Heating system
First Claim
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1. A heating system for warming an occupant when seated on a seat of a vehicle, the heating system comprising:
- a heating element for being disposed in the seat;
a heater unit that passes electricity to the heating element via electrodes connected to the heating element, causing heat to be generated from the heating element;
a measurement unit that measures impedance between the electrodes and the vehicle;
a detection unit that detects the occupant when seated on the seat based on the impedance measured by the measurement unit; and
a switching unit that alternately connects the heater unit and the measurement unit to the electrodes.
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Abstract
The heating elements of a seat heater are used to warm the occupant seated on the seat and also used to detect the occupant. The configuration eliminates the need to dispose, in the vicinity of the seating surface of the seat, both a heater unit used for warming the occupant and a sensor for detecting the occupant. As a result, the structure of the seat is simplified to prevent deterioration in seating comfort, and at the same time, the occupant can be accurately detected and the heating elements can be efficiently utilized.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A heating system for warming an occupant when seated on a seat of a vehicle, the heating system comprising:
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a heating element for being disposed in the seat; a heater unit that passes electricity to the heating element via electrodes connected to the heating element, causing heat to be generated from the heating element; a measurement unit that measures impedance between the electrodes and the vehicle; a detection unit that detects the occupant when seated on the seat based on the impedance measured by the measurement unit; and a switching unit that alternately connects the heater unit and the measurement unit to the electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A heating system for warming an occupant when seated on a seat of a vehicle, the heating system comprising:
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a heating element for being disposed in the seat; a heater unit that passes electricity to the heating element via a first electrode and a second electrode connected to the heating element, causing heat to be generated from the heating element; a measurement unit that measures impedance between the first electrode and the vehicle, and between the second electrode and the vehicle; a detection unit that detects the occupant when seated on the seat based on the impedance measured by the measurement unit; and a switching unit that alternately connects the heater unit and the measurement unit to the first electrode and the second electrode. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification