JP7802037B2 - Temperature control device and chair with temperature control function - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a temperature control device and a chair with a temperature control function.

Conventionally, there are chairs that can cool or heat the backrest or seat to provide a more comfortable sitting experience. Chairs with such temperature control functions are equipped with, for example, a thermal device, fan, and duct to blow out cool or warm air. However, an external power source is required to operate such a thermal device or fan. As a result, conventional chairs with temperature control functions have had the problem of being less convenient, as they must be used while plugged into an outlet or the battery must be charged beforehand.

International Publication No. 2019/116597

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a temperature control device and a chair with a temperature control function that can control the temperature of a chair without using an external power source.

The temperature control device of this embodiment has a generator, a storage battery, and a thermoelectric element. The generator is provided in a chair with a movable part and converts kinetic energy generated by the movement of the movable part into electricity. The storage battery stores the electricity generated by the generator. The thermoelectric element cools or heats the chair using the electricity stored in the storage battery.

1 is an external view showing the overall configuration of a temperature-controlled chair 1 according to an embodiment; 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the reclining function of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the reclining function of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a thermal sensation device 22 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment when the backrest 12 is cooled. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a thermal sensation device 22 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment when the backrest 12 is heated. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature control device 20 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of power generation by a power generating motor 211 of the temperature controlled chair 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the cooling and heating operations of the temperature control device 20 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of power generation and storage of the temperature control device 20 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is an external view showing the configuration of a temperature-controlled chair according to a modified example of the embodiment.

The temperature control device and chair with temperature control function of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The overall configuration of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment will now be described. Figure 1 is an external view showing the overall configuration of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the temperature-controlled chair 1 includes a seat portion 11, a backrest portion 12, a movable portion 13, and legs 14.

The seat portion 11 and the backrest portion 12 are connected via a movable portion 13. The movable portion 13 has a rotation shaft (not shown) that is arranged, for example, parallel to the floor. Rotation of the rotation shaft of the movable portion 13 changes the angle of inclination of the backrest portion 12 relative to the seat surface of the seat portion 11. The movable portion 13 is a rotation mechanism that rotates the backrest portion 12 relative to the seat surface of the seat portion 11. In this way, the temperature-controlled chair 1 is provided with the movable portion 13, thereby realizing a reclining function.

Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the reclining function of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the temperature-controlled chair 1 when the backrest 12 is in its most upright position (hereinafter referred to as the "basic position"). On the other hand, Figure 3 is a side view of the temperature-controlled chair 1 when the backrest 12 is tilted backward. For example, when a person sitting in the temperature-controlled chair 1 leans their back against the backrest 12 and leans their weight backward, the rotation axis of the movable part 13 rotates, causing the backrest 12 to tilt backward.

Furthermore, for example, the movable unit 13 is configured to raise the backrest 12 and automatically return it to the basic position when the occupant of the temperature-controlled chair 1 stops leaning their weight backward. For example, the occupant can enable or disable the reclining function by operating a lever (not shown) attached to the bottom of the seat 11. For example, the occupant can enable the reclining function by pulling the lever when the temperature-controlled chair 1 is in the basic position. Also, for example, the occupant can disable the reclining function by pushing the lever when the temperature-controlled chair 1 is in the basic position. Specifically, when the lever is pushed in, the rotation axis of the movable unit 13 becomes non-rotatable even if the occupant leans their back against the backrest 12 and leans their weight backward. As a result, the tilt angle of the backrest 12 relative to the seat surface of the seat 11 is fixed, and the temperature-controlled chair 1 maintains its basic position.

The temperature-controlled chair 1 may also have a tilt function that allows the inclination angle of the seat portion 11 to be changed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the leg portion 14 includes a support 141, a chair base 142, and a plurality of casters 143.

The support pillar 141 is fixedly attached to the center of the chair base 142, oriented perpendicular to the floor. The seat portion 11 is attached to the upper tip of the support pillar 141, and the support pillar 141 supports the seat portion 11 and backrest portion 12 from below. For example, the seat portion 11 is rotatably attached to the support pillar 141. This allows the occupant to freely change their body position while seated. The support pillar 141 may also be equipped with a cylinder. This allows the occupant to freely change the height of the seat portion 11 from the floor.

The chair base 142 is a base member, for example, shaped with multiple spokes extending radially from a central portion where the support column 141 is attached. For example, five spokes extend radially from the center of the chair base 142. Each spoke is equipped with a caster 143 at its tip. This allows the user to easily move the temperature-controlled chair 1 whether they are seated or not.

The casters 143 are the parts of the legs 14 that come into contact with the floor and are equipped with small wheels. The casters 143 allow the user to freely change the position and orientation of the temperature-controlled chair 1. For example, the casters 143 have a wheel portion and a swivel portion. The wheel portion has wheels, for example, oriented perpendicular to the floor. The swivel portions are attached to the tips of each spoke of the chair base 142. For example, bearings are built into the swivel portions, and the wheel portions are attached so that they can freely rotate on a plane parallel to the floor. Note that the legs 14 do not necessarily have to be equipped with casters 143.

As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature-controlled chair 1 further includes a temperature control unit 21, a thermal sensation device 22, a fan 23, a temperature sensor 24, a seating sensor 25, and a selector switch 26. These functional units operate in conjunction with one another to function as the temperature control device 20.

The temperature control unit 21 mainly has a power generation function that converts the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the movable unit 13 into electricity, a power storage function that stores the generated electricity, and a temperature control function that uses the stored electricity to control the cooling and heating of the thermal sensation device 22. The temperature control unit 21 is installed, for example, on the bottom surface of the seat unit 11. The temperature control unit 21 may be built into the seat unit 11, or may be installed at any location on the temperature-controlled chair 1. The configuration of the temperature control unit 21 will be described in detail later.

The hot/cold device 22 cools and heats the backrest 12 under the control of the temperature control unit 21. The hot/cold device 22 is provided, for example, on the rear side of the backrest 12. The hot/cold device 22 may also be provided inside the backrest 12. It is desirable that the hot/cold device 22 be installed in a location that does not come into direct contact with the seated person, so as to prevent the seated person from suffering burns or low-temperature burns.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the thermal sensation device 22 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment. Figure 4 shows the state of the thermal sensation device 22 when cooling the backrest 12. As shown in Figure 4, the thermal sensation device 22 includes a semiconductor element 210 and two ceramic substrates arranged to sandwich the semiconductor element 210.

The semiconductor element 210 of this embodiment is a thermoelectric element such as a Peltier element. For example, when a direct current flows through a Peltier element, a temperature difference occurs between the two sides of the Peltier element. Heat is absorbed on the low-temperature side and generated on the high-temperature side, and heat is pushed up from the low-temperature side to the high-temperature side of the Peltier element. In other words, the Peltier element acts as a heat pump. The direction of the pumped heat can be changed simply by changing the polarity of the applied current, and the amount of heat pumped can be changed by changing the magnitude of the applied current. This is called the Peltier effect, and by using a Peltier element, cooling, heating, and temperature control can be easily achieved.

In addition, if it is possible to switch between cooling and heating by, for example, switching the polarity of the current, the thermal sensation device 22 may be a thermoelectric element other than the semiconductor element 210, such as a Peltier element.

When a current flows in a predetermined direction in the semiconductor element 210, which is a Peltier element, heat absorption occurs on the backrest 12 side (i.e., the seated occupant side) of the thermal sensation device 22. Meanwhile, heat is dissipated on the rear side of the backrest 12.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the state of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment when the backrest 12 is being cooled. As shown in Figure 5, under the control of the temperature control unit 21, the backrest 12 is cooled by heat absorption on the surface of the thermal sensation device 22 facing the backrest 12 (i.e., the side facing the occupant). This causes the occupant's back to feel cooler.

Similar to FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the thermal sensation device 22 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the state of the thermal sensation device 22 when the backrest 12 is heated. In the semiconductor element 210, which is a Peltier element, current is passed in the opposite direction to that during cooling shown in FIG. 4, causing heat to be dissipated on the backrest 12 side (i.e., the seated person side) of the thermal sensation device 22. Meanwhile, heat is absorbed on the rear side of the backrest 12.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the state of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment when the backrest 12 is heated. As shown in Figure 7, under the control of the temperature control unit 21, heat is dissipated from the surface of the thermal sensation device 22 facing the backrest 12 (i.e., the seated person), thereby heating the backrest 12. This makes the seated person feel warm in their back.

As shown in Figure 7, a fan 23 is provided on the rear side of the backrest 12. For example, the fan 23 is an air-cooling fan that forcibly cools the rear side of the warm/cold sensation device 22 (the side opposite the backrest 12) by blowing air. The fan 23 is installed with its direction fixed so that the wind generated by the rotation of the fan 23 hits the rear side of the warm/cold sensation device 22.

When heating the backrest 12, the temperature control unit 21 rotates the fan 23. As a result, the wind generated by the fan 23 further cools the back side (heat absorption side) of the warm/cold sensation device 22. In this way, the fan 23 promotes heat absorption on the back side of the warm/cold sensation device 22, thereby also promoting heat dissipation on the front side (backrest 12 side). Note that when cooling the backrest 12, the temperature control unit 21 does not rotate the fan 23.

The temperature sensor 24 is a sensor that measures the temperature on the front side (backrest 12 side) of the thermal sensation device 22. The temperature control unit 21 switches the power supply to the thermal sensation device 22 on and off based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 24.

The seating sensor 25 is a sensor that detects whether or not a user is seated on the seat portion 11. For example, the seating sensor 25 is a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects seating by receiving pressure due to a load. Note that instead of the seating sensor 25, a seating switch that switches on (ON) when the seat portion 11 sinks due to a load may be used. The temperature control unit 21 switches the power supply to the thermal sensation device 22 to the ON state while the seating sensor 25 detects seating, and switches the power supply to the thermal sensation device 22 to the OFF state while seating is not detected.

The selector switch 26 is a switch used by the user to switch between a cooling mode and a heating mode for the backrest 12. The temperature control unit 21 determines the direction of the current flowing through the thermal sensation device 22 according to the mode set by the selector switch 26.

The configuration of the temperature control unit 21 will be described in more detail below. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the temperature control device 20 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the temperature control device 20 further includes a temperature control unit 21, a thermal sensation device 22, a fan 23, a temperature sensor 24, a seating sensor 25, and a selector switch 26.

The temperature control unit 21 controls the cooling and heating of the warmth/cold sensation device 22 provided in the backrest 12. The temperature control unit 21 also has power generation and power storage functions. The temperature control unit 21 can generate and store electricity using the rotation of the rotating shaft of the movable unit 13. More specifically, the temperature control unit 21 converts the energy of the rotational movement of the rotating shaft (not shown) of the movable unit 13 into electricity and stores it. In this way, the temperature control unit 21 uses the electricity it generates and stores itself, so it can cool and heat the warmth/cold sensation device 22 without using an external power source. The temperature control unit 21 is attached to the bottom surface of the seat 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. The temperature control unit 21 can be attached to any location as long as it can be configured to generate electricity using the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft of the movable unit 13.

As shown in FIG. 8, the temperature control unit 21 includes a power generating motor 211, a purifying circuit 212, a voltage regulator circuit 213, a battery 214, and a control circuit 215.

The power generating motor 211 is an AC generator that converts the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft of the movable part 13 into electricity. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the structure of power generation by the power generating motor 211 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, a belt 220 is wound around the outer periphery of the movable part 13 and the rotating shaft r of the power generating motor 211. When the movable part 13 rotates, the belt 220 rotates in conjunction with this. When the belt 220 rotates, the rotating shaft r of the power generating motor 211 rotates in conjunction with this. When the rotating shaft r rotates, a current flows through a coil (not shown) built into the power generating motor 211. This generates electricity.

As mentioned above, the movable section 13 has a mechanism that rotates in response to the load placed on the backrest section 12 by the occupant of the temperature-controlled chair 1. Therefore, the temperature-controlled chair 1 in this embodiment has a mechanism that generates electricity each time the occupant uses the reclining function to change the tilt angle of the backrest section 12.

The clean current circuit 212 is a circuit that converts the AC current generated by the power generator motor 211 into DC current. The DC current converted by the clean current circuit 212 is stored in the battery 214. The battery 214 is a rechargeable storage battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

The control circuit 215 is a circuit that controls the operation of each functional unit of the temperature control device 20. For example, the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating the detection result from the seating sensor 25. If the acquired signal indicates that the person is seated, the control circuit 215 controls the hot/cold sensation device 22 to cool or heat. The control circuit 215 also acquires a signal indicating the setting mode from the selector switch 26. If the acquired signal indicates that the cooling mode is being set, the control circuit 215 controls the hot/cold sensation device 22 to cool. If the acquired signal indicates that the heating mode is being set, the control circuit 215 controls the hot/cold sensation device 22 to heat.

The control circuit 215 also detects the charge state of the battery 214. If the detected charge state of the battery 214 is fully charged, the control circuit 215 stops the power generation operation of the power generator motor 211 to avoid overcharging, etc. On the other hand, if the remaining charge of the battery 214 is not fully charged, the control circuit 215 causes the power generator motor 211 to generate power. Furthermore, if the remaining charge of the battery 214 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control circuit 215 controls the warmth/cold sensation device 22 to cool and heat. On the other hand, if the remaining charge of the battery 214 is less than the predetermined threshold, the control circuit 215 controls the warmth/cold sensation device 22 not to cool and heat (or to stop cooling and heating).

The control circuit 215 may be configured to accept a temperature setting by the user. In this case, the temperature control device 20 includes an input interface (not shown), such as an input button, that accepts input of a temperature setting by the user. In this case, the control circuit 215 compares the temperature of the thermal sensation device 22 measured by the temperature sensor 24 with the set temperature specified by the user.

For example, when the mode is set to cool the backrest 12 and the temperature of the hot/cold device 22 exceeds the temperature set by the user, the control circuit 215 controls the hot/cold device 22 to cool. On the other hand, when the mode is set to cool the backrest 12 and the temperature of the hot/cold device 22 is equal to or lower than the temperature set by the user, the control circuit 215 controls the hot/cold device 22 not to cool.

Furthermore, for example, when the backrest 12 is set to a heating mode and the temperature of the thermal sensation device 22 is lower than the temperature set by the user, the control circuit 215 controls the thermal sensation device 22 to heat. On the other hand, when the backrest 12 is set to a heating mode and the temperature of the thermal sensation device 22 is equal to or higher than the temperature set by the user, the control circuit 215 controls the thermal sensation device 22 not to heat.

The control circuit 215 may automatically control the cooling and heating of the hot/cold sensation device 22 based on the temperature set by the user, regardless of the mode (cooling mode or heating mode) set by the selector switch 26. Specifically, for example, the control circuit 215 may control the hot/cold sensation device 22 to cool when the temperature of the hot/cold sensation device 22 exceeds the temperature set by the user. Also, for example, the control circuit 215 may control the hot/cold sensation device 22 to heat when the temperature of the hot/cold sensation device 22 is lower than the temperature set by the user. Also, the control circuit 215 may control the hot/cold sensation device 22 not to cool or heat when the temperature of the hot/cold sensation device 22 matches the temperature set by the user.

In addition, when controlling the hot/cold sensation device 22 to heat, the control circuit 215 controls the fan 23 to rotate. On the other hand, when not controlling the hot/cold sensation device 22 to heat (including when controlling the hot/cold sensation device 22 to cool), the control circuit 215 controls the fan 23 not to rotate.

An example of the cooling and heating operation of the temperature control device 20 of the embodiment will be described below. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the cooling and heating operation of the temperature control device 20 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment. The operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in Figure 10 begins, for example, when the power supply (not shown) of the temperature control device 20 is switched from OFF to ON.

The control circuit 215 of the temperature control unit 21 periodically acquires a signal from the seat sensor 25 indicating the detection result of whether or not a user is seated on the seat 11. The control circuit 215 waits while it acquires a signal indicating that a user is not seated on the seat 11. When the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating that a user is seated on the seat 11 (ACT001, YES), it controls the power generation motor 211, etc. to turn on the power generation function and the power storage function (ACT002). Note that when a seat switch is used instead of the seat sensor 25, the control circuit 215 turns on the power generation function and the power storage function when it acquires a signal output from the seat switch. In this case, the signal is output from the seat switch when the seat switch is pressed down due to the seat 11 sinking under load, turning the seat switch on.

Next, the control circuit 215 detects the remaining charge of the battery 214. If the remaining charge of the battery 214 is less than a predetermined threshold (ACT 003, NO), the control circuit 215 waits until the remaining charge reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold. If the remaining charge of the battery 214 is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold (ACT 003, YES), the control circuit 215 acquires information indicating the set temperature specified by the user (ACT 004). The information indicating the set temperature is information input via an input interface (not shown), such as an input button, that accepts temperature setting input by the user.

Next, the control circuit 215 detects whether the current mode set by the selector switch 26 is cooling mode or heating mode.

If the current mode is the cooling mode (ACT 005, YES), the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating the measurement result of the temperature (hereinafter also referred to as "device temperature") on the front side (backrest 12 side) of the warm/cold sensation device 22 from the temperature sensor 24 (ACT 006). Next, the control circuit 215 controls the flow of current from the battery 214 to the warm/cold sensation device 22 in a direction that cools the front side of the warm/cold sensation device 22. This starts cooling the front side of the warm/cold sensation device 22 (ACT 007).

Next, the control circuit 215 compares the set temperature specified by the user with the device temperature obtained from the temperature sensor 24 (ACT008).

If the device temperature is below the set temperature (ACT008, NO), the control circuit 215 controls the cooling of the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 to be temporarily suspended (ACT009). The control circuit 215 then waits until the device temperature exceeds the set temperature. When the device temperature exceeds the set temperature, the control circuit 215 resumes cooling of the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22. After this, the process returns to ACT008.

If the device temperature exceeds the set temperature (ACT 008, YES), the control circuit 215 acquires a signal from the seating sensor 25 indicating the detection result as to whether or not the user is seated on the seat portion 11. If the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating that the user is not seated on the seat portion 11 (ACT 010, NO), it controls the battery 214 to stop the current flowing to the hot/cold sensation device 22. This stops cooling the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 (ACT 013). This completes the operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in the flowchart of Figure 10.

When the control circuit 215 receives a signal indicating that the user is seated on the seat portion 11 (ACT010, YES), it detects the remaining charge of the battery 214. When the remaining charge of the battery 214 is less than a predetermined threshold (ACT011, NO), the control circuit 215 controls the cooling of the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 to be temporarily suspended (ACT009). The control circuit 215 then waits until the remaining charge becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. When the remaining charge of the battery 214 becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the control circuit 215 resumes cooling of the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22. After this, the process returns to ACT008.

If the remaining charge of the battery 214 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (ACT011, YES), the control circuit 215 detects whether an instruction to stop cooling the front side of the thermal sensation device 22 has been input. This instruction is input via an input interface (not shown) that accepts input from the user, such as an input button.

If an instruction to stop cooling the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 has not been input (ACT 112, NO), the control circuit 215 continues controlling the cooling. Thereafter, the process returns to ACT 008. On the other hand, if an instruction to stop cooling the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 has been input (ACT 112, YES), the control circuit 215 controls to stop the current flowing from the battery 214 to the hot/cold sensation device 22. This stops cooling the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 (ACT 013). This completes the operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

If the current mode is the heating mode (ACT005, NO), the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating the measurement result of the temperature (device temperature) on the front side (backrest 12 side) of the hot/cold sensation device 22 from the temperature sensor 24 (ACT014). Next, the control circuit 215 controls the flow of current from the battery 214 to the hot/cold sensation device 22 in a direction that heats the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22. This starts heating the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22. The control circuit 215 also controls the rotation of the fan 23 to turn on (ON), promoting cooling of the back side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 (ACT015).

Next, the control circuit 215 compares the set temperature specified by the user with the device temperature obtained from the temperature sensor 24 (ACT016).

If the device temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature (ACT016, NO), the control circuit 215 controls the heating of the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 to be temporarily suspended (ACT017). The control circuit 215 then waits until the device temperature falls below the set temperature. When the device temperature falls below the set temperature, the control circuit 215 resumes heating of the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22. After this, the process returns to ACT016.

If the device temperature is below the set temperature (ACT 016, YES), the control circuit 215 acquires a signal from the seat sensor 25 indicating the detection result as to whether or not the user is seated on the seat portion 11. If the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating that the user is not seated on the seat portion 11 (ACT 018, NO), it performs control to stop the current flowing from the battery 214 to the warm/cold sensation device 22. This stops heating the front side of the warm/cold sensation device 22. The control circuit 215 also performs control to turn off the rotation of the fan 23 (ACT 021). This completes the operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

When the control circuit 215 receives a signal indicating that the user is seated on the seat portion 11 (ACT 018, YES), it detects the remaining charge of the battery 214. When the remaining charge of the battery 214 is less than a predetermined threshold (ACT 019, NO), the control circuit 215 performs control to temporarily suspend heating of the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 (ACT 017). Then, the control circuit 215 waits until the remaining charge becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. When the remaining charge of the battery 214 becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the control circuit 215 resumes heating of the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22. After this, the process returns to ACT 016.

If the remaining charge level of the battery 214 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (ACT019, YES), the control circuit 215 detects whether an instruction to stop heating the front side of the thermal sensation device 22 has been input. This instruction is input via an input interface (not shown) that accepts input from the user, such as an input button.

If an instruction to stop heating the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 has not been input (ACT 020, NO), the control circuit 215 continues controlling the cooling. Thereafter, the process returns to ACT 016. On the other hand, if an instruction to stop heating the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22 has been input (ACT 020, YES), the control circuit 215 controls the current flowing from the battery 214 to the hot/cold sensation device 22 to stop. This stops cooling the front side of the hot/cold sensation device 22. The control circuit 215 also controls the rotation of the fan 23 to be turned off (ACT 021). This completes the operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

An example of the operation of the temperature control device 20 of the embodiment relating to power generation and power storage will be described below. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the temperature control device 20 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment relating to power generation and power storage. The operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in Figure 11 begins when the control circuit 215 controls the power generation motor 211, etc., to turn on the power generation function and power storage function through the processing of ACT002 in the flowchart of Figure 10.

The control circuit 215 detects the charge state of the battery 214. If the detected charge state of the battery 214 is fully charged (ACT 101, YES), the control circuit 215 temporarily suspends the power generation operation by the power generator motor 211 (ACT 102). The control circuit 215 then waits until the charge state is no longer fully charged. If the charge state of the battery 214 is no longer fully charged, the control circuit 215 resumes the power generation operation by the power generator motor 211. After this, the process returns to ACT 101.

If the detected charge state of the battery 214 is not fully charged (ACT 101, NO), the control circuit 215 acquires a signal from the seat sensor 25 indicating the detection result of whether or not a user is seated on the seat 11. If the control circuit 215 acquires a signal indicating that a user is seated on the seat 11 (ACT 103, YES), it keeps the power generation function and power storage function on. Thereafter, the process returns to ACT 101.

When the control circuit 215 receives a signal indicating that the user is not seated on the seat portion 11 (ACT 103, NO), it controls the power generation motor 211 and other components to turn off the power generation function and power storage function (ACT 104). This completes the operation of the temperature control device 20 shown in the flowchart of Figure 11.

As described above, the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment includes a movable part 13, a power-generating motor 211 that generates electricity in response to the movement of the movable part 13, and a battery 214 that stores the electricity generated by the power-generating motor 211. The temperature-controlled chair 1 also includes a thermal sensation device 22 that cools or heats the backrest 12 or seat 11 using the electricity stored in the battery 214, and a fan 23 that cools the back of the thermal sensation device 22 using the electricity stored in the battery 214. As such, the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment has power generation and storage functions, and therefore can control the temperature of the chair using self-sufficient energy without using an external power source.

Furthermore, the movable part 13 of the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the embodiment is a rotating mechanism that rotates in response to the natural movements of the seated person, such as when reclining. Therefore, the seated person does not need to consciously perform any special movements to generate electricity. This allows the temperature control device 20 of the embodiment to generate electricity without placing any burden on the seated person.

Furthermore, the thermal sensation device 22 of the temperature control device 20 of the embodiment is equipped with a Peltier element that switches between cooling and heating by reversing the polarity of the current flowing through it. Therefore, the temperature control device 20 of the embodiment can easily switch between cooling and heating the chair to control the temperature. Furthermore, a single Peltier element can perform both cooling and heating. This makes it possible to make the size and thickness of the thermal sensation device 22 smaller, and also to reduce the number of such thermal sensation devices 22. This makes it possible to reduce the installation space for the thermal sensation device 22 and reduce the cost of the device.

Modifications of the embodiments will be described below. The temperature-controlled chair 1 of the above embodiment includes a movable part 13 with a rotation axis, and is configured with a reclining function that changes the angle of inclination of the backrest part 12 relative to the seat surface of the seat part 11. This causes the rotation axis of the movable part 13 to rotate in response to changes in the load on the backrest part 12 by the seated person. The temperature control device 20 of the above embodiment is configured with a power generation function that converts the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the rotation axis of the movable part 13 into electricity. However, the power generation method is not limited to this method.

For example, the power generation method may be a method of converting kinetic energy generated by the movement of other movable parts that move in response to the movements of the seated person into electricity. Figure 12 is an external view showing the configuration of a temperature-controlled chair according to a modified embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the leg 14 of the temperature-controlled chair according to the modified embodiment includes a support 141, a chair base 142, and multiple casters 143.

The temperature-controlled chair of this modified embodiment has a configuration in which a power-generating motor (not shown) is attached to the rotational axis of each caster 143. The rotational axis of the power-generating motor rotates in conjunction with the rotational axis of the caster 143. In other words, the temperature control device of this modified embodiment has a power-generating function that converts the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the rotational axis of the caster 143, which is the movable part, into electricity. In this case, the movable part is a rotation mechanism that rotates the wheels of the caster 143 relative to the chair base 142.

As a result, when the seated person moves the temperature-controlled chair, the rotation axis of the caster 143 rotates, and electricity is generated by the power-generating motor. In this way, the temperature-controlled chair of this modified embodiment, like the temperature-controlled chair 1 of the previously described embodiment, has a power-generating function that converts the kinetic energy generated by the movement of the movable parts that are moved in accordance with the seated person's movements into electricity.

The movable part may be a support 141 equipped with a rotational shaft that rotates the seat 11. In this case, the rotational shaft of the power-generating motor rotates in conjunction with the rotational shaft of the support 141. That is, in this case, the temperature control device has a power-generating function that converts the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the rotational shaft of the movable part, the support 141, into electricity. In this case, the movable part is a rotation mechanism that rotates the seat 11 relative to the support 141. As a result, as the seat occupant turns their body, the direction of the seat 11 changes, and the rotational shaft of the support 141 rotates, generating electricity with the power-generating motor.

The movable part may be moved by a force other than that exerted by the movement of the seated person. For example, the movable part may reciprocate up and down in response to the vertical vibration of the temperature-controlled chair. In this case, for example, the temperature control device may include a mechanism for converting the reciprocating vertical motion into rotational motion. The power-generating motor then converts the kinetic energy generated by this rotational motion into electricity.

A temperature control device with this configuration is suitable for cooling and heating objects that move on uneven surfaces, such as outdoors. For example, a temperature control device with this configuration may be attached to a car seat or a stroller seat. This allows the temperature control device to generate electricity using the vibrations that occur when the car or stroller is moving, thereby cooling and heating the seat.

For example, the movable part may reciprocate back and forth in response to the rocking of the temperature-controlled chair in the forward and backward directions. In this case, the temperature control device may include a mechanism for converting the reciprocating back and forth motion into rotational motion. The power-generating motor then converts the kinetic energy generated by this rotational motion into electricity. For example, a temperature control device with such a configuration may be attached to a rocking chair, cradle, baby rocker, etc. In this way, the temperature control device can generate electricity using the vibrations generated when the rocking chair, cradle, baby rocker, etc. rocks, thereby cooling and heating the seat.

Note that the moving part used for power generation is not limited to any one of the above, and multiple types of moving parts may be used simultaneously. This makes it possible to generate electricity from the movement of each of the multiple types of moving parts, making it possible to store more electricity in a shorter period of time.

In addition, a temperature-controlled chair may be configured to use both power generated by its own power generating motor and power obtained from an external power source, for example, via an AC adapter. By obtaining power in multiple ways in this way, it becomes possible to store more power.

In addition, if the semiconductor element of the thermal/cooling device has a large surface area, for example, and the surface of the semiconductor element does not reach a certain temperature, there is no high risk of burning the seated person, so a temperature sensor does not need to be used.

According to the above-described embodiment, the temperature control device includes a generator, a storage battery, and a thermoelectric element. For example, the temperature control device is temperature control device 20 in the embodiment, the generator is power generating motor 211 in the embodiment, the storage battery is battery 214 in the embodiment, and the thermoelectric element is semiconductor element 210 in the embodiment. The generator is provided in a chair having a movable part, and converts kinetic energy generated by the movement of the movable part into electric power. For example, the movable part is movable part 13 in the embodiment, and the chair is chair 1 in the embodiment. The storage battery stores the electric power generated by the generator. The thermoelectric element cools or heats the chair using the electric power stored in the storage battery.

In the above-mentioned temperature control device, the movable part may be moved by a force acting in conjunction with the movement of the seated occupant.

In the above-described temperature control device, the movable part may be a rotation mechanism that rotates the backrest, casters, or seat. For example, the backrest corresponds to the backrest portion 12 in the embodiment, the casters correspond to the casters 143 in the embodiment, and the seat corresponds to the seat portion 11 in the embodiment.

In the above-described temperature control device, the thermoelectric element may be a Peltier element. In this case, the temperature control device further includes a control circuit. The control circuit switches between cooling and heating by changing the polarity of the current flowing through the Peltier element. For example, the control circuit is control circuit 215 in the embodiment.

According to the above-described embodiment, the temperature-controlled chair includes a movable part, a generator, a storage battery, and a thermoelectric element. For example, the temperature-controlled chair is chair 1 in the embodiment, the movable part is movable part 13 in the embodiment, the generator is power-generating motor 211 in the embodiment, the storage battery is battery 214 in the embodiment, and the thermoelectric element is semiconductor element 210 in the embodiment. The generator generates electricity in response to the movement of the movable part. The storage battery stores the electricity generated by the generator. The thermoelectric element cools or heats at least one of the backrest or seat surface using the electricity stored in the storage battery. For example, the backrest is backrest portion 12 in the embodiment, the caster is caster 143 in the embodiment, and the seat surface is seat surface portion 11 in the embodiment.

Some of the functions of the temperature-controlled chair 1 in each of the above-described embodiments (e.g., the control circuit 215) may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include media that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over a network such as the Internet or over a telephone line, or media that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may be a program that implements some of the aforementioned functions, or it may be a program that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention.

1...chair, 11...seat portion, 12...backrest portion, 13...moving portion, 14...leg portion, 20...temperature control device, 21...temperature control unit, 22...hot/cold device, 23...fan, 24...temperature sensor, 25...seating sensor, 26...switch, 141...support, 142...chair base, 143...caster, 210...semiconductor element, 211...power generating motor, 212...clear current circuit, 213...voltage regulator circuit, 214...battery, 215...control circuit, 220...belt

Claims (4)

a generator provided in a chair having a movable part and converting kinetic energy generated by the movement of the movable part into electric power;
a storage battery that stores the power generated by the generator;
a Peltier element provided on the back side of the chair, which cools or heats the chair using the power stored in the storage battery;
a control circuit for switching between the cooling and heating modes by changing the polarity of a current flowing through the Peltier element;
a fan that rotates when heating to cool the back side of the chair and does not rotate when cooling;
A temperature control device comprising: The temperature control device according to claim 1 , wherein the movable portion is moved by a force acting in conjunction with the movement of a seated occupant. The temperature control device according to claim 1 , wherein the movable part is a rotating mechanism that rotates a backrest, a caster, or a seat. A movable part;
a generator that generates electricity in response to the movement of the movable part;
a storage battery that stores the power generated by the generator;
a Peltier element provided on the back of the seat or the underside of the seat, which cools or heats at least one of the back of the seat or the underside of the seat using the power stored in the storage battery;
a control circuit for switching between the cooling and heating modes by changing the polarity of a current flowing through the Peltier element;
a fan that rotates during heating to cool the backrest or the backside of the seat, and does not rotate during cooling;
A temperature-controlled chair.