Vehicle seat

Abstract

[Task] To accurately determine the posture of an occupant on a vehicle seat. [Solution] A vehicle seat 1 comprises a seat cushion 3 and a seat back 4. The seatback comprises: a seatback frame 21; a waist pressure receiving portion 51 provided on the seatback frame to support the waist of the occupant; left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52 provided on the seatback frame above the waist pressure receiving portion to support left and right shoulders of the occupant; a cushion 22 supported by the seat back frame, the waist pressure receiving portion, and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions; a plurality of front fluid pouches 61 vertically arranged on the front surface of the pad; and a control device 78 that determines the posture of the occupant on the basis of the internal pressure of the plurality of front fluid bags. When viewed from the front, an upper end fluid pouch 61A, which is disposed at the highest among the plurality of front fluid pouches, is disposed between the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle seat. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a seat capable of determining the posture of an occupant in a seated state. The seat includes a plurality of air bags arranged on a seat back in an up-down direction, an air pump for supplying compressed air to the plurality of air bags, a plurality of pressure sensors for respectively detecting the pressures in the plurality of air bags, and a control device for controlling the air pump and determining the posture of the occupant. The control device supplies compressed air to each of the plurality of air bags, measures the time required for the pressure of each air bag to reach a predetermined value, and determines the posture of the occupant based on the measured time. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: JP2021-123159A Summary of the invention The task to be accomplished by the present invention

[0004] In such vehicle seats, there is a need to more accurately determine the posture of the occupant.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to accurately determine the posture of an occupant on a vehicle seat. Means of accomplishing the task

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1), comprising a seat cushion (3) and a seat back (4), wherein the seat back comprises: a seat back frame (21); a lumbar pressure receiving portion (51) arranged on the seat back frame to support the occupant's waist; left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions (52) arranged on the seat back frame above the lumbar pressure receiving portion to support the occupant's left and right shoulders; a cushion (22) supported by the seat back frame, the lumbar pressure receiving portion and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions; a plurality of front fluid bags (61) arranged vertically on the front surface of the cushion; and a control device (78) for determining the occupant's posture based on the internal pressure of the plurality of front fluid bags, wherein, when viewed from the front, an upper end fluid bag (61A) which is the highest among the plurality of front fluid bags is arranged between the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions.

[0007] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag is provided in a relatively high portion of the seat back. In the upper body of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat, the upper portion including the shoulders tends to move more easily according to the posture than the lower portion including the waist. Therefore, by detecting the internal pressure of the upper fluid bag, the control device can accurately determine the posture of the occupant.

[0008] In the above aspect, the vehicle seat may include a plurality of rear fluid bags (65) arranged vertically between the front surface of the lumbar pressure receiving portion and the rear surface of the cushion, wherein the plurality of rear fluid bags may have a plurality of overlapping portions (66) overlapping each other when viewed in the front-to-rear direction, and when viewed from the front, the upper end fluid bag may be set to be higher than the plurality of overlapping portions.

[0009] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag can be disposed at a relatively high position in the seat back. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be accurately determined using the upper fluid bag.

[0010] In the above aspect, at least one of the plurality of front fluid bags may overlap the overlapping portion when viewed from the front.

[0011] According to this aspect, at least one of the plurality of front fluid bags is supported from behind by the overlapping portion, and thus can appropriately receive the load from the back of the occupant.

[0012] In the above aspect, the waist pressure receiving portion and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions may be coupled to each other by left and right coupling portions (48), and the upper end fluid bag may overlap the left and right coupling portions when viewed from the front.

[0013] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag is supported from the rear by the coupling portion, and thus can appropriately receive the load from the back of the occupant.

[0014] In the above aspect, the waist pressure receiving portion and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions may be coupled to each other by left and right coupling portions, and the upper end fluid bag may be disposed not to overlap the left and right coupling portions when viewed from the front.

[0015] In the above aspect, a blower (57) may be supported on the seat back frame, and each of the plurality of rear fluid bags may be disposed in front of the blower.

[0016] In the above aspect, the seat back frame may include left and right side members (41) extending vertically and an upper member (42) extending laterally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right side members, and the upper end fluid bag may be arranged to be higher than the connection portion (46) between the left and right side members and the upper member.

[0017] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag can be disposed at a relatively high position in the seat back. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be accurately determined using the upper fluid bag.

[0018] In the above scheme, the seat back frame may include left and right side members (41) extending vertically and an upper member (42) extending laterally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right side members, and the upper end fluid bag may be arranged to be lower than the connection portion (46) between the left and right side members and the upper member.

[0019] In the above aspect, a lower end of the upper fluid bag may be disposed higher than a lower end of each of the left and right shoulder pressure receiving parts.

[0020] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag can be disposed at a relatively high position in the seat back. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be accurately determined using the upper fluid bag.

[0021] In the above aspect, an upper end of the upper end fluid bag may be disposed lower than an upper end of each of the left and right shoulder pressure receiving parts.

[0022] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag can be disposed at a relatively high position in the seat back. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be accurately determined using the upper fluid bag. Effects of the Invention

[0023] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat cushion (3) and a seat back (4), the seat back comprising: a seat back frame (21); a lumbar pressure receiving portion (51) arranged on the seat back frame to support the lumbar area of ​​an occupant; left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions (52) arranged on the seat back frame above the lumbar pressure receiving portion to support the left and right shoulders of the occupant; a cushion (22) supported by the seat back frame, the lumbar pressure receiving portion and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions; a plurality of front fluid bags (61) arranged vertically on a front surface of the cushion; and a control device (78) for determining the posture of the occupant based on the internal pressure of the plurality of front fluid bags, wherein, when viewed from the front, an upper end fluid bag (61A) which is the highest among the plurality of front fluid bags is arranged between the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions.

[0024] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag is provided in a relatively high portion of the seat back. In the upper body of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat, the upper portion including the shoulders tends to move more easily according to the posture than the lower portion including the waist. Therefore, by detecting the internal pressure of the upper fluid bag, the control device can accurately determine the posture of the occupant.

[0025] In the above aspect, the vehicle seat may include a plurality of rear fluid bags (65) arranged vertically between the front surface of the lumbar pressure receiving portion and the rear surface of the cushion, wherein the plurality of rear fluid bags may have a plurality of overlapping portions (66) overlapping each other when viewed in the front-to-rear direction, and when viewed from the front, the upper end fluid bag may be set to be higher than the plurality of overlapping portions.

[0026] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag can be disposed at a relatively high position in the seat back. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be accurately determined using the upper fluid bag.

[0027] In the above aspect, at least one of the plurality of front fluid bags may overlap the overlapping portion when viewed from the front.

[0028] According to this aspect, at least one of the plurality of front fluid bags is supported from behind by the overlapping portion, and thus can appropriately receive the load from the back of the occupant.

[0029] In the above aspect, the waist pressure receiving portion and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions may be coupled to each other by left and right coupling portions (48), and the upper end fluid bag may overlap the left and right coupling portions when viewed from the front.

[0030] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag is supported from the rear by the coupling portion, and thus can appropriately receive the load from the back of the occupant.

[0031] In the above aspect, the waist pressure receiving portion and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions may be coupled to each other by left and right coupling portions, and the upper end fluid bag may be disposed not to overlap the left and right coupling portions when viewed from the front.

[0032] In the above aspect, a blower (57) may be supported on the seat back frame, and each of the plurality of rear fluid bags may be disposed in front of the blower.

[0033] In the above aspect, the seat back frame may include left and right side members (41) extending vertically and an upper member (42) extending laterally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right side members, and the upper end fluid bag may be arranged to be higher than the connection portion (46) between the left and right side members and the upper member.

[0034] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag can be disposed at a relatively high position in the seat back. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be accurately determined using the upper fluid bag.

[0035] In the above scheme, the seat back frame may include left and right side members (41) extending vertically and an upper member (42) extending laterally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right side members, and the upper end fluid bag may be arranged to be lower than the connection portion (46) between the left and right side members and the upper member.

[0036] In the above aspect, a lower end of the upper fluid bag may be disposed higher than a lower end of each of the left and right shoulder pressure receiving parts.

[0037] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag can be disposed at a relatively high position in the seat back. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be accurately determined using the upper fluid bag.

[0038] In the above aspect, an upper end of the upper end fluid bag may be disposed lower than an upper end of each of the left and right shoulder pressure receiving parts.

[0039] According to this aspect, the upper fluid bag can be disposed at a relatively high position in the seat back. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be accurately determined using the upper fluid bag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the seat frame. Figure 3 is the front view of the seat back frame Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the seat back. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of a seat Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the connection structure of the fluid supply source and the fluid bag Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of posture determination control Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example of posture determination control Fig. 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the seat back. Fig.10 This is a diagram of the heater. Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view showing the front member Fig.12 This is a perspective view of the sliding track. Fig.13 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper track. Fig.14 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a seat back cushion Fig.15 This is an illustration of the seat cushion pad Fig.16 This is a cross-sectional view of the front of the seat cushion. Fig.17 This is a perspective view of the seat DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the vehicle seat according to the present invention is applied to a seat of a car will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower are defined based on a car provided with the seat. The car may be, for example, an electric car having an electric motor and a battery or a car having an internal combustion engine.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the seat 1 includes a seat cushion 3 provided on a floor 2, a seat back 4 extending upward from a rear portion of the seat cushion 3, and a headrest 5 coupled to an upper portion of the seat back 4. The seat back 4 is pivotally supported by the seat cushion 3. The seat cushion 3, the seat back 4, and the headrest 5 constitute a seat body 7. The seat cushion 3 supports the buttocks of an occupant, and the seat back 4 supports the back of the occupant.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat cushion 3 is set on the floor 2 via the sliding rail 11. The sliding rail 11 includes left and right lower rails 11A coupled to the floor 2 and left and right upper rails 11B supported on the left and right lower rails 11A to be slidably movable. The seat cushion 3 is coupled to the left and right upper rails 11B. Between the seat cushion 3 and the upper rails 11B, a lifting device 12 may be inserted. The lifting device 12 supports the seat cushion 3 so that the seat cushion 3 can rise and fall relative to the left and right upper rails 11B.

[0044] The seat cushion 3 includes a seat cushion frame 15 forming a framework, a seat cushion pad 16 supported by the seat cushion frame 15, and a skin material 17 covering the surface of the seat cushion pad 16. The seat back 4 includes a seat back frame 21 forming a framework, a seat back pad 22 supported by the seat back frame 21, and a skin material 23 covering the surface of the seat back pad 22. The seat cushion frame 15 and the seat back frame 21 are coupled to each other via a reclining device 24.

[0045] The seat cushion frame 15 is formed in a quadrilateral frame shape. The seat cushion frame 15 includes left and right seat cushion side members 31 extending in the front-rear direction, a front member 32 extending transversely and coupled to the front ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 31, and a rear member 33 extending transversely and coupled to the rear ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 31. The front member 32 is preferably a disc frame formed in a plate shape. A buttocks pressure receiving portion 36 having flexibility is provided to extend between the front member 32 and the rear member 33. The buttocks pressure receiving portion 36 supports the buttocks of the occupant from below.

[0046] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the seat back frame 21 is formed in a quadrilateral frame shape. The seat back frame 21 includes left and right seat back side members 41 extending vertically, an upper member 42 extending transversely and coupled to the upper ends of the left and right seat back side members 41, and a lower member 43 extending transversely and coupled to the lower ends of the left and right seat back side members 41. The left and right seat back side members 41 are formed of metal plate members. The upper member 42 is formed of a metal pipe. The upper member 42 is bent so that the transverse central portion protrudes upward. The left and right end portions of the upper member 42 are coupled to the upper ends of the corresponding left and right seat back side members 41.

[0047] The seat back frame 21 includes a transverse member 45 extending laterally below the upper member 42 and coupled to the left and right ends of the upper member 42. The transverse member 45 is formed of a metal plate member. In another embodiment, the left and right ends of the transverse member 45 may be coupled to the left and right seat back side members 41. The transverse member 45 supports the shoulders of the occupant from the rear.

[0048] The seat back frame 21 is provided with a back pressure receiving portion 47 for supporting the back of the occupant. The back pressure receiving portion 47 is provided to extend between the transverse member 45 and the lower member 43. The back pressure receiving portion 47 includes a wire 48 made of metal and provided to extend between the transverse member 45 and the lower member 43, a waist pressure receiving portion 51 supported by the wire 48, and left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52 supported by the wire 48.

[0049] The wire 48 is a thin metal rod having flexibility. The wire 48 includes a wire central portion 48A extending in the left-right direction along the lower member 43 and joined to the lower member 43 at multiple points, and left and right wire side portions 48B extending upward from the left and right ends of the central portion. The upper ends of the left and right wire side portions 48B are supported by the left and right ends of the transverse member 45 so as to be displaceable in the up-down direction. Preferably, the transverse member 45 is formed with left and right through holes extending in the up-down direction, and the upper ends of the left and right wire side portions 48B are displaceably protruded into the through holes.

[0050] The waist pressure receiving portion 51 is preferably a plate made of resin. The waist pressure receiving portion 51 is bonded to the lower portion of the left and right line side portions 48B and has a surface facing forward. The upper portion of the left and right line side portions 48B extends upward and laterally outward from the waist pressure receiving portion 51. The waist pressure receiving portion 51 is provided behind the waist of the occupant and supports the waist of the occupant from the rear.

[0051] The left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52 are provided on the seat back frame 21 above the waist pressure receiving portion 51. The left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52 are preferably plates made of resin. The left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52 are coupled to the upper portion of the corresponding line side portion 48B and each has a surface facing forward. The left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52 may be coupled to at least one of the transverse member 45, the upper member 42, and the left and right seat back side members 41. The left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52 are provided behind the left and right shoulders of the occupant and support the left and right shoulders of the occupant from the rear.

[0052] The upper member 42 is provided with left and right headrest support portions 55 for supporting the headrest 5. Each headrest support portion 55 is formed into a tubular shape and extends vertically. A bracket 56 is provided to extend between the upper member 42 and the transverse member 45. The bracket 56 is preferably a plate having a surface facing forward. A blower 57 is supported on the front surface of the bracket 56.

[0053] The seat back pad 22 is supported by the seat back frame 21, the lumbar pressure receiving portion 51, and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52. The seat cushion pad 16 is supported by the seat cushion frame 15 and the buttocks pressure receiving portion 36.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of front fluid bags 61 are provided on the front surface of the seat back cushion 22. The plurality of front fluid bags 61 are provided between the seat back cushion 22 and the skin material 23. Each front fluid bag 61 is connected to a fluid supply source 62 (see Figure 5 ) and expands when receiving a supply of fluid from a fluid supply source 62. The fluid is preferably, for example, air, water, etc. The fluid supply source 62 is preferably a compressor or a pump for pressurized supply of air or water. The fluid supply source 62 can be arranged inside the seat cushion 3 or the seat back 4, or can be arranged on the floor 2. For example, the fluid supply source 62 is preferably arranged between the floor 2 and the seat cushion 3. On the front surface of the seat back pad 22, the multiple front fluid bags 61 are arranged vertically. In addition, the multiple front fluid bags 61 can be arranged laterally. In the present embodiment, the multiple front fluid bags 61 are arranged in two rows on the left and right sides. Moreover, the multiple front fluid bags 61 are arranged vertically at five positions.

[0055] A plurality of upper fluid bags 63 are provided on the upper surface of the seat cushion pad 16. The plurality of upper fluid bags 63 are provided between the seat cushion pad 16 and the skin material 17. Each upper fluid bag 63 is connected to a fluid supply source 62 and expands when receiving a supply of fluid from the fluid supply source 62. On the upper surface of the seat cushion pad 16, the plurality of upper fluid bags 63 are arranged in the front-to-back direction. In addition, the plurality of upper fluid bags 63 may be arranged laterally. In the present embodiment, the plurality of upper fluid bags 63 are arranged in two rows on the left and right sides. Moreover, the plurality of upper fluid bags 63 are arranged at four positions in the front-to-back direction.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of rear fluid bags 65 are provided between the front surface of the lumbar pressure receiving portion 51 and the rear surface of the seat back pad 22. Each rear fluid bag 65 is connected to the fluid supply source 62, and expands when receiving a supply of fluid from the fluid supply source 62. The plurality of rear fluid bags 65 are arranged vertically. In the present embodiment, the plurality of rear fluid bags 65 include a first rear fluid bag 65A, a second rear fluid bag 65B, and a third rear fluid bag 65C in sequence from the lower side. Each of the first to third rear fluid bags 65A to 65C is bonded to the front surface of the lumbar pressure receiving portion 51 at its upper end portion.

[0057] The plurality of rear fluid bags 65 have overlapping portions 66 that overlap each other when viewed in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the lower end portion of the second rear fluid bag 65B is arranged to overlap with the front side of the upper end portion of the first rear fluid bag 65A. The lower end portion of the third rear fluid bag 65C is arranged to overlap with the front side of the upper end portion of the second rear fluid bag 65B. Each of the first to third rear fluid bags 65A to 65C is configured so that its lower end portion can expand to a greater extent than its upper end portion. When expanded, each of the first to third rear fluid bags 65A to 65C pushes the seat back pad 22 forward and changes the shape of the seat back pad 22.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of intermediate fluid bags 68 may be provided between the rear side of the seat back cushion 22 and the plurality of rear fluid bags 65. Each intermediate fluid bag 68 is connected to the fluid supply source 62, and expands when receiving a supply of fluid from the fluid supply source 62. When expanded, each of the plurality of intermediate fluid bags 68 pushes the seat back cushion 22 forward and changes the shape of the seat back cushion 22.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the left and right shoulder fluid bags 71 are provided between the rear surface of the seat back cushion 22 and the front surface of the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52. Each shoulder fluid bag 71 is connected to the fluid supply source 62, and expands when receiving a supply of fluid from the fluid supply source 62. When expanded, each of the left and right shoulder fluid bags 71 pushes the seat back cushion 22 forward and changes the shape of the seat back cushion 22.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of tubes that respectively connect the plurality of front fluid bags 61, the plurality of upper fluid bags 63, the plurality of rear fluid bags 65, the plurality of middle fluid bags 68, and the left and right shoulder fluid bags 71 to the fluid supply source 62 are respectively provided with a plurality of fluid control valves 73. Each fluid control valve 73 switches between a closed state for closing the corresponding fluid bag 61, 63, 65, 68, 71, a supply state for connecting the corresponding fluid bag 61, 63, 65, 68, 71 to the fluid supply source 62, and a release state for releasing the fluid in the corresponding fluid bag 61, 63, 65, 68, 71 to the atmosphere. When the fluid control valve 73 is placed in the supply state, the corresponding fluid bag receives the supply of fluid from the fluid supply source 62 and expands. When the fluid control valve 73 is placed in the closed state, the corresponding fluid bag is closed and the fluid is retained in the fluid bag. When the fluid control valve 73 is placed in the release state, the fluid in the corresponding fluid bag is discharged into the atmosphere and the fluid bag shrinks. The fluid control valve 73 may be a solenoid valve.

[0061] The seat back 4 includes a plurality of first internal pressure sensors 75 for respectively measuring the internal pressures of the plurality of front fluid bags 61. The plurality of first internal pressure sensors 75 may be provided in the corresponding front fluid bags 61, or may be provided in tubes connected to the corresponding front fluid bags 61.

[0062] The seat cushion 3 includes a plurality of second internal pressure sensors 76 for respectively measuring the internal pressures of the plurality of upper fluid bags 63. The plurality of second internal pressure sensors 76 may be provided in the corresponding upper fluid bags 63, or may be provided in tubes connected to the corresponding upper fluid bags 63.

[0063] like Figure 5As shown, the fluid supply source 62, the plurality of fluid control valves 73, the plurality of first internal pressure sensors 75 and the plurality of second internal pressure sensors 76 are connected to a control device 78. The control device 78 is an electronic control unit including a processor and a memory connected to the processor to be able to communicate with it. The processor preferably includes at least one of a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (graphics processing unit), and a RISC (reduced instruction set computer) as a core. The memory preferably includes at least one of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may be, for example, a DRAM (dynamic random access memory) or an SRAM (static random access memory). The non-volatile memory may be an SSD (solid state drive), a flash memory, a magnetic disk storage device, or an optical disk storage device. At least a portion of the control device 78 may be implemented by hardware such as an LSI, an ASIC, an FPGA, etc., or may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware. The processor implements various applications by executing a program stored in the memory. The program may be stored in the memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD, a CD-ROM, etc., to be installed in the memory when the storage medium is read by a reading device. Furthermore, the program may be downloaded and installed in the memory via a communication network such as the Internet, etc. The control device 78 may be constituted by a single hardware, or may be constituted by a plurality of hardwares that can communicate with each other.

[0064] The control device 78 controls the driving of the fluid supply source 62, and also controls the plurality of fluid control valves 73. Furthermore, the control device 78 functions as a posture determination unit for determining the posture of the occupant based on the internal pressures of the plurality of front fluid bags 61.

[0065] The control device 78 performs posture determination control at a predetermined timing. In the posture determination control, the control device 78 controls the fluid control valves 73 for the plurality of front fluid bags 61 to control the fluid supplied to the front fluid bags 61, acquires the internal pressures of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 based on the signals from the plurality of first internal pressure sensors 75, and determines the posture of the occupant seated on the seat 1 based on the internal pressures of the plurality of front fluid bags 61.

[0066] For example, Figure 7As shown, in the posture determination control, the control device 78 first places all the fluid control valves 73 corresponding to all the front fluid bags 61 in the release state (S1). As a result, all the front fluid bags 61 enter the decompression (contraction) initial state. Next, the control device 78 places all the fluid control valves 73 corresponding to all the front fluid bags 61 in the supply state (S2). As a result, the fluid starts to be supplied to all the front fluid bags 61. Thereafter, the control device 78 measures the time until the internal pressure reaches a predetermined threshold value for each of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 as the arrival time (S3). Then, the control device 78 determines the posture of the occupant based on the arrival time of each of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 (S4).

[0067] The front fluid bag 61 having a short arrival time receives a greater pressure from the occupant than the front fluid bag 61 having a long arrival time. That is, the distribution of the pressure applied from the occupant to the seat back 4 can be inferred from the arrival time. For example, it is preferable to determine that the posture of the occupant is hunchbacked in a case where the arrival time of the front fluid bag 61 on the lower side is shorter than that of the front fluid bag 61 on the upper side. Conversely, it is preferable to determine that the posture of the occupant is lordotic (concave) in a case where the arrival time of the front fluid bag 61 on the lower side is longer than that of the front fluid bag 61 on the upper side. In addition, it is preferable to determine that the posture of the occupant is appropriate in a case where the difference between the arrival time of the front fluid bag 61 on the lower side and the arrival time of the front fluid bag 61 on the upper side is less than or equal to a predetermined value. In this way, the control device 78 preferably determines the posture of the occupant based on the difference between the arrival times in the upper and lower directions.

[0068] In addition, it is preferred that, in a case where the arrival time of the front fluid bag on the right side is shorter than the arrival time of the front fluid bag on the left side, the posture of the occupant is determined to be tilted to the right. It is preferred that, in a case where the arrival time of the front fluid bag on the left side is shorter than the arrival time of the front fluid bag on the right side, the posture of the occupant is determined to be tilted to the left. It is preferred that, in a case where the difference between the arrival time of the front fluid bag on the right side and the arrival time of the front fluid bag on the left side is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the posture of the occupant is determined to be neutral (appropriate) in the left-right direction. Preferably, the control device 78 stores the relationship between the arrival time and the posture corresponding to each front fluid bag 61 as a mapping in advance, and determines the posture based on the arrival time and the mapping corresponding to each front fluid bag 61. In this way, the control device 78 preferably determines the posture of the occupant based on the difference between the arrival times in the left-right direction.

[0069] In such Figure 7In the method shown in FIG. 1 , in which all the front fluid bags 61 are placed in an initial state (contracted state) before the occupant takes a seat and fluid is supplied to all the front fluid bags 61 after the occupant takes a seat and the arrival time required until a predetermined internal pressure is reached is measured, it takes a relatively long time to determine the posture. Therefore, in order to perform faster posture determination, a method such as Figure 8 Another example of posture determination control is shown. Figure 8 As shown, the control device 78 controls the fluid control valve 73 so that the internal pressure of all the front fluid bags 61 becomes a predetermined value before the occupant sits on the seat 1 (S11). Next, the control device 78 puts each fluid control valve 73 into a closed state (S12). Thereafter, the control device 78 measures the internal pressure of each front fluid bag 61 after the occupant sits on the seat 1 (S13). Preferably, it is detected whether the occupant has sat based on the change in the internal pressure of each front fluid bag 61. Then, the control device 78 determines the posture of the occupant based on the internal pressure of each front fluid bag 61 (S14). For example, it is preferable that in the case where the internal pressure of the front fluid bag 61 on the lower side is higher than the internal pressure of the front fluid bag 61 on the upper side, it is determined that the posture of the occupant is hunched. In addition, it is preferable that in the case where the internal pressure of the front fluid bag 61 on the upper side is higher than the internal pressure of the front fluid bag 61 on the lower side, it is determined that the posture of the occupant is lordotic. Furthermore, it is preferred that the posture of the occupant is determined to be appropriate in the case where the difference between the internal pressure of the front fluid bag 61 on the lower side and the internal pressure of the front fluid bag 61 on the upper side is less than or equal to a predetermined value. The control device 78 preferably determines the posture of the occupant based on a map defining the relationship between the internal pressure distribution of the front fluid bag 61 and the posture of the occupant.

[0070] Preferably, the control device 78 places all the rear fluid bags 65 and all the middle fluid bags 68 in an initial state (contracted state) by controlling the fluid control valve 73 before measuring the internal pressure of the plurality of front fluid bags 61. In addition, the control device 78 can correct the internal pressure of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 based on the internal pressure of the plurality of rear fluid bags 65 and the plurality of middle fluid bags 68 when the plurality of rear fluid bags 65 and the plurality of middle fluid bags 68 are filled with fluid.

[0071] In another embodiment, an internal pressure sensor may be provided for measuring the internal pressure of the plurality of rear fluid bags 65. In this case, the control device 78 may determine the posture of the occupant based on the internal pressure of the plurality of rear fluid bags 65 instead of the plurality of front fluid bags 61. In addition, the plurality of front fluid bags 61 and the plurality of middle fluid bags 68 may be used for massage or posture correction purposes.

[0072] When viewed from the front, each upper end fluid bag 61A disposed highest among the plurality of front fluid bags 61 is disposed between the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52. In the present embodiment, two upper end fluid bags 61A are disposed between the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52. According to this aspect, each upper end fluid bag 61A is disposed in a relatively high portion of the seat back 4. With respect to the upper body of the occupant seated on the seat 1, the upper portion including the shoulders tends to move more easily according to the posture than the lower portion including the waist. Therefore, by detecting the internal pressure of each upper end fluid bag 61A, the control device 78 can accurately determine the posture of the occupant.

[0073] When viewed from the front, each upper end fluid bag 61A is disposed above the overlapping portion 66. When viewed from the front, each upper end fluid bag 61A is disposed above the overlapping portion 66 between the second rear fluid bag 65B and the third rear fluid bag 65C. According to this aspect, each upper end fluid bag 61A can be disposed at a relatively high position in the seat back 4. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be accurately determined using each upper end fluid bag 61A. In addition, when viewed from the front, each upper end fluid bag 61A is disposed above the upper edge of the lumbar pressure receiving portion 51. When viewed from the front, at least one of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 may overlap the overlapping portion 66.

[0074] In the present embodiment, when viewed from the front, each upper end fluid bag 61A is disposed so as not to overlap with the upper portion of the left and right line side portions 48B serving as a coupling portion coupling the waist pressure receiving portion 51 to the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52. In addition, preferably, when viewed from the front, each upper end fluid bag 61A is disposed on the inner side of the upper portion of the left and right line side portions 48B. In another embodiment, when viewed from the front, each upper end fluid bag 61A may overlap with the upper portion of the left and right line side portions 48B serving as a coupling portion coupling the waist pressure receiving portion 51 to the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52.

[0075] Each of the plurality of rear fluid bags 65 is preferably disposed in front of the blower 57. Each of the left and right upper end fluid bags 61A is preferably disposed higher than the joint portion 46 of the left and right side members and the upper member 42. In addition, each of the left and right upper end fluid bags 61A may be disposed lower than the joint portion 46 of the left and right side members and the upper member 42.

[0076] Preferably, the lower end of each of the left and right upper end fluid bags 61A is disposed above the lower end of each of the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52. In addition, the upper end of each of the left and right upper end fluid bags 61A is disposed below the upper end of each of the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions 52. According to these aspects, each of the upper end fluid bags 61A can be disposed at a relatively high position in the seat back 4. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be accurately determined using each of the upper end fluid bags 61A.

[0077] like Fig. 9 As shown, an air tube 81 forming an air passage is provided in the seat back cushion 22. The air tube 81 is preferably made of a harder material than the seat back cushion 22. For example, the seat back cushion 22 may be made of polyurethane foam, and the air tube 81 may be made of polyurethane foam harder than the seat back cushion 22. In addition, the air tube 81 may be made of a resin such as polyethylene. Preferably, the plurality of front fluid bags 61 are provided at a position overlapping with the air tube 81 when viewed from the front. According to this aspect, since the air tube 81 supports the plurality of front fluid bags 61 from the rear, the plurality of front fluid bags 61 can appropriately receive the load from the occupant.

[0078] like Fig.10 As shown, a heater 82 in the form of a sheet may be provided between the front surface of the seat back pad 22 and the skin material 23. The heater 82 includes a base fabric 82A made of a nonwoven fabric or the like and an electric heating wire 82B provided on the surface of the base fabric 82A. The plurality of front fluid bags 61 are preferably provided between the front surface of the seat back pad 22 and the base fabric 82A of the heater 82. In this case, the base fabric 82A preferably has a plurality of slits 84 in a portion facing the plurality of front fluid bags 61. By opening the respective slits 84, the respective front fluid bags 61 can expand without being hindered by the base fabric 82A.

[0079] When determining the posture of the occupant, there is a problem that if the sitting position of the occupant, specifically, the position of the buttocks, deviates from the appropriate position to the left or right or forward or backward, the accuracy of the posture determination is reduced. The sitting position of the occupant may also change due to the turning, acceleration or deceleration of the car. In order to solve this problem, the seat 1 according to the present embodiment has a first posture correction mechanism arranged in the left and right sides of the seat back 4. The first posture correction mechanism is preferably composed of left and right shoulder fluid bags 71. When the left and right shoulder fluid bags 71 are inflated, the occupant is pushed toward the center of the seat back 4, and the occupant's sitting position in the left and right directions is corrected to the appropriate position.

[0080] like Figure 1 and 9As shown, the first posture correction mechanism may be left and right side fluid bags 86 provided in the left and right side portions of the seat back 4. Preferably, the left and right side fluid bags 86 are provided below the left and right shoulder fluid bags 71 and extend vertically. Preferably, the left and right fluid bags 86 are provided between the front surface of the seat back pad 22 and the skin material 23, or between the seat back pad 22 and the left and right seat back side members 41. When inflated, the left and right fluid bags 86 cause the bank of the front surface of the seat back 4 to protrude forward. In addition, the first posture correction mechanism may also be an armrest 88 provided on the left and right side portions of the seat back 4.

[0081] The seat 1 may include a second correction device for correcting the seat position of the occupant in the front-rear direction. The second correction device is preferably provided by a seat belt 91 (see Figure 5 ) structure. When the seat belt 91 is fastened, the seat position of the occupant in the front-rear direction is corrected to an appropriate position.

[0082] The control device 78 preferably performs the posture determination control after activating the first posture correction mechanism and tightening the second posture correction mechanism.

[0083] Before executing the posture determination control, the control device 78 may notify the occupant that the posture determination control will be executed. Figure 5 As shown, a speaker 93 and a display 94 are preferably connected to the control device 78. The display 94 is preferably a touch panel display. Preferably, notification is performed by sound from the speaker 93 or an image displayed on the display 94. In addition, the control device 78 can determine the deviation of the seating position of the occupant in the left-right direction based on the internal pressure of the plurality of front fluid bags 61. And, when it is determined that the seating position of the occupant deviates in the left-right direction, the control device 78 can notify the occupant to sit in a proper position on the seat 1.

[0084] When a car provided with the seat 1 is running, there is a problem that the posture of the occupant may fluctuate according to the acceleration applied to the car and the accuracy of posture determination may decrease. For example, the posture of the occupant changes due to turning, acceleration or deceleration of the car. In order to solve such a problem, in the seat 1 according to the present embodiment, when the car is running stably, the control device 78 performs posture determination control. Figure 5As shown, the control device 78 is connected to the acceleration sensor 96 of the car and acquires the acceleration of the car. The acceleration sensor 96 preferably detects the front-rear acceleration, lateral acceleration and vertical acceleration of the car. Preferably, when the absolute value of each of the front-rear acceleration, lateral acceleration and vertical acceleration is less than or equal to a predetermined determination value, the control device 78 determines that the car is running stably and performs posture determination control. In another embodiment, when the absolute value of the yaw rate of the car is less than or equal to a predetermined determination value, the control device 78 may determine that the car is running stably and perform posture determination control.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the control device 78 can be connected to the navigation device 97, and the shape of the road on which the car is traveling is obtained based on the map information in the navigation device 97 and the position of the car, and whether the car is traveling stably is determined based on the shape of the road on which the car is traveling. For example, when the curvature of the road is less than or equal to a predetermined determination value, it can be determined that the car is traveling stably. In addition, the control device 78 can be connected to an external camera 98 configured to capture an image of the area in front of the car, and the shape of the road on which the car is traveling is obtained based on the image captured by the external camera 98, and whether the car is traveling stably is determined based on the shape of the road on which the car is traveling.

[0086] When the control device 78 determines that the car is running stably, the control device 78 may inquire of the occupant whether to perform posture determination control using voice from the speaker 93 or an image displayed on the display 94 .

[0087] The control device 78 may start the posture determination control based on a signal from the switch 99 operated by the occupant. Preferably, when the control device 78 receives the signal from the switch 99, the control device 78 determines that the car is running stably and starts the posture determination control. The switch 99 may be a mechanical switch provided in the car or on the seat 1, or a switch constructed on the display 94 or the touch panel display of the smartphone 101. The smartphone 101 is connected to the control device 78 to be able to communicate therewith.

[0088] like Figure 5As shown, the car is preferably provided with a tilt sensor 103 for detecting the tilt of the car and a temperature sensor 104 for detecting the temperature in the car cabin. The control device 78 is connected to the tilt sensor 103 and the temperature sensor 104. The control device 78 preferably corrects the internal pressure of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 based on at least one of the tilt of the car and the temperature in the car cabin. In addition, the control device 78 preferably corrects the posture of the occupant determined based on the internal pressure of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 based on at least one of the tilt of the car and the temperature in the car cabin. For example, preferably, the control device 78 sets a correction coefficient for each of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 based on the tilt of the car, and corrects the internal pressure value of each of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 by multiplying the measured internal pressure by each correction coefficient.

[0089] The control device 78 may correct the internal pressure of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 based on the vibration state of the vehicle. In addition, the control device 78 may correct the posture of the occupant determined based on the internal pressure of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 based on the vibration state of the vehicle. Preferably, the control device 78 acquires the vibration of the vehicle based on a signal from the acceleration sensor 96.

[0090] The control device 78 can set a correction coefficient for each of the multiple front fluid bags 61 based on at least one of the fore-aft acceleration, lateral acceleration and vertical acceleration, and correct the internal pressure value of each of the multiple front fluid bags 61 by multiplying the measured internal pressure by each correction coefficient.

[0091] The control device 78 may set a correction coefficient for each of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 based on the external air pressure, and correct the internal pressure of each of the plurality of front fluid bags 61 by multiplying the measured internal pressure by each correction coefficient. Preferably, the external air pressure is acquired by an external air pressure sensor.

[0092] When the car collides, it is preferred that the occupant can easily take a posture ready for collision. Therefore, it is preferred that the posture determination control and the posture correction process are stopped. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the control device 78 estimates the degree of danger of collision based on the image of the area in front of the car acquired by the external camera 98, and when the degree of danger of collision is greater than or equal to a predetermined determination value, the posture determination control and the posture correction process are stopped. Specifically, the control device 78 preferably places all the fluid control valves 73 in a released state to return all the fluid bags to the initial state.

[0093] In order to improve the accuracy of posture determination, instead of supplying fluid to all the front fluid bags 61 at the same time, the control device 78 may change the timing of supplying fluid to each front fluid bag 61. For example, the control device 78 may supply fluid to the plurality of front fluid bags 61 sequentially from the lower side. In the seat 1 according to the present embodiment, since the left and right rows of front fluid bags 61 are provided, the control device 78 preferably supplies fluid to the left and right rows of front fluid bags 61 sequentially from the lower side. The lower portion of the seat back 4 receives a greater pressure from the occupant than the upper portion. Therefore, by inflating each front fluid bag 61 starting from the front fluid bag provided on the lower side, the occupant's posture is stabilized. Thus, the control device 78 is able to appropriately determine the occupant's posture.

[0094] like Fig.11 As shown, the front member 32 may be arranged to be pivotable relative to the left and right seat cushion side members 31. The rear end of the front member 32 is supported by the left and right seat cushion side members 31 so as to be pivotable about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The front member 32 pivots between a low position in which the front member 32 extends parallel to the left and right seat cushion side members 31 and a high position in which the front end of the front member 32 is arranged above the front end of the left and right seat cushion side members 31.

[0095] The front portion of the front member 32 is connected to the left and right seat cushion side members via left and right connecting rods 130. One end of each connecting rod 130 is pivotally supported by the corresponding cushion side member. One connecting rod 130 is provided with a sector gear 131. The sector gear 131 meshes with a pinion gear 133 coupled to an output shaft of a front member actuator 132 for driving the front member 32. When the pinion gear 133 rotates due to the drive of the front member actuator 132, the connecting rod 130 pivots and the front member 32 pivots.

[0096] The seat cushion airbag 135 is provided on the upper surface of the front member 32. The seat cushion airbag 135 expands when the car collides, and causes the front part of the seat cushion 3 to protrude upward. Thus, the submarine phenomenon can be suppressed. The submarine phenomenon refers to the phenomenon that the occupant sitting on the seat 1 slides forward from under the seat belt 91 due to the frontal collision of the car. The seat cushion airbag 135 includes an airbag and an inflator for expanding the airbag.

[0097] The footrest 140 is pivotally supported at the front end of the front member 32 . The footrest 140 includes a footrest actuator, which is, for example, an electric motor. The footrest actuator is controlled by the control device 78 to change the angle of the footrest 140 relative to the front member 32 .

[0098] like Fig.12 As shown, the lower rail 11A may have a plurality of locking holes 145 arranged in the front-rear direction. Fig.13As shown, the upper rail 11B may include a screw shaft 121 pivotally supported and an electric motor 122 for rotating the screw shaft 121. The screw shaft 121 is engaged with some of the plurality of locking holes 145, and moves forward and backward relative to the locking holes 145 when rotated. That is, due to the rotation of the screw shaft 121, the upper rail 11B moves forward and backward relative to the lower rail 11A. The lower rail 11A may be, for example, a long rail greater than or equal to two meters, and may be used in common by the front and rear seats 1.

[0099] like Fig.14 As shown, the front surface of the seat back cushion 22 is preferably provided with a plurality of recesses 147 for respectively receiving the plurality of front fluid bags 61. When each front fluid bag 61 is in an initial state (contracted state), the front surface of each front fluid bag 61 is preferably arranged to be flush with the front surface of the seat back cushion 22. Fig.15 and 16 As shown, the upper surface of the seat cushion pad 16 may be provided with a plurality of recesses 148 for respectively receiving the plurality of upper fluid bags 63. When each upper fluid bag 63 is in an initial state (contracted state), the upper surface of each upper fluid bag 63 is preferably arranged to be flush with the upper surface of the seat cushion pad 16.

[0100] like Fig.14 and 15 As shown, the upper surface of the seat cushion pad 16 and the front surface of the seat back pad 22 are preferably provided with a plurality of vibrators 150. The plurality of vibrators 150 are preferably arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of vibrators 150 are preferably provided on, for example, the front center portion, the front left portion, the front right portion, the rear center portion, the rear left portion and the rear right portion of the upper surface of the seat cushion pad 16. The plurality of vibrators 150 are preferably provided in a position that does not overlap with the plurality of upper fluid bags 63. In addition, the upper surface of the seat cushion pad 16 is preferably provided with at least one seating sensor 151. The seating sensor 151 is, for example, a membrane switch, and receives a load from the occupant and outputs a signal to the control device 78.

[0101] The plurality of vibrators 150 are preferably provided on, for example, the upper center portion, the upper left portion, the upper right portion, the center portion, the lower center portion, the lower left portion, and the lower right portion of the front surface of the seat back pad 22. In addition, a plurality of vent holes 152 are opened in the front surface of the seat back pad 22. The plurality of vent holes 152 are connected to the blower 57 via the air pipe 81.

[0102] The upper surface of the seat cushion pad 16 and the front surface of the seat back pad 22 are preferably provided with a plurality of recesses for respectively receiving the plurality of vibrators 150. The plurality of vibrators 150 are preferably configured to provide notifications or warnings to the occupants, or to link to music in the car.

[0103] like Fig.17 As shown, the table 160 is displaceably supported on the armrest 88 of the seat 1. The table 160 is displaceable between a storage state and a use state. In the storage state, the table 160 preferably extends downward from the armrest 88. In the use state, the table 160 extends from the armrest 88 to above the seat cushion 3 so that its surface faces upward and downward. The armrest 88 is provided with a table actuator 161 for driving the table 160 between the storage position and the use position.

[0104] The reclining device 24 includes an actuator, and changes the angle of the seat back 4 relative to the seat cushion 3 , that is, the reclining angle.

[0105] like Fig.17 As shown, a rotating device 164 for supporting the seat cushion 3 to be rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the lifting device 12 is provided between the lifting device 12 and the seat cushion 3. The rotating device 164 includes a lower plate coupled to the upper portion of the lifting device 12, an upper plate supported by the lower plate to be rotatable about a vertical axis, and an actuator for rotating the upper plate relative to the lower plate. The upper plate is coupled to the seat cushion 3. The rotating device 164 may be provided between the lifting device 12 and the left and right upper rails 11B. In this case, a base plate is coupled to the left and right upper rails 11B, and an upper plate is coupled to the lower portion of the lifting device 12.

[0106] The control device 78 is connected to the lifting device 12, the front member 32 (front member actuator 132), the footrest 140, the tilting device 24, the table 160 (table actuator 161), the plurality of vibrators 150 and the rotating device 164, and controls them. The control device 78 can control them independently or can control them in a collaborative manner. For example, preferably, the control device 78 controls the lifting device 12 to lower the height of the seat cushion 3, and at the same time controls the front member 32 (front member actuator 132) to move the front member 32 to a high position, and also controls the footrest 140 to pivot the footrest 140 forward. In addition, at the same time, the control device 78 can control the tilting device 24 to tilt the seat back 4 backward.

[0107] By controlling the fluid supply source 62 and the plurality of fluid control valves 73, the control device 78 inflates and deflates the plurality of front fluid bags 61, the plurality of upper fluid bags 63, the plurality of rear fluid bags 65, the plurality of middle fluid bags 68, the left and right shoulder fluid bags 71, and the left and right side fluid bags 86. The control device 78 controls the fluid supply source 62 and the plurality of fluid control valves 73 according to a massage control for massaging an occupant, a correction control for correcting the posture of an occupant, and a posture determination control for determining the posture of an occupant. In the massage control, each fluid bag is repeatedly inflated and deflated to massage the occupant. In the correction control, by inflating a predetermined fluid bag, the shape of the seat cushion 3 and the seat back 4 is changed, and the posture of the occupant seated on the seat 1 is corrected.

[0108] It is preferred that the massage control, correction control, and posture determination control are executed at appropriate timing. Therefore, the control device 78 preferably executes or prohibits the massage control, correction control, and posture determination control based on the environmental state. According to this aspect, the massage control, correction control, and posture determination control are prevented from being executed in an inappropriate environment.

[0109] Here, the environmental state refers to the state of the surrounding environment that can affect the occupant, and includes at least one of, for example, the state of the car (vehicle), the environmental state inside the car, the environmental state outside the car, the state of the occupant, and the state of the seat 1.

[0110] The state of the car includes whether the car is in a driving state, a stopped state, a parking state, and a charging state, the front and rear speed, the lateral speed, the front and rear acceleration, the lateral acceleration, and the vertical acceleration of the car. Preferably, the determination of the driving state, the stopped state, or the parking state of the car is performed based on the vehicle speed and the gear position. Preferably, the determination of the charging state is performed based on the connection state of the charging plug or the current flowing to the battery. The charging state includes a state in which a battery replacement work is being performed. In this case, preferably, whether the battery replacement work is being performed can be determined based on the connection state of the battery.

[0111] The environmental status inside the car includes the number of passengers, the conversation status between passengers, the use status of the audio system, the use status of the TV, the operation status of the air conditioner, the temperature inside the car, the humidity inside the car, etc. Preferably, the number of passengers is determined based on the image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 157. Preferably, the conversation status between passengers is acquired using a microphone. The air conditioner includes an air conditioner and a blower 57 provided in the car.

[0112] The state of the occupant includes the fatigue level, alertness level, health condition, posture, etc. of the occupant. Preferably, the fatigue level, alertness level, health condition, and posture of the occupant are acquired based on an image of the occupant captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 157. The health condition of the occupant may be acquired based on a vital sensor such as a heart rate sensor. In addition, the posture is preferably acquired through the above-mentioned posture determination control.

[0113] The state of the seat 1 includes the tilt angle, the height of the lifting device 12 , the height of the front member 32 , the footrest angle, the front and rear position of the seat 1 , etc. These are preferably acquired by various sensors provided in the seat 1 .

[0114] The control device 78 preferably performs posture determination control and correction control or enables posture determination control and correction control to be performed when the driving state of the car is stable. Here, when the driving state of the car is stable is preferably, for example, when traveling at a constant speed, when the vehicle speed variation is small, or when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, less than or equal to 50 km / h). According to this aspect, the accuracy of posture determination control is improved. In addition, the effect of correction control can be effectively applied to the occupant.

[0115] The control device 78 preferably limits or prohibits the posture determination control and the correction control when the driving state of the car is unstable (when unstable). Here, when the driving state of the car is unstable is preferably when the absolute values ​​of the front and rear acceleration and the lateral acceleration are greater than or equal to the respective determination values, when the vehicle speed is higher than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, higher than or equal to 60 km / h), etc. Here, limiting the posture determination control and the correction control includes reducing the number of controls or reducing the operation amount of each fluid bag. According to this aspect, it is possible to limit or prohibit the posture determination control when the state is not suitable for the posture determination control. In addition, it is possible to limit or prohibit the correction control when the state is not suitable for the correction control.

[0116] Preferably, the control device 78 performs posture determination control or correction control when the vehicle speed is low (e.g., less than 30 km / h), limits posture determination control and correction control when the vehicle speed is medium (e.g., greater than or equal to 30 km / h and less than 60 km / h), and prohibits posture determination control and correction control when the vehicle speed is high (e.g., greater than or equal to 60 km / h).

[0117] The control device 78 preferably performs posture determination control and correction control or enables posture determination control and correction control to be performed when the automobile is in a stopped state or a parked state. According to this aspect, the accuracy of posture determination control is improved. In addition, the effect of correction control can be effectively applied to the occupant.

[0118] The control device 78 preferably limits or prohibits massage control, posture determination control, and correction control when the car is moving backward. In addition, the control device 78 preferably limits or prohibits posture determination control and correction control when the car is moving backward. Preferably, it is determined whether the car is moving backward, for example, based on the gear position.

[0119] The control device 78 preferably performs posture determination control or correction control or enables posture determination control or correction control to be performed when the car is in a charging state. According to this aspect, the accuracy of posture determination control is improved. In addition, the effect of correction control can be effectively applied to the occupant. The control device 78 can limit or prohibit posture determination control or correction control based on the remaining power of the battery. When the remaining power of the battery is less than a predetermined amount (for example, when the SOC is less than 20%), the control device 78 can limit or prohibit posture determination control or correction control.

[0120] The control device 78 preferably executes or enables the posture determination control or correction control when the number of occupants in the car is one. The control device 78 may limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control when the number of occupants in the car is plural.

[0121] When a conversation between passengers in the car is detected, when the audio system is used, or when the TV is used, the control device 78 can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control. Therefore, the passengers can easily concentrate on the conversation, music, TV, etc. When the conversation between passengers in the car is detected to end, the use of the audio system is detected to end, and the use of the TV is detected to end, the control device 78 can execute the posture determination control or correction control or enable the posture determination control or correction control to be executed.

[0122] When the operating state of the air conditioner (particularly, the operation start of the air conditioner) is detected, the control device 78 can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or the correction control. Thus, it becomes possible to suppress the posture determination control or the correction control in an uncomfortable temperature environment.

[0123] The control device 78 may perform posture determination control or correction control or enable posture determination control or correction control to be performed when it detects that the operation of the air conditioner has started and then detects that the temperature in the vehicle cabin has reached the set temperature (target temperature) of the air conditioner. In addition, the control device 78 may perform posture determination control or correction control or enable posture determination control or correction control to be performed when it detects that the operation of the air conditioner has started and then a predetermined time has passed.

[0124] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control when the temperature inside the car is higher than or equal to a predetermined value. The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control when the humidity inside the car is higher than or equal to a predetermined value. Thus, it becomes possible to suppress the posture determination control or correction control in an uncomfortable temperature environment.

[0125] The control device 78 may limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control when the fatigue level of the occupant is higher than or equal to a predetermined value. The control device 78 may limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control when the alertness level of the occupant is lower than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0126] The control device 78 may limit or prohibit posture determination control or correction control when it detects that the health condition of the occupant is abnormal. For example, the control device 78 may limit or prohibit posture determination control or correction control when the heart rate of the occupant is higher than or equal to a predetermined value. The control device 78 may limit or prohibit posture determination control or correction control based on the brain waves of the occupant. The control device 78 may limit or prohibit posture determination control or correction control when it detects that the brain waves of the occupant are abnormal.

[0127] The control device 78 may limit or prohibit the posture determination control or the correction control when it detects that the posture of the occupant is in an inappropriate state. Here, the inappropriate state of the occupant's posture includes a state in which the occupant's posture is hunched, lordotic, or lateral tilted, a state in which the seated position is not in an appropriate position, etc. In addition, the control device 78 may limit or prohibit the posture determination control or the correction control when it detects that the posture of the occupant is not a driving posture.

[0128] The control device 78 may perform posture determination control or correction control or enable posture determination control or correction control to be performed when it detects that the state of the seat 1 is the driving state. Here, the state of the seat 1 being the driving state means that the seat 1 is in a state suitable for driving a car. It is preferably determined whether the seat 1 is in the driving state based on the tilt angle and the angle of the footrest 140. The control device 78 may limit or prohibit posture determination control or correction control based on the operating state of the footrest 140 (footrest angle).

[0129] The control device 78 may limit or prohibit the posture determination control or the correction control when it detects that the state of the seat 1 is not the driving state.

[0130] The control device 78 may limit or prohibit the posture determination control or the correction control when it detects that the seat 1 is in a state of rotation about a vertical axis. The state of rotation of the seat 1 about a vertical axis refers to a state in which the seat 1 is rotated from an initial position. The initial position of the seat 1 refers to a state in which the seat 1 faces forward.

[0131] When the car is driving autonomously, the control device 78 can perform posture determination control or correction control or enable posture determination control or correction control to be performed regardless of whether the seat 1 is in a state of rotation around the vertical axis. Thus, posture detection and posture correction can be performed without affecting driving.

[0132] The control device 78 can change the occupant posture detection method or the occupant posture correction method (correction method) based on the driving state of the automobile (vehicle speed, vehicle speed fluctuation, etc.).

[0133] The control device 78 may limit or prohibit the posture determination control or the correction control when the driving state of the vehicle is not in cruise control.

[0134] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control when the amplitude of the occupant's behavior is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (when the shaking of the car or the shaking of the occupant is much greater than usual). Here, the occupant's behavior is preferably determined based on the front and rear acceleration, lateral acceleration and vertical acceleration of the car.

[0135] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control based on the level (curvature) of the curve of the road on which the car is traveling and the continuous distance (time) of the curve. Preferably, the level of the curve of the road and the continuous distance of the curve are acquired from the map information.

[0136] The control device 78 can predict the lateral acceleration of the car based on the map information, and can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control based on the lateral acceleration. The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control based on the road surface condition. Preferably, the road surface condition is determined based on the road surface image acquired by the external camera 98. Thereby, the posture determination control and correction control when the road surface is in an inappropriate state are suppressed.

[0137] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or the correction control when the car is overtaking the car in front. Preferably, whether the car is overtaking the car in front is determined based on the vehicle speed and the operating state of the turn signal lamp, for example. Thus, when the driving state is unstable, the posture determination control and the correction control are suppressed.

[0138] The control device 78 may stop the correction control or reduce the actuation amount in the correction control when the driving time is longer than a predetermined value (e.g., two hours). In addition, the control device 78 may perform posture determination control when the driving time becomes longer than a predetermined value, and may perform correction control based on the result thereof.

[0139] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the correction control based on the road surface conditions or weather. Here, the road surface conditions include unevenness of the road surface, the presence of snow or ice, etc. The weather includes heavy rain, strong wind, snow, etc.

[0140] The control device 78 may execute or enable the posture determination control or correction control when the battery is being charged or the battery is being replaced. Thus, it is possible to execute the posture determination control or correction control by utilizing the time during charging or battery replacement. In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit the posture determination control or correction control when the battery is being charged or the battery is being replaced.

[0141] The control device 78 can perform posture determination control or correction control when the battery is being charged or the battery is being replaced, and thereafter, when the occupant performs exercise or exercise in the car cabin, a score can be given based on the amount of exercise. Preferably, the score can be used to pay for the cost of charging or replacing the battery, etc. Preferably, the movement or exercise of the occupant and the amount of exercise are determined based on the image acquired by the on-board camera 157. In addition, the movement or exercise can be performed by using an application for promoting exercise on the seat 1. In this case, it is preferably determined based on the use of the application whether there is exercise, etc. Thereby, the execution of the posture determination control or correction control is promoted.

[0142] When it is detected that the occupant is exercising while sitting on the seat 1, the control device 78 preferably performs massage control, posture determination control, or correction control after the exercise is finished. A car provided with a car cockpit in which the amount of exercise can be measured or a car cockpit in which a game can be played can be configured to be able to transmit the acquired score to another car. The acquired score can be convertible into a score of other games.

[0143] The control device 78 can change the posture detection method based on the vibration amount of the car. The control device 78 can correct the determination result in the posture determination control based on the vibration amount of the car, or can correct the correction amount in the correction control based on the vibration amount of the car. The larger the vibration amount, the more the discomfort of the occupant is suppressed by limiting or reducing the correction amount. The control device 78 preferably changes the posture detection method based on the front and rear acceleration, lateral acceleration, and vertical acceleration generated in the car. The control device 78 can limit the correction amount during turning to suppress the discomfort of the occupant compared to when the car is traveling in a straight line. In addition, the control device 78 can change the posture detection method based on the road conditions. For example, when the car is traveling on a rough road, the correction amount can be limited compared to when the car is traveling on a normal road.

[0144] The control device 78 may perform or enable massage control, posture determination control or correction control when the seat 1 is in the forwardmost position relative to the floor 2 or when the seat 1 is in the rearwardmost position relative to the floor 2 .

[0145] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit massage control, posture determination control or correction control when the seat 1 is moving. The movement of the seat 1 includes movement in the front-rear direction, movement in the left-right direction, and rotation around the vertical axis. As a result, the posture determination control and correction control when the seat 1 is in an unstable state are suppressed, and the determination accuracy and correction effect of the posture determination control are suppressed. In another embodiment, the control device 78 can perform massage control, posture determination control or correction control when the seat 1 is moving, or enable massage control, posture determination control or correction control to be performed.

[0146] In the case where a plurality of seats 1 are arranged on the common lower rail 11A, there is a high possibility that the movement time of the seat 1 becomes longer than usual. Therefore, the control device 78 can perform massage control, posture determination control or correction control by using the movement time of the seat 1, or enable massage control, posture determination control or correction control to be performed.

[0147] The control device 78 can perform massage control, posture determination control, or correction control according to a signal from the switch 99. In addition, the control device 78 can limit or prohibit massage control, posture determination control, or correction control based on the signal from the switch 99. The switch 99 is preferably an operation priority switch, an operation limit switch, an operation prohibition switch, or the like.

[0148] The control device 78 may execute or prohibit massage control, posture determination control, or correction control based on the machine learning model. In addition, the control device 78 may limit or prohibit massage control, posture determination control, or correction control based on the machine learning model. The machine learning model preferably determines the execution or prohibition of massage control, posture determination control, or correction control based on the environment that may affect the occupant. The environment that may affect the occupants (occupant environment) includes the state of the vehicle (driving state, stopped state, parked state, backward moving state), the environment inside the vehicle (the number of occupants, the conversation state between occupants, the state of music being played, the state of the TV being turned on, the operating state of the air conditioner, the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle, etc.), the state of the occupants (fatigue level, alertness level, health status, brain wave state, posture, etc.), the state of seat 1 (driving posture, relaxed posture with the seat back 4 tilted backward, resting or napping state with the seat back 4 tilted close to horizontal, state of seat 1 being rotated, etc.), the charging state of the vehicle (the battery is being charged or replaced while the vehicle is parked), the road condition (uneven road surface, snowy roads, etc.), the weather (heavy rain, strong wind, snow), and the state of the vehicle overtaking the vehicle in front (when the turn indicator is operated).

[0149] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit massage control, posture determination control, or correction control when operating the navigation device 97. The operation of the navigation device 97 includes, for example, setting a destination, etc. Thus, the occupant can easily concentrate on the operation of the navigation device.

[0150] The control device 78 may limit or prohibit the massage control, the posture determination control, or the correction control when the car has arrived at the destination set in the navigation device 97 or when the time until reaching the destination is less than a predetermined time.

[0151] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the massage control, posture determination control or correction control when detecting that the vehicle is stopped at a red light. Thus, when the vehicle is restarted, adverse effects on passengers including the driver can be suppressed.

[0152] The control device 78 may execute the massage control, the posture determination control, or the correction control, or enable the massage control, the posture determination control, or the correction control to be executed when it determines that the traffic light waiting time is longer than the time required to execute the posture determination control.

[0153] The control device 78 can perform massage control, posture determination control or correction control when the car is stopped or idling, or enable massage control, posture determination control or correction control to be performed. Since the posture determination control is performed in a state where the vibration of the car is small, the posture determination accuracy is improved.

[0154] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the massage control, the posture determination control or the correction control when the shift operation of the transmission is performed. Since the posture determination control is performed to avoid the vibration generated by the shift operation, the posture determination accuracy can be improved.

[0155] The control device 78 can perform massage control, posture determination control, or correction control when the head of the occupant is in contact with the headrest 5, or enable massage control, posture determination control, or correction control to be performed. The control device 78 preferably determines whether the head of the occupant is in contact with the headrest 5 based on a signal from a pressure sensor provided in the headrest 5. Thereby, the posture determination accuracy is improved. Moreover, the posture correction accuracy is improved. In addition, appropriate massage becomes possible.

[0156] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit massage control, posture determination control or correction control when the seat back 4 is tilted more backward than the normal position suitable for driving and the head of the occupant is in contact with the headrest 5. Thus, the execution of posture determination, posture correction, and massage in an inappropriate posture is suppressed, and the discomfort of the occupant is reduced.

[0157] The control device 78 can perform massage control, posture determination control or correction control, or enable massage control, posture determination control or correction control to be performed when the seat back 4 is in a normal position suitable for driving and the occupant's head is in contact with the headrest 5. Thereby, the posture determination accuracy is improved. Moreover, the posture correction accuracy is improved. In addition, appropriate massage becomes possible.

[0158] The control device 78 can perform massage control, posture determination control or correction control when the car is in autonomous driving mode, or enable massage control, posture determination control or correction control to be performed. Thereby, the execution of posture determination, posture correction, massage is possible without affecting driving. The control device 78 preferably obtains information about the state of the car from the control device 78 of the car.

[0159] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the massage control, posture determination control or correction control when the car is in a transition state from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode. Thus, the driver's occupant can prepare for manual driving.

[0160] The control device 78 may execute the massage control, the posture determination control, or the correction control, or enable the massage control, the posture determination control, or the correction control to be executed when the duration of the transition state is longer than the time required to execute the posture determination control.

[0161] The control device 78 can notify when the car starts autonomous driving to recommend massage control, posture determination control or correction control. Thus, it is possible to provide posture correction or massage to the driver during autonomous driving.

[0162] The control device 78 may limit or prohibit the massage control, the posture determination control, or the correction control when the car is traveling on a highway. The control device 78 preferably determines whether the car is traveling on a highway based on the position of the own car and map information. Thus, the occupant can concentrate on driving on a highway that requires more attention than ordinary roads.

[0163] The control device 78 can perform massage control, posture determination control or correction control when the car is traveling on a highway, or enable massage control, posture determination control or correction control to be performed. Thus, posture determination, posture correction and massage are possible when the car is traveling steadily.

[0164] The control device 78 may perform massage control, posture determination control, or correction control, or enable massage control, posture determination control, or correction control to be performed when the automobile performs vehicle following control to follow the preceding vehicle. The control device 78 preferably acquires information about whether the automobile is performing vehicle following control from the driving control device 170 of the automobile. Thus, execution of posture determination, posture correction, and massage becomes possible during vehicle following driving with a reduced driving burden.

[0165] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the massage control, the posture determination control, or the correction control when the car is performing the vehicle following control to follow the vehicle ahead. Thus, the driver can concentrate on the vehicle ahead.

[0166] The control device 78 may perform massage control, posture determination control, or correction control, or enable massage control, posture determination control, or correction control to be performed when the automobile is performing lane keeping control. Lane keeping control refers to control for making the automobile travel along a lane. The control device 78 preferably acquires information about whether the automobile is performing lane keeping control from the travel control device 170 of the automobile. Thus, during the execution of lane keeping control with reduced driving burden, execution of posture determination, posture correction, and massage becomes possible.

[0167] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the massage control, posture determination control or correction control when the vehicle is performing lane keeping control, thereby allowing the driver to concentrate on driving.

[0168] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the massage control, posture determination control or correction control when the car is switching from the highway to the ordinary road. Thus, the driver can concentrate on driving. The control device 78 preferably determines whether the car is switching from the highway to the ordinary road based on the position of the car and map information.

[0169] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit massage control, posture determination control, or correction control when an abnormality is detected in at least one of the vehicle, the occupant, the seat 1, and the equipment related to the seat 1. The equipment related to the seat 1 includes the heater 82, the blower 57 (air blower), the seating sensor 151, the side airbag 90, the vibrator 150, the speaker 93, the display 94, etc.

[0170] Regarding the seat 1 , an optimum combination of the occupant posture determination control, the occupant posture correction control, the massage control, and the heater control is required.

[0171] When the posture determination control is performed, the control device 78 preferably activates the heater 82 to increase the temperature of the predetermined part. In another embodiment, the control device 78 preferably stops the heater 82 when the posture determination control is performed. In addition, the control device 78 preferably prohibits the activation of the heater 82 when the posture determination control is performed. In addition, the control device 78 may put the heater 82 in the restriction mode when the posture determination control is performed. In the restriction mode, the output of the heater 82 is suppressed compared to the normal mode. That is, the amount of current flowing through the heater 82 is suppressed.

[0172] The control device 78 preferably activates the heater 82 to increase the temperature of the predetermined part when the massage control is performed. In another embodiment, the control device 78 preferably stops the heater 82 when the massage control is performed. In addition, the control device 78 preferably prohibits the activation of the heater 82 when the massage control is performed. In addition, when the massage control is performed, the control device 78 can put the heater 82 in a restriction mode.

[0173] The control device 78 preferably activates the heater 82 to raise the temperature of the predetermined portion when performing the correction control. In another embodiment, the control device 78 preferably stops the heater 82 when performing the correction control. In addition, the control device 78 preferably prohibits activation of the heater 82 when performing the correction control. In addition, the control device 78 may place the heater 82 in a restriction mode when performing the correction control.

[0174] The control device 78 preferably starts the blower 57 to send air to a predetermined part when the posture determination control is performed. In another embodiment, the control device 78 preferably stops the blower 57 when the posture determination control is performed. In addition, the control device 78 preferably prohibits the start of the blower 57 when the posture determination control is performed. In addition, the control device 78 may put the blower 57 in a restriction mode when the posture determination control is performed. In the restriction mode, the output of the blower 57 is suppressed compared to the normal mode. That is, the amount of current flowing through the blower 57 is suppressed.

[0175] The control device 78 preferably starts the blower 57 to send air to a predetermined part when the massage control is performed. In another embodiment, the control device 78 preferably stops the blower 57 when the massage control is performed. In addition, the control device 78 preferably prohibits the start of the blower 57 when the massage control is performed. In addition, the control device 78 may put the blower 57 in a restriction mode when the massage control is performed. In the restriction mode, the output of the blower 57 is suppressed compared to the normal mode. That is, the amount of current flowing through the blower 57 is suppressed.

[0176] The control device 78 preferably starts the blower 57 to send air to a predetermined part when performing the correction control. In another embodiment, the control device 78 preferably stops the blower 57 when performing the correction control. In addition, the control device 78 preferably prohibits the start of the blower 57 when performing the correction control. In addition, the control device 78 may put the blower 57 in the restriction mode when performing the correction control. In the restriction mode, the output of the blower 57 is suppressed compared to the normal mode. That is, the amount of current flowing through the blower 57 is suppressed.

[0177] The control device 78 preferably starts the slide rail 11 to move the seat 1 relative to the floor 2 when the posture determination control is performed. In another embodiment, the control device 78 preferably stops the slide rail 11 when the posture determination control is performed. That is, the control device 78 preferably prevents the upper rail 11B from moving relative to the lower rail 11A. In addition, the control device 78 may put the slide rail 11 in a restricted mode when the posture determination control is performed. In the restricted mode, the moving speed of the slide rail 11 is suppressed compared to the normal mode.

[0178] The control device 78 preferably starts the slide rail 11 to move the seat 1 relative to the floor 2 when the massage control is performed. In another embodiment, the control device 78 preferably stops the slide rail 11 when the massage control is performed. That is, the control device 78 preferably prevents the upper rail 11B from moving relative to the lower rail 11A. In addition, the control device 78 may put the slide rail 11 in the restriction mode when the massage control is performed. In the restriction mode, the moving speed of the slide rail 11 is suppressed compared to the normal mode.

[0179] The control device 78 preferably starts the slide rail 11 to move the seat 1 relative to the floor 2 when performing the correction control. In another embodiment, the control device 78 preferably stops the slide rail 11 when performing the correction control. That is, the control device 78 preferably prevents the upper rail 11B from moving relative to the lower rail 11A. In addition, the control device 78 can put the slide rail 11 in the restriction mode when performing the correction control. In the restriction mode, the moving speed of the slide rail 11 is suppressed compared to the normal mode.

[0180] The control device 78 may activate a predetermined vibrator 150 when performing posture determination control. Thus, a predetermined part of the occupant is stimulated by the vibrator 150. In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit activation of the vibrator 150 when performing posture determination control. The control device 78 may place the vibrator 150 in a restricted mode when performing posture determination control. In the restricted mode, the output of the vibrator 150 is suppressed compared to the normal mode. The output of the vibrator 150 may be suppressed by reducing the amplitude, reducing the frequency, or shortening the vibration time.

[0181] The control device 78 may activate a predetermined vibrator 150 when performing massage control. Thus, a predetermined part of the occupant is stimulated by the vibrator 150. In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit activation of the vibrator 150 when performing massage control. The control device 78 may place the vibrator 150 in a restricted mode when performing massage control.

[0182] The control device 78 may activate a predetermined vibrator 150 when performing the correction control. Thus, a predetermined part of the occupant is stimulated by the vibrator 150. In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit activation of the vibrator 150 when performing the correction control. The control device 78 may place the vibrator 150 in a restricted mode when performing the correction control.

[0183] The control device 78 may actuate at least one of the armrest 88 and the table 160 when performing posture determination control. The control device 78 may move the armrest 88 to the use position when performing posture determination control. In addition, the control device 78 may move the table 160 to the use position when performing posture determination control. In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit actuation of the armrest 88 and the table 160 when performing posture determination control. In addition, the control device 78 may move the armrest 88 and the table 160 to the storage position when performing posture determination control. The control device 78 may place the armrest 88 and the table 160 in a restricted mode when performing posture determination control. In the restricted mode, the movement speed of the armrest 88 and the table 160 is suppressed compared to the normal mode.

[0184] The control device 78 may actuate at least one of the armrest 88 and the table 160 when performing massage control. The control device 78 may move the armrest 88 to the use position when performing massage control. In addition, the control device 78 may move the table 160 to the use position when performing massage control. In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit actuation of the armrest 88 and the table 160 when performing massage control. In addition, the control device 78 may move the armrest 88 and the table 160 to the storage position when performing massage control. The control device 78 may place the armrest 88 and the table 160 in a restriction mode when performing massage control. In the restriction mode, the movement speed of the armrest 88 and the table 160 is suppressed compared to the normal mode.

[0185] The control device 78 may actuate at least one of the armrest 88 and the table 160 when performing the correction control. The control device 78 may move the armrest 88 to the use position when performing the correction control. In addition, the control device 78 may move the table 160 to the use position when performing the correction control. In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit the actuation of the armrest 88 and the table 160 when performing the correction control. In addition, the control device 78 may move the armrest 88 and the table 160 to the storage position when performing the correction control. The control device 78 may place the armrest 88 and the table 160 in the restriction mode when performing the correction control. In the restriction mode, the movement speed of the armrest 88 and the table 160 is suppressed compared to the normal mode.

[0186] The control device 78 may actuate at least one of the reclining device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71, and the side fluid bag 86 when performing the posture determination control. In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit actuation of at least one of the reclining device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71, and the side fluid bag 86 when performing the posture determination control. In addition, the control device 78 may place at least one of the reclining device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71, and the side fluid bag 86 in a restriction mode when performing the posture determination control. In the restriction mode, the actuation amount is suppressed compared to the normal mode.

[0187] The control device 78 may actuate at least one of the reclining device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71, and the side fluid bag 86 when performing massage control. In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit actuation of at least one of the reclining device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71, and the side fluid bag 86 when performing massage control. In addition, the control device 78 may place at least one of the reclining device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71, and the side fluid bag 86 in a restriction mode when performing massage control. In the restriction mode, the actuation amount is suppressed compared to the normal mode.

[0188] The control device 78 may actuate at least one of the reclining device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71, and the side fluid bag 86 when performing the correction control. In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit actuation of at least one of the reclining device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71, and the side fluid bag 86 when performing the correction control. In addition, the control device 78 may place at least one of the reclining device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71, and the side fluid bag 86 in the restriction mode when performing the correction control. In the restriction mode, the actuation amount is suppressed compared to the normal mode.

[0189] The control device 78 preferably prohibits the posture determination control when the side air bag 90 is activated. The control device 78 preferably activates the side air bag 90 when, for example, the front-rear acceleration is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The activation of the side air bag 90 may be controlled by another control device 78 independent of the control device 78. In this case, the control device 78 preferably prohibits the posture determination control when the front-rear acceleration is greater than or equal to the value at which the side air bag 90 is activated.

[0190] The control device 78 preferably prohibits the massage control when the side air bag 90 is activated. The control device 78 may prohibit the massage control when the front-rear acceleration is greater than or equal to the value at which the side air bag 90 is activated.

[0191] The control device 78 preferably prohibits the corrective control when the side air bag 90 is activated. The control device 78 may prohibit the corrective control when the fore-aft acceleration is greater than or equal to the value at which the side air bag 90 is activated.

[0192] The control device 78 can perform posture determination control, correction control or massage control when the occupant is in contact with the steering device, or enable posture determination control, correction control or massage control to be performed. The steering device includes a steering wheel, a joystick, etc. The steering device is preferably provided with a sensor for detecting the contact of the occupant, such as a capacitive sensor or a pressure sensor. In addition, the control device 78 can determine whether the occupant is in contact with the steering device based on the image of the occupant acquired by the vehicle-mounted camera 157. The state in which the occupant is in contact with the steering device includes the state in which the occupant touches the steering device and the state in which the occupant grasps the steering device. As a result, posture determination, posture correction or massage of the occupant during driving becomes possible. When the occupant is in contact with the steering device, the position of the occupant is stable, and therefore, posture determination, posture correction or massage can be appropriately performed.

[0193] The control device 78 may prohibit or restrict the posture determination control, correction control, or massage control when the occupant is in contact with the steering device. Thus, the posture determination, posture correction, or massage of the occupant during driving can be suppressed.

[0194] The control device 78 may perform posture determination control, correction control, or massage control, or enable posture determination control, correction control, or massage control when the occupant is in contact with the steering device and the car is stopped. In addition, the control device 78 may prohibit or inhibit posture determination control, correction control, or massage control when the occupant is in contact with the steering device and the car is stopped. The control device 78 preferably determines that the car is stopped when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0195] The control device 78 may perform posture determination control, correction control or massage control, or enable posture determination control, correction control or massage control to be performed when the occupant is in a specific activity state. In addition, the control device 78 may prohibit or inhibit posture determination control, correction control or massage control when the occupant is in a specific activity state. The specific activity state includes, for example, an eating / drinking state in which the occupant is eating / drinking, a learning state in which the occupant is learning, a business state in which the occupant is working, a reading state in which the occupant is reading, an information terminal use state in which the occupant is using an information terminal such as a smart phone, etc. The control device 78 preferably determines whether the occupant is in a specific activity state based on an image of the occupant acquired by the vehicle-mounted camera 157. In addition, the control device 78 preferably determines whether the occupant is in a specific activity state based on the position of the table 160, a signal from a switch 99 operated by the occupant, etc.

[0196] The control device 78 may perform posture determination control, correction control or massage control or enable posture determination control, correction control or massage control to be performed when the occupant is in an eating / drinking state. The control device 78 preferably determines whether the occupant is in an eating / drinking state based on an image of the occupant acquired by the vehicle-mounted camera 157, for example. In addition, the control device 78 may determine that the occupant is in an eating / drinking state when the table 160 is in a use position. In addition, the control device 78 may determine that the occupant is in an eating / drinking state based on a signal from a switch 99 operated by the occupant. The control device 78 may perform posture determination control, correction control or massage control or enable posture determination control, correction control or massage control to be performed when the occupant is in an eating / drinking state and the car is stopped.

[0197] In another embodiment, the control device 78 may prohibit or inhibit the posture determination control, correction control, or massage control when the occupant is in an eating / drinking state. In addition, the control device 78 may prohibit or inhibit the posture determination control, correction control, or massage control when the occupant is in an eating / drinking state and the car is stopped. In addition, the control device 78 may prohibit or inhibit the posture determination control, correction control, or massage control before a predetermined time period (e.g., 20 minutes) has passed after the occupant's eating / drinking state is completed.

[0198] In another embodiment, a plurality of pressure sensors may be provided in appropriate positions on the seat cushion and the seat back 4, and the control device 78 may determine the posture of the occupant based on the pressure distribution detected by the plurality of pressure sensors. In addition, the control device 78 may determine the posture of the occupant based on an image of the occupant acquired by the vehicle-mounted camera 57.

[0199] The control device 78 preferably prohibits or stops the posture determination control and the correction control when it determines that the upper body of the occupant is tilted in the left-right direction by a predetermined degree or more based on the front image of the occupant in the seated state acquired by the onboard camera 157. The control device 78 preferably inflates the side fluid bag 86 or the shoulder fluid bag 71 on the same side as the upper body of the occupant is tilted when it determines that the upper body of the occupant is tilted in the left-right direction by a predetermined degree or more based on the front image of the occupant in the seated state acquired by the onboard camera 157. Thereby, the upper body of the occupant is guided toward the center in the left-right direction.

[0200] The control device 78 may perform correction control after the occupant exercises. For example, in the case where the control device 78 has an exercise application for promoting the body movement of the occupant, the control device 78 may perform correction control after executing the exercise application. The exercise application causes the display 94 to display, for example, commands related to body movement. The occupant preferably moves the body according to the commands. The body movement of the occupant is preferably detected by a pressure sensor provided on the seat 1 or the vehicle-mounted camera 157.

[0201] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control based on the remaining power of the battery. At this time, the control device 78 can enable at least one of the reclining device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71 and the side fluid bag 86 to be actuated.

[0202] The control device 78 can limit or prohibit the posture determination control or correction control during the charging of the battery. At this time, the control device 78 can enable at least one of the tilt device 24, the lifting device 12, the footrest 140, the front member 32, the shoulder fluid bag 71 and the side fluid bag 86 to be actuated.

[0203] Although specific embodiments have been described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways without being limited to the above-described embodiments. The seat 1 can be used for applications other than vehicles, and can be applied to a sofa bed and a recliner. Reference numerals list

[0204] 1: Seat 3: Seat cushion 4: Seat back 21: Seat back frame 22: Seat back pad 41: Seat back side member 42: Upper component 43: Lower component 45: Horizontal component 48: Line 51: Waist pressure receiving part 52: Shoulder pressure receiving part 56: Bracket 57: Blower 61: Front fluid bag 61A: Upper fluid bag 62: Fluid supply source 63: Upper fluid bag 65: Rear fluid pocket 65A: First rear fluid bag 65B: 2nd rear fluid pocket 65C: 3rd rear fluid pocket 66: Overlap 68: Intermediate fluid bag 71: Shoulder fluid pockets 73: Fluid control valve 75: First internal pressure sensor 76: Second internal pressure sensor 78: Control Device 86: Side fluid pockets

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, comprising a seat cushion and a seat back, The seat back comprises: Seat back frame; a lumbar pressure receiving portion provided on the seat back frame to support the lumbar of an occupant; left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions provided on the seat back frame above the lumbar pressure receiving portion to support the left and right shoulders of the occupant; a cushion supported by the seat back frame, the lumbar pressure receiving portion, and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions; a plurality of front fluid pockets arranged vertically on the front surface of the liner; as well as a control device that determines a posture of the occupant based on the internal pressures of the plurality of front fluid bags, Wherein, when viewed from the front, an upper end fluid bag which is arranged highest among the plurality of front fluid bags is arranged between the left and right shoulder pressure receiving parts.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of rear fluid bags vertically arranged between the front surface of the lumbar pressure receiving portion and the rear surface of the pad, in, The plurality of rear fluid bags have a plurality of overlapping portions that overlap each other when viewed in the front-rear direction, and When viewed from the front, the upper fluid bag is disposed higher than the plurality of overlapping portions.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein: When viewed from the front, at least one of the plurality of front fluid bags overlaps the overlapping portion.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein: The waist pressure receiving portion and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions are coupled to each other through left and right coupling portions, and When viewed from the front, the upper fluid bag overlaps the left and right coupling parts.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein: The waist pressure receiving portion and the left and right shoulder pressure receiving portions are coupled to each other through left and right coupling portions, and The upper fluid bag is disposed so as not to overlap the left and right coupling portions when viewed from the front.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein: A blower is supported on the seat back frame, and Each of the plurality of rear fluid pockets is disposed forward of the blower.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein: The seat back frame includes left and right side members extending vertically and an upper member extending laterally and coupled to upper ends of the left and right side members, and The upper fluid bag is disposed higher than a joining portion of the left and right side members and the upper member.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein: The seat back frame includes left and right side members extending vertically and an upper member extending laterally and coupled to upper ends of the left and right side members, and The upper fluid bag is disposed below a joining portion of the left and right side parts and the upper member.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein: A lower end of the upper fluid bag is disposed higher than a lower end of each of the left and right shoulder pressure receiving parts.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 9, wherein: An upper end of the upper fluid bag is disposed lower than an upper end of each of the left and right shoulder pressure receiving parts.

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