JP7741359B2 - Sheet - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a seat having a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest.

Conventionally, a known seat includes a seat body having a seat cushion, seat back, and headrest, and an aroma diffuser that can be attached to and detached from the headrest of the seat body (Patent Document 1). With this technology, by attaching the aroma diffuser to the headrest, scented air can be blown out from the headrest's air outlet.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-195429

However, it is desirable that cartridges that are detachable from the sheet body, like those in conventional fragrance diffusers, be easily replaceable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sheet that allows easy replacement of the cartridge.
Another object is to make it easier to attach and detach the cartridge.
Another purpose is to switch the cartridge to be used.
Another object is to keep the opening of the cartridge mounting portion closed.
Another object is to prevent forgetting to close the cover.
Another object is to prevent the attached cartridge from coming off.
Another object is to switch whether or not to use the cartridge functions.

A seat for achieving the above-mentioned objective comprises a seat body having a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and a cartridge detachably attached to the seat body, wherein the headrest has an air outlet for blowing out air, an air intake for drawing in air, a cartridge mounting section to which the cartridge is detachably attached, and a fan inside the headrest that forms an airflow from the air intake through the cartridge mounting section toward the air outlet, wherein the cartridge, when attached to the cartridge mounting section, is capable of receiving the airflow passing through the cartridge mounting section, and the cartridge mounting section is located in a portion of the headrest that is positioned behind the head of a seated occupant.

With this configuration, the cartridge mounting section is located in a section of the headrest that is positioned behind the occupant's head, making it easy to replace the cartridge.

In the above-mentioned sheet, the cartridge can be configured to be mountable from behind or above the cartridge mounting portion.

This makes it easier to install and remove cartridges.

In the above-mentioned seat, the headrest can be configured to have multiple cartridge mounting sections.

This allows multiple cartridges with different functions and types to be attached to the headrest. This makes it possible to switch between cartridges according to the situation or preference, without having to replace them, within the number of cartridge attachment slots.

In the above-described seat, the cartridge mounting portion can have an opening for mounting the cartridge, and the headrest can have a cover that can move between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening.

This allows the cover to keep the opening of the cartridge mounting section closed when the device is in use without a cartridge installed.

In the above-described seat, the headrest may be configured to have a biasing member that biases the cover toward the closed position.

This allows the cover to automatically close the opening of the cartridge mounting section when the cartridge is removed. This prevents you from forgetting to close the cover.

In the above-mentioned sheet, the cartridge mounting portion can be configured to have a claw portion that holds the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted.

This prevents the installed cartridge from coming loose from the cartridge mounting section.

In the above-mentioned sheet, the cartridge can be configured to have a ventilation section that connects the inside and outside of the cartridge, and that allows airflow passing through the cartridge mounting section when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting section to pass through.

In the above-mentioned sheet, the cartridge mounting section can be configured to have a shutter that opens and closes the ventilation section.

By opening and closing the shutter, the airflow passing through the cartridge mounting section can be switched between passing through the cartridge's ventilation section and not passing through the ventilation section, allowing you to switch between using and not using the cartridge's functions. Furthermore, in configurations with multiple cartridge mounting sections, you can switch the cartridge to be used by switching the open/closed state of the shutter for each cartridge mounting section.

In the above-described seat, the headrest can be configured to have a first duct that connects the air intake port to the cartridge mounting section, and a second duct that connects the cartridge mounting section to the air outlet.

In the above-mentioned sheet, the cartridge may be configured to include at least one of a fragrance source, a temperature regulator, an ion generator, and an air purifier.

This invention allows for easy cartridge replacement.

In addition, by allowing the cartridge to be attached to the cartridge attachment section from the rear or top, it is possible to easily attach and remove the cartridge.

In addition, by configuring the device to have multiple cartridge mounting sections, it is possible to switch between cartridges.

In addition, by providing a cover that opens and closes the opening of the cartridge mounting section, the opening of the cartridge mounting section can be kept closed by the cover.

In addition, by providing a biasing member that biases the cover to the closed position, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the cover.

In addition, by providing a claw portion to hold the cartridge in place, it is possible to prevent the attached cartridge from coming loose.

In addition, by providing a shutter that opens and closes the cartridge's ventilation section, it is possible to switch whether or not to use the cartridge's functions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a headrest. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a headrest. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cartridge mounting portion of the first embodiment. These are cross-sectional views of the cartridge mounting section, with (a) showing the cartridge mounted state, (b) showing the cover in the closed position, (c) showing the cover in the open position, and (d) showing the X-X cross section of (a). 1A and 1B are perspective views of a cartridge. 1A to 1D are cross-sectional views showing specific examples of the configuration of the cartridge. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the shutter, in which FIG. 1A shows the shutter in a fully closed position, and FIG. 1B shows the shutter in a fully open position. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a shutter driving mechanism. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the seat. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cartridge mounting portion of a second embodiment. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a cartridge mounting portion of a second embodiment, showing a state in which the cover is in a closed position, and FIG. 10A to 10C are diagrams showing modified examples of the shutter.

Next, a first embodiment will be described. In this specification, the terms "front, back, left, right, top, bottom" and "bottom" refer to the front, back, left, right, top, bottom as seen from the perspective of a person sitting in a seat (a seated occupant).
As shown in FIG. 1, the seat according to the embodiment is configured as a vehicle seat to be mounted on a vehicle, specifically, as a vehicle seat S to be mounted on an automobile.

The vehicle seat S comprises a seat body S0 on which a person sits and a cartridge C that can be attached to and detached from the seat body S0. The seat body S0 has a seat cushion S1, a seat back S2, and a headrest S3. The cartridge C can be attached to and detached from the headrest S3 of the seat body S0.

The headrest S3 has an air outlet A1 and an air intake A2. The air outlet A1 is an opening for blowing air out from inside the headrest S3, and the air intake A2 is an opening for drawing air into the headrest S3.

When viewed from the front, the air outlet A1 and the air intake A2 are located on either side of the occupant's head. Specifically, the air outlet A1 is located on one side of the occupant's head, and the air intake A2 is located on the other side of the occupant's head. Specifically, the air outlet A1 is located on the left side of the occupant's head, and the air intake A2 is located on the right side of the occupant's head.

If another vehicle seat (not shown) is located to the left or right of the vehicle seat S, it is desirable that the air outlet A1 be located on the side where the other vehicle seat is located in the left-right direction, and that the air intake A2 be located on the opposite side from the side where the other vehicle seat is located in the left-right direction. Specifically, if another vehicle seat is located to the left of the vehicle seat S, it is desirable that the air outlet A1 be located on the left side and the air intake A2 be located on the right side. Furthermore, if another vehicle seat is located to the right of the vehicle seat S, it is desirable that the air outlet A1 be located on the right side and the air intake A2 be located on the left side.

As shown in FIG. 2, the headrest S3 has inside it a cartridge storage section 10, a first duct 20, a second duct 30, a fan 40, a control unit 50, a first cable 61, and a second cable 62.

As shown in Figure 3, the cartridge storage section 10 is a section that stores the cartridge C attached to the headrest S3. The cartridge storage section 10 has a cartridge mounting section 100 to which the cartridge C is detachably attached. The cartridge mounting section 100 is provided in an exposed state on the rear surface of the headrest S3. Details of the cartridge mounting section 100 will be described later.

The first duct 20 is a duct that connects the intake port A2 and the cartridge mounting unit 100. Air drawn in through the intake port A2 (see the dashed arrow) passes through the first duct 20 and flows into the cartridge storage unit 10 and further into the cartridge mounting unit 100. The first duct 20 is connected to the cartridge storage unit 10. The first duct 20 includes a first pipe section 21, one end of which is connected to the cartridge storage unit 10, and a second pipe section 22 that extends from the other end of the first pipe section 21 toward the intake port A2 of the headrest S3.

The second duct 30 is a duct that connects the cartridge mounting section 100 and the air outlet A1. Air inside the cartridge mounting section 100 passes through the cartridge storage section 10 and the second duct 30 before being blown out from the air outlet A1. The second duct 30 is connected to the cartridge storage section 10. The second duct 30 includes a third pipe section 31, one end of which is connected to the cartridge storage section 10, and a fourth pipe section 32 that extends from the other end of the third pipe section 31 toward the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3.

The fan 40 is a fan that creates an airflow inside the headrest S3 that flows from the air intake A2 through the cartridge mounting section 100 toward the air outlet A1. In other words, the fan 40 creates an airflow from the air outlet A1 toward the air intake A2 on the front side of the headrest S3. In this embodiment, only one fan 40 is provided inside the headrest S3. The fan 40 is located inside the first duct 20. More specifically, the fan 40 is located at the outer left and right ends of the first pipe section 21, near the connection between the first pipe section 21 and the second pipe section 22. The fan 40 is located facing the air intake A2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 50 is a unit for controlling the fan 40, cartridge C, etc. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 is located below the cartridge storage section 10.

The first cable 61 is a cable that connects the fan 40 and the control unit 50. One end of the first cable 61 is connected to the fan 40, and the other end is connected to the control unit 50. The first cable 61 is arranged along the first pipe portion 21 of the first duct 20 and the cartridge storage portion 10.

The second cable 62 connects the control unit 50 to a device provided outside the headrest S3. The second cable 62 is, for example, a cable for supplying power to the control unit 50, and includes a cable connecting the control unit 50 to a battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle body. The second cable 62 passes through the inside of one of the headrest pillars S31 and is pulled out to the outside of the headrest S3.

As shown in Figure 3, the headrest S3 has multiple cartridge mounting sections 100. Specifically, the headrest S3 has three cartridge mounting sections 100. One cartridge C is removably mounted in each cartridge mounting section 100.

The three cartridge mounting sections 100 are arranged side by side. The three cartridge mounting sections 100 include a first cartridge mounting section 100A, a second cartridge mounting section 100B, and a third cartridge mounting section 100C. In this embodiment, the first cartridge mounting section 100A is the cartridge mounting section 100 located on the far right, and the third cartridge mounting section 100C is the cartridge mounting section 100 located on the far left. The second cartridge mounting section 100B is the cartridge mounting section 100 located between the first cartridge mounting section 100A and the third cartridge mounting section 100C.

The cartridge mounting unit 100 (100A, 100B, 100C) is located in a portion of the headrest S3 that is positioned behind the head H of the seated occupant P. More specifically, the cartridge mounting unit 100 is located in a portion of the headrest S3 that supports the head H of the seated occupant P from behind. Specifically, the cartridge mounting unit 100 is located in the center of the headrest S3 in the left-right direction. The cartridge mounting unit 100 is located behind the center of the headrest S3 in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, each cartridge mounting portion 100 has a mounting opening 110, a cover 120, and a pair of left and right claw portions 130.
The mounting opening 110 is an opening for mounting the cartridge C to the cartridge mounting portion 100. The mounting opening 110 is open toward the rear, so that the cartridge C can be mounted into the mounting opening 110 of the cartridge mounting portion 100 from the rear.

The cover 120 is used to open and close the mounting opening 110. The cover 120 is movable between an open position shown in Figure 5(c), which opens the mounting opening 110, and a closed position shown in Figure 5(b), which closes the mounting opening 110. Specifically, the cover 120 is slidable up and down between the open and closed positions. The cover 120 has a cover body 121 that opens and closes the mounting opening 110, and a knob 122 that is gripped when sliding the cover 120 up and down. The knob 122 extends rearward from the center of the left and right lower end of the rear surface of the cover body 121 (see also Figure 4).

Figure 5(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X in Figure 5(a). As shown in Figure 5(d), the claw portion 130 is a portion that holds the cartridge C when it is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 100. The left and right claw portions 130 are provided with a predetermined distance between them. The left and right claw portions 130 are provided above the mounting opening 110. Each of the left and right claw portions 130 has an arm portion 131 that extends rearward and an engagement portion 132 that protrudes inwardly to the left and right from the rear end of the arm portion 131. The left and right claw portions 130 are designed so that the arm portions 131 elastically bend outward to the left and right when the cartridge C is installed or removed.

When installing the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting unit 100, with the cover 120 in the closed position shown in Figure 5(b), the knob 122 is grasped and the cover 120 is slid to the open position shown in Figure 5(c). Then, with the cover 120 held in the open position, the cartridge C is installed from the rear into the installation opening 110. Then, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (d), the cartridge C can be installed in the cartridge mounting unit 100 by installing it to a position where it is held by the claw portion 130.

As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the cartridge C has a cartridge body 210, a first extension portion 220, and a second extension portion 230.

The cartridge body 210 is roughly box-shaped. The cartridge body 210 has ventilation sections 240 on the left and right side surfaces 211, 212, respectively. The ventilation sections 240 are sections that connect the inside and outside of the cartridge C, more specifically, the inside and outside of the cartridge body 210, and are breathable. As an example, the ventilation sections 240 have a structure in which openings 213 formed on the left and right side surfaces 211, 212 of the cartridge body 210 are covered with breathable mesh 241.

The specific configuration of the ventilation section 240 is not limited to this. For example, the ventilation section 240 may be formed by an opening 213 without being covered with a mesh 241. Furthermore, the number of openings on each side surface 211, 212 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, the left and right walls of the cartridge body 210 may be formed in a mesh or lattice pattern, thereby forming multiple openings (through holes) that connect the inside and outside of the cartridge body 210. Furthermore, the multiple openings may be covered with mesh. Furthermore, the ventilation section 240 may be formed not only on the side surfaces 211, 212 of the cartridge body 210, but also on, for example, the upper surface.

The cartridge C has a ventilation section 240, which allows airflow passing through the cartridge mounting section 100 to pass through when the cartridge C is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 100 (see Figure 3).

The first extension portion 220 is a portion that extends upward from the rear end of the upper surface of the cartridge body 210. The first extension portion 220 has a hole 221 formed therein into which the knob 122 of the cover 120 fits when the cartridge C is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 100 (see Figure 4). Furthermore, when the cartridge C is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 100, the claw portion 130 of the cartridge attachment portion 100 holds the first extension portion 220 (see Figure 5(d)).

The second extension portion 230 is a portion that extends forward from the upper end of the front surface of the first extension portion 220. As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the cartridge C is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 100, the second extension portion 230 sandwiches the rear wall of the cartridge mounting portion 100 between itself and the cartridge body 210.

Next, some specific examples of the configuration (function) of the cartridge C will be described.
As a first example, as shown in FIG. 7( a), cartridge C has a fragrance source 310 in cartridge body 210. Fragrance source 310 is a device for adding a fragrance to the air passing through cartridge C. As an example, fragrance source 310 includes scented beads 311 and a case 312 that houses beads 311. Case 312 is breathable. Note that the specific configuration of fragrance source 310 is not limited to this. For example, instead of beads 311, it may have a structure that includes a sheet of paper or the like that is impregnated with a fragrance.

As a second example, as shown in FIG. 7(b), cartridge C has a temperature regulator 320 inside the cartridge body 210. The temperature regulator 320 is a device that changes the temperature of the air passing through cartridge C by cooling or heating the air passing through cartridge C. As an example, the temperature regulator 320 includes a Peltier element 321. The Peltier element 321 has the function of cooling or heating the air passing through cartridge C.

Note that the specific configuration of the temperature regulator 320 is not limited to this. For example, the temperature regulator 320 may be configured to include an element that has only the function of cooling the air passing through the cartridge C, or an element that has only the function of heating the air passing through the cartridge C. Specifically, for example, the temperature regulator 320 may be configured to include a heater instead of the Peltier element 321.

As a third example, as shown in FIG. 7(c), cartridge C has an ion generator 330 inside the cartridge body 210. The ion generator 330 is a device for adding ions to the air passing through cartridge C. As an example, the ion generator 330 includes a needle-shaped discharge electrode 331. The discharge electrode 331 generates ions in the air when a voltage is applied.

As a fourth example, as shown in FIG. 7(d), cartridge C has an air purifier 340 inside the cartridge body 210. The air purifier 340 is a device for purifying the air passing through cartridge C. As an example, air purifier 340 includes an ultraviolet lamp 341. Ultraviolet lamp 341 has the function of sterilizing the air passing through cartridge C using ultraviolet rays.

The specific configuration of the air purifier 340 is not limited to this. For example, the air purifier 340 may have a discharge electrode 331 as shown in FIG. 7(c), and may be configured to decompose odorous components, bacteria, etc. in the air by ions generated by applying a voltage to the discharge electrode 331. The air purifier 340 may also have a filter, activated carbon, etc. that removes dust, odorous components, bacteria, etc. from the air passing through the cartridge C. The air purifier 340 may also have a configuration that combines two or more of the above-mentioned ultraviolet lamps 341, discharge electrodes 331, filters, activated carbon, etc.

As shown in FIG. 8( a ), each cartridge mounting section 100 further has ventilation openings 140 formed in the left and right side walls, respectively, and a pair of left and right shutters 150 for opening and closing the ventilation openings 140 .
The ventilation opening 140 is an opening for exposing the ventilation portion 240 of the cartridge C mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 100 .

The shutter 150 opens and closes the ventilation opening 140, thereby opening and closing the ventilation section 240 of the cartridge C mounted in the cartridge mounting section 100. The shutter 150 is movable between a fully closed position shown in Figure 8(a) in which the ventilation opening 140 is fully closed, and a fully open position shown in Figure 8(b) in which the ventilation opening 140 is fully open. Specifically, the shutter 150 is slidable up and down between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

As shown in Figure 9(a), the headrest S3 has a shutter drive mechanism 160 for driving the shutter 150. The shutter drive mechanism 160 is provided for each cartridge mounting section 100 (100A, 100B, 100C (see Figure 3)).

As an example, the shutter drive mechanism 160 includes a drive pulley 161, a driven pulley 162, an endless belt 163 stretched between the drive pulley 161 and the driven pulley 162, a reversible motor 164 that drives the drive pulley 161, and a reducer (not shown) that reduces the driving force of the motor 164 and transmits it to the drive pulley 161. The shutter 150 is attached to the belt 163.

As shown in Figure 9(a), when the shutter 150 is in the fully closed position, driving the motor 164 to rotate the output shaft (not shown) of the motor 164 in a first direction causes the drive pulley 161 and belt 163 to rotate counterclockwise in the figure. This causes the shutter 150 to slide upward from the fully closed position, opening the ventilation opening 140. At this time, by controlling the drive amount of the motor 164, the shutter 150 can be stopped at any position between the fully closed position and the fully open position. In other words, the opening degree of the shutter 150 can be adjusted.

Furthermore, when the shutter 150 is open, including in the fully open position shown in Figure 9(b), driving the motor 164 to rotate the output shaft of the motor 164 in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the drive pulley 161 and belt 163 to rotate clockwise in the figure. This causes the shutter 150 to slide downward from the open position and close the ventilation opening 140. Again, by controlling the drive amount of the motor 164, the shutter 150 can be stopped at any position between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 50 has the function of controlling the fan 40, the cartridges C (C1, C2, C3) attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100, and the motor 164 (164A, 164B, 164C) of the shutter drive mechanism 160. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 can also control the ON/OFF and output of the temperature regulator 320 (see FIG. 7(b)), ion generator 330 (see FIG. 7(c)), and air purifier 340 (see FIG. 7(d)) for the cartridge C attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100.

Here, the first motor 164A shown in FIG. 10 is the motor 164 of the shutter drive mechanism 160 corresponding to the first cartridge mounting portion 100A, the second motor 164B is the motor 164 of the shutter drive mechanism 160 corresponding to the second cartridge mounting portion 100B, and the third motor 164C is the motor 164 of the shutter drive mechanism 160 corresponding to the third cartridge mounting portion 100C. Also, the first cartridge C1 is the cartridge C mounted in the first cartridge mounting portion 100A, the second cartridge C2 is the cartridge C mounted in the second cartridge mounting portion 100B, and the third cartridge C3 is the cartridge C mounted in the third cartridge mounting portion 100C.

An operation unit 71 and a communication unit 72 are connected to the control unit 50 .
The operation unit 71 is a device that is operated by the seated person to turn the fan 40 on and off and adjust the airflow volume, turn the devices provided in the cartridge C on and off and adjust the output, open and close the shutter 150, and adjust the opening degree of the shutter 150. The operation unit 71 includes switches, buttons, a touch panel, and the like for operating these devices. The operation unit 71 can be disposed, for example, on the left and right sides of the headrest S3, on the instrument panel of the vehicle, on the door of the vehicle, etc.

The communication unit 72 is a device that enables short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In this embodiment, the communication unit 72 allows not only operation via the operation unit 71, but also operation of the fan 40, cartridge C, and shutter 150 via application software installed on the smartphone SP or the like.

The communication unit 72 can be located inside the headrest S3. For example, the communication unit 72 can be located below the cartridge storage unit 10 together with the control unit 50 (see Figure 2). Alternatively, the communication unit 72 can be provided outside the headrest S3, for example, in the vehicle body, and connected to the control unit 50 by the second cable 62.

The control unit 50 may not only control the fan 40, cartridge C, and shutter 150 based on the operation of the seat occupant, but may also be configured to automatically control the fan 40, cartridge C, and shutter 150 based on information input from devices located inside or outside the headrest S3.

For example, if the control unit 50 determines, based on road information input from the car navigation system installed in the vehicle, that the road ahead has many curves that make motion sickness more likely to occur, it controls the fan 40, cartridge C, and shutter 150 to make it less likely that motion sickness will occur.

As an example, when a cartridge C containing a mint-scented fragrance source 310, which is believed to be effective against motion sickness, is installed, the control unit 50 opens the shutter 150 of the cartridge mounting portion 100 in which the cartridge C is installed and drives the fan 40. This allows air with an added mint scent to be blown out from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3, making it less likely that motion sickness will occur.

As another example, when a cartridge C having a temperature regulator 320 is attached, the control unit 50 opens the shutter 150 of the cartridge attachment section 100 in which the cartridge C is attached, drives the fan 40, and also drives the temperature regulator 320 to cool the air passing through the cartridge C. This allows cool air to be blown out from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3, making it less likely that motion sickness will occur.

According to the first embodiment described above, the cartridge mounting section 100 is located in a portion of the headrest S3 that is located behind the head H of the seated occupant P, making it easy to replace the cartridge C.

Furthermore, since the cartridge C can be attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100 from the rear, it is possible to easily attach and detach the cartridge C. In particular, when there are multiple cartridge mounting portions 100, as in this embodiment, by arranging the multiple cartridge mounting portions 100 side by side, it is possible to attach and detach cartridges C individually without first removing adjacent cartridges C, making it easy to attach and detach cartridges C.

Furthermore, by having multiple cartridge mounting units 100, multiple cartridges C with different functions and types can be mounted on the headrest S3. This makes it possible to switch between cartridges C to be used according to the situation or preference, without having to replace them, within the number of cartridge mounting units 100.

In addition, by providing a cover 120 that opens and closes the mounting opening 110 of the cartridge mounting unit 100, the mounting opening 110 can be closed by the cover 120 when the cartridge C is not being used. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, dust and other particles from entering the cartridge mounting unit 100 through the mounting opening 110.

In addition, the cartridge mounting portion 100 has a claw portion 130, which prevents the mounted cartridge C from coming off the cartridge mounting portion 100.

Furthermore, by opening and closing the shutter 150, it is possible to switch between a state in which the airflow passing through the cartridge mounting unit 100 passes through the ventilation section 240 of the cartridge C and a state in which it does not pass through the ventilation section 240, thereby making it possible to switch whether or not to use the functions of the cartridge C. Furthermore, in a configuration with multiple cartridge mounting units 100, such as this embodiment, it is possible to switch the cartridge C to be used by switching the open/closed state of the shutter 150 for each cartridge mounting unit 100.

Furthermore, because the cartridge C contains the fragrance source 310, by attaching the cartridge C to the cartridge mounting portion 100, scented air can be blown out from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3. Furthermore, because the cartridge C containing the fragrance source 310 is detachable, the type of fragrance can be changed according to the situation, preference, etc.

Furthermore, because the cartridge C has a temperature regulator 320, by mounting the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting portion 100, temperature-adjusted air such as warm air or cool air can be blown out from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3.

Furthermore, since the cartridge C has an ion generator 330, by mounting the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting portion 100, air with added ions can be blown out from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3.

Furthermore, since the cartridge C has an air purifier 340, by attaching the cartridge C to the cartridge attachment portion 100, purified air can be blown out from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3.

Next, we will explain the second embodiment. Below, we will explain in detail the differences from the previously described embodiment, and will omit explanations of the same points as the previously described embodiment, for example by assigning the same reference numerals to similar components.

As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the cartridge storage unit 10 has three cartridge mounting units 100 arranged side by side. Each cartridge mounting unit 100 has an installation opening 410 and a cover 420.

The mounting opening 410 is an opening for mounting the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting unit 100. The mounting opening 410 opens upward. As a result, in this embodiment, the cartridge C can be mounted from above into the mounting opening 410 of the cartridge mounting unit 100. Note that in this embodiment, the cartridge mounting unit 100 is provided with its upper surface exposed to the outside of the headrest S3.

As shown in FIG. 12, the cover 420 is a cover for opening and closing the mounting opening 410. The cover 420 is movable between an open position shown in FIG. 12(b), which opens the mounting opening 410, and a closed position shown in FIG. 12(a), which closes the mounting opening 410. Specifically, the cover 420 is rotatable between the open and closed positions. As an example, the front end of the cover 420 is rotatable up and down around a rotation axis 420A extending left and right at the rear end between the closed position shown in FIG. 12(a) and the open position shown in FIG. 12(b).

In this embodiment, the headrest S3 has a torsion spring 430 as an example of a biasing member. The torsion spring 430 is a spring that biases the cover 420 to the closed position shown in FIG. 12(a). More specifically, the torsion spring 430 is arranged so that its coil portion is wound around the pivot shaft 420A, with one end in contact with the cover 420 and the other end in contact with the wall of the cartridge mounting portion 100.

When installing the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting portion 100, as shown in Figure 12(a), the cartridge C is installed from top to bottom into the installation opening 410. At this time, the cover 420 is pushed by the cartridge C and rotates from the closed position to the open position, and as shown in Figure 12(b), once the cartridge C is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 100, it is positioned in the open position.

When the cartridge C in the state shown in Figure 12(b) is lifted up and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 100, the cover 420 rotates from the open position toward the closed position due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 430. Then, as shown in Figure 12(a), when the cartridge C is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 100, the cover 420 is positioned in the closed position.

The second embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

Additionally, because the cartridge C can be attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100 from above, it is possible to easily attach and detach the cartridge C. In particular, when there are multiple cartridge mounting portions 100, arranging the multiple cartridge mounting portions 100 side by side makes it possible to attach and detach cartridges C individually without first removing adjacent cartridges C, making it easier to attach and detach cartridges C.

In addition, by providing a torsion spring 430 that biases the cover 420, which opens and closes the mounting opening 410 of the cartridge mounting unit 100, to a closed position, the mounting opening 410 can be automatically closed by the cover 420 when the cartridge C is removed. This prevents the cover 420 from being forgotten to be closed. This more reliably prevents dust and other particles from entering the cartridge mounting unit 100 through the mounting opening 410.

The above describes an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate, as exemplified below.

For example, the specific functions of the cartridge described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the cartridge may have functions other than those described in the above embodiment. For example, cartridge C may have a deodorizer. The deodorizer is a device for removing odors from the air passing through cartridge C, and includes a deodorizing filter, etc.

When a cartridge C equipped with a deodorizer is installed, the control unit 50 measures the odor of the air inside the vehicle using an odor sensor installed in the headrest S3 or the vehicle body, and if the measurement value of the odor sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 50 may be configured to drive the fan 40 for a predetermined period of time, causing air taken in through the air intake A2 to pass through the cartridge C and then blow it out through the air outlet A1, thereby deodorizing the interior of the vehicle.

Note that a deodorizer for deodorizing the interior of such a vehicle may be placed, for example, in the first duct 20, rather than in the cartridge C. This eliminates the need to mount a cartridge C with a deodorizer in the cartridge mounting section 100, leaving the cartridge mounting section 100 free for a cartridge C with other functions. For similar reasons, the temperature regulator 320, ion generator 330, air purifier 340, etc. of the above-described embodiment may be placed in the first duct 20 or the second duct 30.

In addition, while in the above embodiment, one cartridge has one function, this is not limited to this, and one cartridge may have multiple functions. Specifically, the cartridge may have two or more devices with different functions, such as a fragrance source, a temperature regulator, an ion generator, an air purifier, or a deodorizer. For example, the cartridge may have both an ion generator and an air purifier.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a shutter 150 that slides up and down was used as an example of the shutter that opens and closes the ventilation section of the cartridge, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(c), the shutter 450 may have multiple blades 451, like a louver, and may be configured to open and close the ventilation opening 140 (ventilation section of cartridge C) by changing the orientation of the blades 451. Alternatively, a configuration without a shutter is also possible.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the headrest S3 is configured to have three cartridge mounting portions 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, the headrest may be configured to have two cartridge mounting portions, or four or more cartridge mounting portions. Furthermore, the headrest may be configured to have only one cartridge mounting portion 100.

In addition, in the second embodiment, a torsion spring 430 is used as an example of a biasing member that biases the cover 420 to the closed position, but this is not limited to this. For example, the biasing member may be a compression coil spring, a tension coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like. Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, a configuration without a biasing member may also be used.

Furthermore, while the first embodiment exemplifies a sliding cover 120 and the second embodiment exemplifies a pivoting cover 420, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cover may be detachable from the cartridge mounting portion, closing the opening when attached to the cartridge mounting portion and opening the opening when removed from the cartridge mounting portion. The cover may also be formed from part of the headrest's skin, covering the headrest frame and cushioning material. Alternatively, a configuration without a cover is also possible.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the cartridge C is configured to be mountable from the rear into the cartridge mounting unit 100, and in the second embodiment, the cartridge C is configured to be mountable from the top into the cartridge mounting unit 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, the cartridge may be configured to be mountable from the left or right into the cartridge mounting unit.

In a configuration in which the cartridge can be installed from the rear, the cartridge installation/removal direction may be parallel to the front-to-back direction (horizontal direction), or may be slightly tilted up, down, left, or right relative to the front-to-back direction (horizontal direction).In a configuration in which the cartridge can be installed from above, the cartridge installation/removal direction may be parallel to the up-down direction (vertical direction), or may be slightly tilted up, down, front, back, left, or right relative to the up-down direction (vertical direction).In a configuration in which the cartridge can be installed from the left or right, the cartridge installation/removal direction may be parallel to the left-to-right direction (horizontal direction), or may be slightly tilted up, down, front, back, left, or right relative to the left-to-right direction (horizontal direction).

Furthermore, the specific configuration of the claw portion that holds the cartridge is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, in the first embodiment, the claw portion 130 was provided in a state where it was exposed to the outside of the cartridge mounting portion 100, but this is not limited to this, and the claw portion may be provided inside the cartridge mounting portion. Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, a configuration without a claw portion may also be used.

In the above embodiment, the fan 40 is disposed in the first duct 20, but this is not limiting. For example, the fan may be disposed in the second duct 30 or in the cartridge storage section 10. In the above embodiment, the headrest S3 is equipped with only one fan 40, but this is not limiting and the headrest may be equipped with multiple fans. For example, the headrest may be equipped with two fans, one of which is disposed in the first duct and the other in the second duct. For example, multiple fans may be disposed in the first duct, or multiple fans may be disposed in the second duct.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the cartridge mounting section 100, the first duct 20, and the second duct 30 are provided separately, but this is not limited to this. For example, the cartridge mounting section, the first duct, and the second duct may be configured as an integrated unit.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion 100 is provided in an exposed state to the outside, but this is not limited to this. For example, the cartridge mounting portion may be normally covered by a portion of the headrest's surface, and may be provided so as to be exposed when the cartridge is mounted.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the seat cushion S1, seat back S2, and headrest S3 are provided separately, but this is not limited to this. For example, the seat may have an integrated seat back and headrest. Alternatively, the seat may have an integrated seat cushion and seat back. Alternatively, the seat may have an integrated seat cushion, seat back, and headrest.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a vehicle seat S installed in an automobile was used as an example of the seat, but the seat may also be a vehicle seat installed in vehicles other than automobiles, such as a railway vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft. Furthermore, the seat is not limited to a vehicle seat, and may also be a seat used in, for example, an amusement facility, a relaxation facility, or at home.

Furthermore, the elements described in the above embodiments and variations may be implemented in any combination.

20 First duct 30 Second duct 40 Fan 100 Cartridge mounting portion 110 Mounting opening 120 Cover 130 Claw portion 150 Shutter 240 Ventilation portion 310 Fragrance source 320 Temperature regulator 330 Ion generator 340 Air purifier A1 Air outlet A2 Air intake C Cartridge H Head P Seat occupant S Seat S0 Seat body S1 Seat cushion S2 Seat back S3 Headrest

Claims (9)

A seat comprising a seat body having a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and a cartridge detachably attached to the seat body,
the headrest has an air outlet for blowing out air, an air intake for drawing air, a cartridge mounting portion to which the cartridge is detachably mounted, and a fan for generating an air current inside the headrest that flows from the air intake through the cartridge mounting portion toward the air outlet,
the cartridge is capable of passing through an airflow passing through the cartridge mounting portion when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion,
the cartridge mounting portion is disposed in a portion of the headrest that is positioned behind the head of a seated occupant,
the cartridge can be mounted to the cartridge mounting portion from behind ,
the cartridge mounting portion has an opening for mounting the cartridge,
The headrest has a cover that is movable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening,
The cover has a knob that is gripped when moving the cover,
The sheet is characterized in that the cartridge has a hole into which the knob of the cover positioned at the open position fits when the cartridge is attached to the cartridge attachment portion . A seat comprising a seat body having a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and a cartridge detachably attached to the seat body,
the headrest has an air outlet for blowing out air, an air intake for drawing air, a cartridge mounting portion to which the cartridge is detachably mounted, and a fan for generating an air current inside the headrest that flows from the air intake through the cartridge mounting portion toward the air outlet,
the cartridge is capable of passing through an airflow passing through the cartridge mounting portion when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion,
the cartridge mounting portion is disposed in a portion of the headrest that is positioned behind the head of a seated occupant,
the cartridge can be mounted to the cartridge mounting portion from behind ,
the cartridge has a cartridge body, a first extending portion extending upward from a rear end of an upper surface of the cartridge body, and a second extending portion extending forward from an upper end of a front surface of the first extending portion,
The sheet is characterized in that, when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion, the second extension portion sandwiches a rear wall of the cartridge mounting portion between itself and the cartridge body . the headrest has a control unit;
The sheet according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is arranged on the opposite side of the cartridge body from the side on which the second extension portion is located when the cartridge is attached to the cartridge attachment portion . A seat comprising a seat body having a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and a cartridge detachably attached to the seat body,
the headrest has an air outlet for blowing out air, an air intake for drawing air, a cartridge mounting portion to which the cartridge is detachably mounted, and a fan for generating an air current inside the headrest that flows from the air intake through the cartridge mounting portion toward the air outlet,
the cartridge is capable of passing through an airflow passing through the cartridge mounting portion when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion,
the cartridge mounting portion is disposed in a portion of the headrest that is positioned behind the head of a seated occupant,
the cartridge can be mounted to the cartridge mounting portion from behind ,
the cartridge mounting portion has an opening for mounting the cartridge and a claw portion for holding the cartridge in a mounted state,
The headrest has a cover that is movable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening,
The cover has a knob that is gripped when moving the cover,
The sheet is characterized in that the knob is positioned below the claw portion when the cartridge is attached to the cartridge attachment portion . A seat comprising a seat body having a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and a cartridge detachably attached to the seat body,
the headrest has an air outlet for blowing out air, an air intake for drawing air, a cartridge mounting portion to which the cartridge is detachably mounted, and a fan for generating an air current inside the headrest that flows from the air intake through the cartridge mounting portion toward the air outlet,
the cartridge is capable of passing through an airflow passing through the cartridge mounting portion when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion,
the cartridge mounting portion is disposed in a portion of the headrest that is positioned behind the head of a seated occupant,
the cartridge can be mounted to the cartridge mounting portion from behind ,
the cartridge has a ventilation part that communicates the inside and outside of the cartridge and through which airflow passing through the cartridge mounting part can pass when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part,
the cartridge mounting section has a shutter that opens and closes the ventilation section,
the headrest has a control unit;
The seat is characterized in that when the control unit determines based on road information that the road is prone to motion sickness and when the cartridge containing a mint-scented fragrance source is installed, it opens the shutter and drives the fan . A seat comprising a seat body having a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and a cartridge detachably attached to the seat body,
the headrest has an air outlet for blowing out air, an air intake for drawing air, a cartridge mounting portion to which the cartridge is detachably mounted, and a fan for generating an air current inside the headrest that flows from the air intake through the cartridge mounting portion toward the air outlet,
the cartridge is capable of passing through an airflow passing through the cartridge mounting portion when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion,
the cartridge mounting portion is disposed in a portion of the headrest that is positioned behind the head of a seated occupant,
the cartridge can be mounted to the cartridge mounting portion from behind ,
the cartridge has a ventilation part that communicates the inside and outside of the cartridge and through which airflow passing through the cartridge mounting part can pass when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part,
the cartridge mounting section has a shutter that opens and closes the ventilation section,
the headrest has a control unit;
A seat characterized in that, when the control unit determines based on road information that a road is prone to causing motion sickness and when the cartridge having a temperature regulator is installed, the control unit opens the shutter, drives the fan, and drives the temperature regulator to cool the air passing through the cartridge . 7. The seat according to claim 1 , wherein the cartridge mounting portion is provided in an exposed state on a rear surface of the headrest. the cartridge mounting portion has an opening for mounting the cartridge and a claw portion for holding the cartridge in a mounted state,
8. The seat according to claim 1, wherein the claw portion is provided above the opening. the headrest includes a duct that connects the intake port and the cartridge mounting portion, a control unit, and a cable that connects the fan and the control unit;
The fan is disposed inside the duct,
the control unit is disposed below the cartridge mounting portion,
9. The seat according to claim 1 , wherein the cable is arranged along the duct.