated person while obtaining a certain fatigue alleviating effect.

In the present embodiment, in step S12, the control device 30 controls one cycle t3 when the hot/cold ratio corresponds to the third button 45 and one cycle t3 when the hot/cold ratio corresponds to the fourth button 46. The hot and cold ratio is determined so that the time is the same. However, the time of each one cycle t3 should be substantially the same. The term "substantially the same" means that the difference in one cycle t3 is within 5% of the average value in one cycle.

In this embodiment, the thermal stimulation system 10 also includes a setting switch 42, that is, a plurality of setting buttons 43-47. In step S20, the control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio based on the information input by the plurality of setting buttons 43-47. According to this, the thermal sensation of the thermal stimulus given to the seated person can be adjusted to the desired thermal sensation of the seated person.

(Second embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 14, in the thermal stimulation system 10 of the present embodiment, instead of the setting switch 42 of the first embodiment, sensors 48 for estimating the thermal sensation of the seated person are input to the control device 30. connected to the side. Also, unlike the first embodiment, the control device 30 performs the processing shown in FIG. Other configurations of the thermal stimulation system 10 are the same as in the first embodiment.

The sensors 48 detect physical quantities relating to the thermal sensation of the seated person. A thermal sensation is a thermal sensation such as hot or cold. The sensors 48 include a sensor for detecting the surface temperature of the seat 101, a sensor for detecting the surface temperature of the seat 101, a sensor for detecting heat flow when the seat 101 absorbs heat or radiates heat, and a sensor when the seat 101 absorbs heat or radiates heat. It includes a sensor that detects heat flow, a sensor that detects air temperature in the passenger compartment, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 15, in step S21, the control device 30 reads sensor signals input from the sensors 48. As shown in FIG.

Subsequently, in step S22, the control device 30 estimates the thermal sensation of the seated person based on the sensor signal. For example, the control device 30 determines whether the current thermal sensation of the seated person corresponds to "hot", "slightly hot", "neutral", "slightly cold", or "cold".

Subsequently, in step S23, control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio based on the estimation result of step S22.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the hot/cold ratio when the estimation result in step S22 is "hot" is determined as a ratio with a large ratio of the cold stimulation period. For example, the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at this time are the same as the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at the time of the first button 43 of the first embodiment. Thereby, a seated person can be made to feel cold.

Also, the hot/cold ratio when the estimation result in step S22 is "slightly hot" is determined to be a slightly large ratio of the cold stimulus period. For example, the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at this time are the same as the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at the time of the second button 44 of the first embodiment. This makes it possible to make the seated person feel somewhat cold.

Also, the hot/cold ratio when the estimation result in step S22 is "neutral" is determined to be the ratio in which the length of the cold stimulation period and the warm stimulation period are the same. For example, the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at this time are the same as the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at the time of the third button 45 of the first embodiment.

Also, the hot/cold ratio when the estimation result in step S22 is "slightly cold" is determined to be a slightly large ratio of the warm stimulus period. For example, the hot/cold ratio at this time is the same as the hot/cool ratio at the time of the fourth button 46 of the first embodiment. This makes it possible to make the seated person feel somewhat warm.

Also, the hot/cold ratio when the estimation result in step S22 is "cold" is determined to be a ratio with a large warm stimulation period ratio. For example, the hot/cold ratio at this time is the same as the hot/cool ratio at the time of the fifth button 47 of the first embodiment. Thereby, a seated person can be made to feel warmly.

Subsequently, in step S24, the control device 30 outputs a control signal for operating the thermal stimulation device 20 at the hot/cold ratio determined in step S23. As a result, the hot/cold stimulation device 20 operates so that hot stimulation periods and cold stimulation periods are alternately repeated at the hot/cold ratio determined in step S12.

As described above, in step S23, the control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio to be one of the different hot/cold ratios shown in FIG. In step S24, the control device 30 controls the operation of the thermal stimulation device 20 so that the thermal stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are alternately repeated at the thermal/cold ratio determined in step S23. In the present embodiment, step S23 corresponds to the hot/cold ratio determination section that determines the hot/cold ratio. Step S24 corresponds to the stimulation control section that controls the operation of the thermal stimulation device. In step S23, control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio so that one cycle time is the same regardless of the hot/cold ratio. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in this embodiment as well.

Further, in the present embodiment, in step S22, the control device 30 estimates the thermal sensation of the seated person. Then, in step S23, control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio based on the estimation result of step S22. As a result, the thermal sensation of the thermal stimulation given to the seated person can be adjusted to the desired thermal sensation of the seated person. For example, when the seated person feels hot, the hot/cold ratio can be adjusted to make the person feel cold. When the seated person feels cold, the hot/cold ratio can be adjusted to make the person feel warm. In addition, in this embodiment, step S22 corresponds to the estimation unit provided in the thermal stimulation system.

Further, in the present embodiment, in step S22, the control device 30 estimates the thermal sensation of the seated person. However, in step S22, the control device 30 may estimate the thermal comfort of the seated person. The hot/cold comfort feeling is a combination of the hot/cold feeling and the comfort feelings of "comfortable" and "unpleasant." In this case, the sensors 48 detect physical quantities for estimating thermal comfort.

(Third Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 17, in the thermal stimulation system 10 of the present embodiment, instead of the setting switch 42 of the first embodiment, an air conditioning control device 49 and a sensor 50 for measuring the actual air temperature in the vehicle interior space are provided. It is connected to the input side of the control device 30 . Also, unlike the first embodiment, the control device 30 performs the processing shown in FIG. Other configurations of the thermal stimulation system 10 are the same as in the first embodiment.

The air conditioning controller 49 controls an air conditioner (not shown). The air conditioner adjusts the air temperature of the vehicle interior space where the seated occupant is present. The air conditioning control device 49 receives the set temperature of the air conditioner from a temperature setting unit (not shown). The temperature setting unit is an input unit for inputting the set temperature of the air conditioner by the operation of the seated person.

As shown in FIG. 18 , in step S<b>31 , the control device 30 acquires the set temperature through communication with the air conditioning control device 49 and reads the sensor signal input from the sensor 50 .

Subsequently, in step S32, control device 30 calculates the temperature difference between the set temperature and the actually measured temperature of the vehicle interior air based on the set temperature and the sensor signal.

Subsequently, in step S33, the control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio based on the temperature difference calculated in step S32.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, when the calculation result in step S32 indicates that "actually measured temperature is higher and the difference is large", the hot/cold ratio is determined as a ratio with a large ratio of the cold stimulation period. For example, the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at this time are the same as the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at the time of the first button 43 of the first embodiment. Thereby, a seated person can be made to feel cold.

Also, when the estimation result in step S32 is "the actually measured temperature is higher and the difference is slightly larger", the hot/cold ratio is determined to be a slightly larger ratio of the cold stimulation period. For example, the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at this time are the same as the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at the time of the second button 44 of the first embodiment. This makes it possible to make the seated person feel somewhat cold.

Also, the hot/cold ratio when the estimation result in step S32 is "small" is determined to be the ratio of the length of the cold stimulation period and the warm stimulation period being the same. For example, the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at this time are the same as the hot/cold ratio and one cycle at the time of the third button 45 of the first embodiment.

Also, when the estimation result in step S32 is "the actually measured temperature is lower and the difference is slightly larger", the hot/cold ratio is determined to be a slightly larger ratio of the warm stimulation period. For example, the hot/cold ratio at this time is the same as the hot/cool ratio at the time of the fourth button 46 of the first embodiment. This makes it possible to make the seated person feel somewhat warm.

Also, when the estimation result in step S32 is "the actual measured temperature is lower and the difference is large", the hot/cold ratio is determined to be the ratio with the large ratio of the warm stimulation period. For example, the hot/cold ratio at this time is the same as the hot/cool ratio at the time of the fifth button 47 of the first embodiment. Thereby, a seated person can be made to feel warmly.

Subsequently, in step S34, the control device 30 outputs a control signal for operating the thermal stimulation device 20 at the hot/cold ratio determined in step S33. As a result, the hot/cold stimulation device 20 operates so that the hot/cold stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are alternately repeated at the hot/cold ratio determined in step S33.

As described above, in step S33, the control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio to be one of the different hot/cool ratios shown in FIG. In step S34, the control device 30 controls the operation of the thermal stimulation device 20 so that the thermal stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are alternately repeated at the thermal/cold ratio determined in step S33. In the present embodiment, step S33 corresponds to the hot/cold ratio determination section that determines the hot/cold ratio. Step S34 corresponds to the stimulation control section that controls the operation of the thermal stimulation device. When the controller 30 determines various hot/cold ratios in step S33, the control device 30 decides the hot/cool ratios so that the time of one cycle is the same regardless of the ratio. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in this embodiment as well.

Further, in the present embodiment, in step S33, the control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio based on the temperature difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner and the measured temperature of the air in the passenger compartment. As a result, the thermal sensation of the thermal stimulation given to the seated person can be adjusted to the desired thermal sensation of the seated person. For example, when the measured temperature is higher than the set temperature, the hot/cold ratio can be adjusted to make the user feel colder. When the measured temperature is lower than the set temperature, you can adjust the hot/cold ratio to feel warm.

Note that in the present embodiment, the control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio based on the calculation result of the set temperature and the measured temperature. That is, control device 30 determines the hot/cold ratio based on the set temperature and the measured temperature. However, the control device 30 may determine the hot/cold ratio based on the set temperature and the measured temperature without calculating the temperature difference between the set temperature and the measured temperature.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control device 30 acquires the set temperature from the air conditioning control device 49 . However, if the control device 30 also serves as an air conditioning control device, the set temperature may be acquired based on the setting signal from the temperature setting section.

(Other embodiments)
(1) In the first embodiment, the setting switch 42 is composed of a plurality of setting buttons 43 to 47 indicating the thermal sensation of the thermal stimulation. However, the setting switch 42 has a setting button labeled with "+" indicating an increase in the thermal sensation of the thermal/cold stimulus, and a setting button labeled with "-" indicating a decrease in the thermal sensation of the thermal/cold stimulus. may consist of In this case, when the seated person presses the button labeled "+", the ratio of the warm stimulation period increases. When the seated person presses the "-" display button, the ratio of the cold stimulation period increases. In this way, when the seated person selects and presses one of these two setting buttons, information relating to the hot/cold ratio is indirectly input. Therefore, these two setting buttons also correspond to an input section for indirectly inputting information related to the hot/cold ratio by the operation of the seated person.

Also, the setting switch 42 may be composed of a plurality of setting buttons displaying a plurality of hot/cold ratios. In this case, when the seated person presses any one of these setting buttons, information relating to the hot/cold ratio is directly input. Therefore, these setting buttons correspond to an input section for directly inputting information related to the hot/cold ratio by the operation of the seated person.

(2) In the first embodiment, the setting switch 42 operated by the hand of the seated person is used as an input unit for inputting information relating to the hot/cold ratio. However, a microphone into which the voice of the seated person is input may be used as the input unit. That is, it may be configured such that the information relating to the hot/cold ratio is input by the voice operation of the seated person.

(3) In the thermal stimulation device 20 of the first to third embodiments, the heater 24 is built in the backrest portion 103 . However, the heater 24 may be provided outside the backrest portion 103 . In this case, the heater 24 may supply a warm stimulus to a portion of the seated person at which the seated person feels fatigue.

(4) In the thermal stimulation device 20 of the first embodiment, the blower 21 forms an air flow in the air passage 22 from the plurality of holes 23 toward the rear side holes 25 . The thermal stimulus device 20 of the first embodiment is configured to supply a cold stimulus to a seated occupant by sucking air inside the vehicle.

However, as indicated by arrow C3 in FIG. 20, the thermal stimulation device 20 may be configured to supply cold stimulation by blowing out the vehicle interior air. In the thermal stimulation device 20 shown in FIG. 20 , the blower 21 forms an air flow in the air passage 22 from the rear side hole 25 toward the plurality of holes 23 . As a result, the air in the vehicle interior is sucked through the rear side hole portion 25 as indicated by an arrow C4 in FIG. 20 . After flowing through the air passage 22, the sucked air is blown out from the plurality of holes 23 as indicated by arrows C3 in FIG.

21, the thermal stimulation device 20 may be configured to supply cold stimulation by blowing air cooled by the cooling device 51 (that is, cold air). In the thermal stimulation device 20 shown in FIG. 21 , the air cooled by the cooling device 51 is supplied to the rear side holes 25 . The blower 21 forms an air flow in the air passage 22 from the rear hole 25 toward the plurality of holes 23 . As a result, cool air is sucked through the rear side hole portion 25 as indicated by an arrow C6 in FIG. 21 . After flowing through the air passage 22, the sucked cold air is blown out from the plurality of holes 23 as indicated by arrows C5 in FIG.

Also, the thermal stimulation device 20 of the first embodiment supplies thermal stimulation to the seated person by heat generation of the heater 24 . However, as indicated by arrow B1 in FIG. 22, the thermal stimulation device 20 may be configured to supply thermal stimulation by blowing out air (that is, warm air) heated by the heating device 65. .

In the thermal stimulation device 20 shown in FIG. 22, the blower 21, the air passage 22, the plurality of holes 23, and the rear side holes 25 are the first blower 21, the first air passage 22, and the plurality of first holes, respectively. 23, the first rear side hole 25; The thermal stimulation device 20 shown in FIG. 22 further includes a second blower 61, a second air passage 62 provided in the seat pad 104, a plurality of second holes 63 provided in the front side portion of the seat pad 104, A second rear side hole 64 is provided in the lower portion of the rear side of the seat pad 104 . The second air passage 62 is an independent air passage with respect to the first air passage 22 . The thermal stimulation device 20 shown in FIG. 22 further includes a heating device 65 that heats air.

In the thermal stimulation device 20 shown in FIG. 22, the air heated by the heating device 65 is supplied to the second rear side hole 64 as indicated by arrow B2. The second blower 61 forms an air flow in the second air passage 62 from the second rear side hole 64 toward the plurality of second holes 63 . As a result, hot air is blown out from the plurality of second holes 63 as indicated by arrow B1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the thermal stimulation device 20 is configured to supply cold stimulation by blowing out the air inside the vehicle as indicated by an arrow C3, and as indicated by an arrow B1. It may be configured to supply a warm stimulus by blowing hot air.

Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the hot/cold stimulation device 20 is configured to supply cold stimulation by blowing cold air as indicated by arrow C5, and blowing hot air as indicated by arrow B1. may be configured to supply a warm stimulus by blowing out the

In addition, when air in the vehicle, cool air, or warm air is supplied to the seated person, if sufficient air volume and air velocity can be obtained as thermal stimulation, these are supplied by a blower provided outside the seat. The thermal stimulation device 20 may be configured as described above.

(5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the thermal stimulation device 20 is provided on the backrest portion 103 of the seat 101 . However, the thermal stimulation device 20 may be provided on the seating portion 102 of the seat 101 .

(6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the thermal stimulation device 20 is provided on the driver's seat 101 . However, the thermal stimulation device 20 may be provided on a seat other than the driver's seat.

(7) As the thermal stimulation device 20, a device having a configuration different from that of each of the above-described embodiments may be used. For example, a device for circulating a heat medium for supplying hot or cold heat to a seated person may be used. Thermoelectric conversion elements or heat exchangers may also be used to supply heat or cold to the seated person.

(8) Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the thermal stimulus device 20 is installed on the seat of the vehicle. However, the thermal stimulus device 20 may be installed on a seat of a moving object other than a vehicle. Also, the thermal stimulation device 20 may be installed on a seat other than a moving body. Also, the thermal stimulation device 20 may be installed in a place other than the seat. That is, the target person to whom the thermal stimulation device 20 supplies the thermal stimulation and the cold stimulation may be other than the seated person. In addition, the thermal stimulation device 20 may be of a small and portable type, instead of being installed in a specific place. Also, the thermal stimulation device 20 may be worn by the subject. For example, the thermal stimulation device 20 may be worn on the subject's shoulder, waist, or arm.

(9) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims, including various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. Moreover, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined unless the combination is clearly impossible. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, unless it is explicitly stated that they are essential, or they are clearly considered essential in principle. stomach. In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, when numerical values such as the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc. of the constituent elements of the embodiment are mentioned, when it is explicitly stated that they are particularly essential, and when they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle It is not limited to that specific number, except when In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, when referring to the material, shape, positional relationship, etc. of the constituent elements, unless otherwise specified or in principle limited to a specific material, shape, positional relationship, etc. , its material, shape, positional relationship, and the like.

(10) The controller and method described in the present disclosure are dedicated computers provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. It may be realized by Alternatively, the controller and techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring the processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control apparatus and techniques described in this disclosure can be implemented by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. It may also be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured. The computer program may also be stored as computer-executable instructions on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

(summary)
According to the first aspect shown in part or all of the above embodiments, the thermal/cold stimulation system includes a thermal/cold stimulation device that supplies a warm stimulus and a cold stimulus to a subject; The operation of the thermal/cold stimulator is controlled so that the warm stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are alternately repeated periodically, with the sum of the warm stimulation period and the cold stimulation period during which the cold stimulation is supplied as one cycle. A stimulation control unit and a hot/cold ratio determination unit that determines a hot/cold ratio, which is the ratio of a hot stimulation period and a cold stimulation period in one cycle. The stimulation control section operates the hot/cold stimulation device so that the warm stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are alternately repeated at the hot/cold ratio determined by the hot/cold ratio determining section. The hot/cold ratios determined by the hot/cold ratio determination unit include a first ratio and a second ratio that are different from each other. The hot/cold ratio determining unit determines the hot/cold ratio so that one cycle at the first ratio and one cycle at the second ratio are substantially the same time.

Moreover, according to the second aspect, the thermal stimulation system includes an input unit for directly or indirectly inputting information related to the thermal/cold ratio. The hot/cold ratio determination unit determines the hot/cold ratio based on the information input by the input unit. According to this, the thermal sensation of the thermal stimulus given to the subject can be adjusted to the subject's favorite thermal sensation.

According to a third aspect, the thermal stimulation system includes an estimation unit that estimates the subject's thermal sensation or thermal comfort sensation. The hot/cold ratio determining unit determines the hot/cold ratio based on the estimation result of the estimating unit. According to this, the thermal sensation of the thermal stimulus given to the subject can be adjusted to the subject's favorite thermal sensation.

Further, according to the fourth aspect, the hot/cold ratio determination unit is configured based on the set temperature of an air conditioner that adjusts the air temperature of the space where the subject exists and the actual air temperature of the space where the subject exists. to determine the hot/cold ratio. According to this, the thermal sensation of the thermal stimulus given to the subject can be adjusted to the subject's favorite thermal sensation.

10 Thermal stimulation system 20 Thermal stimulation device 30 Control device 42 Setting switch

Claims (4)

A hot and cold stimulation system,
a hot/cold stimulus device (20) for supplying hot and cold stimuli to a subject;
The warm stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are cyclically and alternately repeated with the sum of the warm stimulation period for supplying the warm stimulation and the cold stimulation period for supplying the cold stimulation as one cycle. a stimulation control unit (S13, S24, S34) that controls the operation of the cold stimulation device;
a hot/cold ratio determination unit (S12, S23, S33) that determines a hot/cold ratio that is a ratio of the warm stimulation period and the cold stimulation period in one cycle;
The stimulation control unit operates the hot/cold stimulation device so that the warm stimulation period and the cold stimulation period are alternately repeated at the hot/cold ratio determined by the hot/cold ratio determining unit,
The hot/cold ratios determined by the hot/cold ratio determination unit include a first ratio and a second ratio that are different from each other,
The hot/cold ratio determining unit determines the hot/cold ratio such that the one cycle at the first ratio and the one cycle at the second ratio are substantially the same time. , hot and cold stimulation system. The hot/cold stimulation system includes an input unit (42) for directly or indirectly inputting information related to the hot/cold ratio,
The hot/cold stimulation system according to claim 1, wherein the hot/cold ratio determination unit (S12) determines the hot/cold ratio based on the information input by the input unit. The thermal stimulation system comprises an estimation unit (S22) for estimating the subject's thermal sensation or thermal comfort sensation,
The hot/cold stimulation system according to claim 1, wherein the hot/cold ratio determination unit (S23) determines the hot/cold ratio based on the estimation result of the estimation unit. The hot/cold ratio determining unit (S33) determines the temperature based on the set temperature of an air conditioner that adjusts the air temperature of the space where the subject exists and the actual air temperature of the space where the subject exists. 2. The hot/cold stimulation system of claim 1, wherein the cold ratio is determined.

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