Vehicle driving posture adjusting device

Abstract

A vehicle driving posture adjustment device includes: a seat cushion having a variable seat cushion length mechanism capable of changing the length of the seat in the fore-and-aft direction; a seat cushion load detection device disposed on the seat cushion to detect the seat cushion load exerted on the seat cushion by the seated occupant; and a foot pedal detection device to detect whether the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal. When adjusting the driving posture, the adjustment device is triggered by the foot pedal detection information of the foot pedal on the accelerator pedal, and adjusts the length of the seat cushion in the fore-and-aft direction via the variable seat cushion length mechanism to ensure that the seat cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a driving posture adjustment device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Seat adjustment devices that can adjust the height and fore-aft length of the seat cushion are known in the past (for example, see Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 05-065657). According to this seat adjustment device, even short occupants will not have their lower legs touching the front end of the seat cushion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in the case of shorter occupants, when placing their feet on the accelerator pedal without their lower legs touching the front edge of the seat cushion, their lower back may not reach the seat back. In this position, even if the occupant leans against the seat back, the back of their lower back will not be in close contact with the seat back, resulting in posterior pelvic tilt.

[0004] As a result, the reduced support from the seat back for the upper body makes the upper body unstable when swaying from side to side. Furthermore, when the occupant tries to place their feet on the accelerator pedal, their heels may not reach the floor (making it impossible to place their feet properly), and they may also be unable to perform precise pedal operations.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a driving posture adjustment device for a vehicle, which enables even short passengers to keep their lower legs from touching the front end of the seat cushion and to make their waist close to the seat back, and to place their feet normally on the accelerator pedal.

[0006] The vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: The seat cushion has a variable length mechanism that allows the seat to change its length in the fore-aft direction; A seat cushion load detection device, disposed on the seat cushion, detects the seat cushion load exerted on the seat cushion by a seated occupant; and The foot pedal detection device detects whether the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal. When adjusting the driving posture, the foot pedal detection information of the foot pedal is used as a trigger to adjust the fore-and-aft length of the seat cushion through the variable seat cushion mechanism so that the load on the seat cushion does not exceed a specified threshold.

[0007] According to the first method, the seat cushion has a seat cushion length variable mechanism that allows for changing the length of the seat in the fore-and-aft direction. Furthermore, a seat cushion load detection device is provided on the seat cushion to detect the seat cushion load exerted on it by the seated occupant. Additionally, a foot pedal detection device is provided to detect whether the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal.

[0008] Here, when adjusting the driving posture, the foot pedal detection device detects the accelerator pedal, triggering the adjustment of the seat cushion's fore-and-aft length via a variable seat cushion mechanism, ensuring that the seat cushion load does not exceed a specified threshold. Therefore, even short occupants can ensure their lower legs do not touch the front edge of the seat cushion, allowing their lower back to fit snugly against the seat back, and can place their feet properly on the accelerator pedal.

[0009] In the first method described above, the vehicle driving posture adjustment device may include: A backrest load detection device, which is installed on the seat back, detects the backrest load exerted on the seat back by the seated occupant. The vehicle driving posture adjustment device can adjust the length of the seat cushion in the fore-and-aft direction through the variable seat cushion length mechanism when adjusting the driving posture, so that the backrest load is not less than a specified threshold.

[0010] According to the above structure, a backrest load detection device is provided on the seat back to detect the backrest load exerted on the seat back by the seated occupant. Furthermore, when adjusting the driving posture, the fore-and-aft length of the seat cushion is adjusted by a variable seat cushion length mechanism to ensure that the backrest load is not less than a predetermined threshold. Therefore, even short occupants can reliably maintain a tight seal between their lower back and the seat back without their calves touching the front end of the seat cushion, and can place their feet normally on the accelerator pedal.

[0011] Furthermore, the vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the second aspect of the present invention includes: The seat cushion has a seat cushion length variable mechanism that can change the length of the seat in the fore-and-aft direction and a seat surface angle variable mechanism that can change the seat surface angle. A seat cushion load detection device is disposed on the seat cushion to detect the seat cushion load exerted on the seat cushion by the seated occupant; A backrest load detection device, disposed on the seat back, detects the backrest load exerted on the seat back by the seated occupant; and A foot pedal detection device detects whether the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal. When adjusting the driving posture, the foot pedal detection device detects the accelerator pedal, triggering the adjustment of the seat cushion's fore-and-aft length in the seat-to-seat direction via the variable seat cushion length mechanism, and the seat cushion's seat angle is adjusted via the variable seat angle mechanism, so that the seat cushion load does not exceed a specified threshold and the backrest load is not less than a specified threshold.

[0012] According to the second method described above, the seat cushion has a seat cushion length variable mechanism that can change the length of the seat in the fore-and-aft direction and a seat surface angle variable mechanism that can change the seat surface angle. Furthermore, a seat cushion load detection device is provided on the seat cushion to detect the seat cushion load exerted on the seat cushion by the seated occupant. Additionally, a backrest load detection device is provided on the seat back to detect the backrest load exerted on the seat back by the seated occupant. Furthermore, a foot pedal detection device is provided to detect whether the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal.

[0013] Here, when adjusting the driving posture, the foot pedal detection device detects the accelerator pedal, triggering the adjustment of the seat cushion's fore-and-aft length via a variable seat cushion length mechanism, and the seat cushion's seat angle via a variable seat angle mechanism, ensuring that the seat cushion load does not exceed a specified threshold and the backrest load is not less than a specified threshold. Therefore, even short occupants can ensure their lower legs do not touch the front edge of the seat cushion, allowing their lower back to reliably fit against the seat back, and can place their feet normally on the accelerator pedal.

[0014] In the vehicle driving posture adjustment device described above, The seat cushion load detection device may include: At least one of the seat cushion front-end sensor and the seat cushion upper surface sensor, wherein the seat cushion front-end sensor detects the seat cushion load acting on the front end face of the seat cushion, and the seat cushion upper surface sensor detects the seat cushion load acting on the front part of the seat cushion. The foot detection device may include: Any one of the following: pedal opening sensor, pressure sensor disposed on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal, and foot camera.

[0015] According to the above structure, the seat cushion load detection device includes at least one of a seat cushion front-end sensor and a seat cushion upper surface sensor. The seat cushion front-end sensor detects the seat cushion load acting on the front surface of the seat cushion, and the seat cushion upper surface sensor detects the seat cushion load acting on the front part of the seat cushion. Furthermore, the foot pedal detection device includes any one of a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor disposed on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal, and a foot camera. Therefore, seat cushion load and foot pedal detection information can be detected with high precision.

[0016] In the vehicle driving posture adjustment device described above, The seat cushion load detection device may include: A sensor located at the upper front end of the seat cushion detects the load acting on the upper front end of the seat cushion. The foot detection device may include: Any one of the following: pedal opening sensor, pressure sensor disposed on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal, and foot camera.

[0017] According to the above structure, the seat load detection device includes a seat front upper sensor that detects the seat load acting on the upper front of the seat. Furthermore, the foot pedal detection device includes any one of: a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor disposed on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal, and a foot camera. Therefore, seat load and foot pedal detection information can be detected with high precision.

[0018] As described above, according to the present invention, even short-statured occupants can ensure that their lower back fits snugly against the seat back without their calves touching the front end of the seat cushion, and can place their feet normally on the accelerator pedal. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein: Figure 1 In the middle, the top part shows the state before adjusting the seat cushion length according to the first embodiment, the middle part shows the state after adjusting the seat cushion length according to the first embodiment, and the bottom part shows a schematic side view of the state before adjusting the seat cushion length according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2A This is a schematic perspective view showing the retracted state of the rod of the variable seat length mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2B This is a schematic perspective view showing the protruding state of the rod in the variable seat length mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the function of the vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 In the middle, the top part shows the state before adjusting the seat cushion length and seat angle according to the second embodiment, the middle part shows the state after adjusting the seat cushion length and seat angle according to the second embodiment, and the bottom part shows a schematic side view of the state before adjusting the seat cushion length and seat angle according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the function of the vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6This is a partial enlarged schematic side view showing a modified example of the seat load detection device according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, in each figure, arrow UP is appropriately shown as the direction upwards from the seat, arrow FR as the direction forwards from the seat, and arrow RH as the direction to the right from the seat. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions of up / down, front / back, and left / right refer to the up / down, front / back, and left / right directions in a vehicle seat. Furthermore, the left / right direction has the same meaning as the seat width direction.

[0027] Implementation Method 1 First, the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle seat 12 equipped with the vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a seat cushion 14, a seat back 16, and a headrest 18. The seat back 16 is rotatably (tilting backward and forward) disposed at the rear end of the seat cushion 14 with the left-right direction as the axis. The headrest 18 is disposed in a height-adjustable manner at the center of the upper end of the seat back 16 in the seat width direction.

[0028] In addition, Figure 1 And as will be discussed later Figure 4 The image shows a dummy (human model) serving as an occupant seated on the seat cushion 14 of a vehicle seat 12. The dummy is, for example, AF05 (5th percentile of an adult female in the United States), representing a short stature. Hereinafter, the AF05 dummy will be referred to as "occupant P". Furthermore, occupant P is restrained to the vehicle seat 12 by a three-point seatbelt device, but... Figure 1 and Figure 4 The illustration of the seat belt device is omitted in the text.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle seat 12 is installed on the floor 20 of the vehicle compartment, and an accelerator pedal 22 is arranged on the front side of the floor 20. Furthermore, a seat cushion front sensor (sometimes also called a "seat cushion sensor" or "CF sensor") 24, serving as a seat cushion load detection device, is installed in the front end of the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12. A seat back sensor (sometimes also called a "SB sensor") 26, serving as a backrest load detection device, is installed in the lower part of the seat back 16 (mainly in the area opposite the lumbar region).

[0030] The seat cushion front sensor 24 detects the seat cushion load acting on the front surface of the seat cushion 14 by the occupant P. Specifically, it detects the seat cushion load caused by the interference of the occupant P's lower leg (pressing against the seat with a specified pressure). Furthermore, the seat back sensor 26 detects the backrest load acting on the lower part of the seat back 16 by the occupant P. Specifically, it detects the backrest load caused by the contact (close contact) of the occupant P's back (mainly the waist).

[0031] Furthermore, the seat cushion 14 is equipped with a known variable seat length mechanism 30. For example... Figure 2A , Figure 2B As shown, the variable seat length mechanism 30 has a pair of left and right actuators 32 located at the left and right ends of the front part of the seat 14. Each actuator 32 has a cylindrical rod 33 of a predetermined length that protrudes forward or retracts backward synchronously by a drive source (not shown).

[0032] A front frame 34, which extends along the width of the seat and forms the front end of the seat cushion frame, is provided between the front ends of a pair of left and right rods 33. The front frame 34 (the front end of the seat cushion 14) is configured to move forward by protruding from the actuator 32 via each rod 33, thereby increasing the length of the seat cushion 14 in the front-rear direction.

[0033] In other words, the front frame 34 (the front end of the seat cushion 14) is configured to retract and move backward by retracting each rod 33 into the actuator 32, thereby shortening the length of the seat cushion 14 in the front-rear direction. That is, the length of the seat cushion 14 in the front-rear direction can be changed (adjusted) by the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30.

[0034] Furthermore, a known foot detection device 36 is installed in the vehicle compartment to detect when the occupant P's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal 22 (see reference). Figure 1 (The middle figure). The foot pedal detection device 36 includes, for example, any one of a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor disposed on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal 22, and a foot camera. Furthermore, the seat cushion front sensor 24, the seat back sensor 26, and the foot pedal detection device 36 are electrically connected to a control device (not shown) disposed in the vehicle, and the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30 is configured to be controlled by the control device.

[0035] In the vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 according to the first embodiment configured as described above, its function (method of adjusting driving posture) will be explained next.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown, when adjusting the driving posture, it is first detected that occupant P is seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12 (S1). Next, the foot detection device 36 (any one of the following: pedal opening sensor, pressure sensor provided on the upper surface of accelerator pedal 22, and foot camera) detects that occupant P's foot is placed on accelerator pedal 22 (S2). If the foot detection device 36 does not detect that occupant P's foot is placed on accelerator pedal 22, the process returns to S2.

[0037] When the foot detection device 36 detects that the occupant P's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal 22, the seat cushion front sensor (seat cushion sensor) 24 determines whether the seat cushion load exceeds a predetermined threshold (S3). Here, "threshold" refers to a predetermined numerical range including a minimum and a maximum value. Therefore, "exceeding the threshold" means exceeding its maximum value. Furthermore, "less than the threshold" means less than its minimum value. And, "within the threshold" refers to the range from its minimum to its maximum value.

[0038] If the seat cushion load exceeds a predetermined threshold, the front end (front frame 34) of the seat cushion 14 is moved slightly backward (retracted by a predetermined amount) by the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30. This shortens the length of the seat cushion 14 (S4). Next, the seat cushion front sensor 24 determines whether the seat cushion load is less than a predetermined threshold (S5). If the seat cushion load is not less than the predetermined threshold, the process returns to S4.

[0039] On the other hand, in S3, if it is determined that the seat cushion load does not exceed the specified threshold, the front end (front frame 34) of the seat cushion 14 is moved forward slightly (expanded forward by a specified amount) by the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30. As a result, the length of the seat cushion 14 is extended (S6). Next, the seat cushion front end sensor 24 determines whether the seat cushion load is within the specified threshold (S7). If the seat cushion load is not within the specified threshold, the process returns to S6.

[0040] When the seat cushion load is less than or falls within the specified threshold, i.e. when the seat cushion load no longer exceeds the specified threshold, the operation of the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30 is stopped (S8). Thus, the driving posture of the occupant P, who is seated on the vehicle seat 12, is adjusted.

[0041] Alternatively, after S2 and before S3, the seat backrest sensor 26 can determine whether the backrest load is less than a predetermined threshold. If the backrest load is not less than the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to S3. Furthermore, if the backrest load is determined to be less than the predetermined threshold, the pelvic W (refer to...) can be determined. Figure 1 (The bottommost image) leans back (occupant P's lower back is not in close contact with the seat back 16), so it can be moved to S4 (or S3).

[0042] Thus, when adjusting the driving posture, the foot pedal detection device 36 detects the foot pedal 22 and triggers the seat cushion 14 to be adjusted in the fore-and-aft direction by the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30, so that the seat cushion load does not exceed the specified threshold, and thus the backrest load is not less than the specified threshold.

[0043] That is, by adjusting the fore-and-aft length of the seat cushion 14, even a short occupant P can ensure that their lower legs do not touch the front end of the seat cushion 14, allowing their lower back to fit snugly against the seat back 16. This ensures adequate support for the upper body of the occupant P from the seat back 16, stabilizing the upper body from lateral swaying during vehicle movement. Furthermore, when viewed from the side, the pelvis W is positioned approximately parallel to the seat back 16, thus providing effective restraint from the seatbelt.

[0044] Furthermore, with his lower back pressed firmly against the seat back 16, occupant P can bend his knees as desired, allowing him to place his feet properly on the accelerator pedal 22. That is, when occupant P places his feet on the accelerator pedal 22, his heels can rest on the floor 20. This allows occupant P to perform precise pedal operation on the accelerator pedal 22, thus improving his driving operability.

[0045] After adjusting the driving posture, turn on the ignition switch (S9) to start the vehicle. Alternatively, the ignition switch can be turned on after S1 and before S2.

[0046] After finishing driving the vehicle, turn off the ignition switch (S10). Next, determine whether occupant P is still seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12 (S11). If occupant P is still seated, return to S11.

[0047] When occupant P gets off the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12, the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30 operates to restore the seat cushion length of the seat cushion 14 to its initial position (initialization: S12). As a result, when another occupant drives the vehicle next time, it is easy to adjust the driving posture in a way that suits the occupant's physique.

[0048] Additionally, a seat front sensor (seat sensor) 24 detects the seat load acting on the front end surface of the seat cushion 14. As described in the second embodiment below, a seat upper surface sensor 28 (see reference 28) can also be used to detect the seat load acting on the front of the seat of the seat cushion 14. Figure 4 ) is located inside the seat cushion 14. In this case, Figure 3 In the flowchart shown, "seat cushion sensor" becomes "seat cushion sensor and seat cushion upper surface sensor".

[0049] Furthermore, the seat load detection device may include at least the seat front sensor 24, either the seat front sensor 24 or the seat upper surface sensor 28. The foot pedal detection device 36 may include any one of a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor disposed on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal 22, or a foot camera. This configuration allows for high-precision detection of seat load and foot load information.

[0050] Implementation Method 2 Next, the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the same symbols will be used to mark the same parts as in the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the seat cushion 14 in this second embodiment contains not only a seat cushion front sensor (CF sensor) 24, but also a seat cushion upper surface sensor 28, which serves as a seat cushion load detection device for detecting the seat cushion load acting on the front of the seat cushion 14. This seat cushion upper surface sensor 28 is also electrically connected to the aforementioned control device.

[0052] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the height of the seat cushion 14 is higher than that of the seat cushion 14 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the seat cushion 14 in this second embodiment not only includes the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30, but also a known seat surface angle variable mechanism 38 (see reference) capable of changing the seat surface angle of the seat cushion 14. Figure 4 (The middle diagram). Furthermore, the seat angle variable mechanism 38 is configured to be controlled by the aforementioned control device.

[0053] In the second embodiment of the vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 constructed as described above, its function (method of adjusting driving posture) will be explained next. Furthermore, descriptions of functions identical to those in the first embodiment described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, when adjusting the driving posture, it is first detected that occupant P is seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12 (step T1). Next, the foot detection device 36 (any one of the following: pedal opening sensor, pressure sensor provided on the upper surface of accelerator pedal 22, and foot camera) detects that occupant P's foot is placed on accelerator pedal 22 (step T2). If the foot detection device 36 does not detect that occupant P's foot is placed on accelerator pedal 22, the process returns to step T2.

[0055] When the foot detection device 36 detects that the occupant P's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal 22, the seat back sensor (SB sensor) 26 determines whether the backrest load is less than a specified threshold (step T3). If the backrest load is determined to be less than the specified threshold, the pelvic W (refer to...) can be determined. Figure 4 (The bottommost image) reclined (occupant P's lower back was not in close contact with the seat back 16).

[0056] Therefore, the front end (front frame 34) of the seat cushion 14 is moved back slightly (retracted a predetermined amount) by the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30, shortening the length of the seat cushion 14. Furthermore, the seat surface angle of the seat cushion 14 is slightly (by a predetermined amount) reduced by the seat surface angle variable mechanism 38 (step T4). Next, the seat cushion front end sensor (CF sensor) 24 determines whether the seat cushion load is less than a predetermined threshold (step T5). If the seat cushion load is not less than the predetermined threshold, the process returns to step T4.

[0057] On the other hand, in step T3, if it is determined that the backrest load is not less than the specified threshold, the seat cushion load is determined by the seat cushion front sensor (CF sensor) 24 to determine whether the seat cushion load exceeds the specified threshold (step T6).

[0058] If the seat cushion load exceeds a predetermined threshold, the front end (front frame 34) of the seat cushion 14 is slightly moved backward (retracted by a predetermined amount) by the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30, shortening the length of the seat cushion 14. Furthermore, the seat surface angle of the seat cushion 14 is slightly (by a predetermined amount) reduced by the seat surface angle variable mechanism 38 (step T7). Next, the seat cushion front end sensor (CF sensor) 24 determines whether the seat cushion load is less than a predetermined threshold (step T8). If the seat cushion load is not less than the predetermined threshold, the process returns to step T7.

[0059] Furthermore, in step T6, if it is determined that the seat cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the front end (front frame 34) of the seat cushion 14 is moved forward slightly (expanded forward by a predetermined amount) via the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30. This extends the length of the seat cushion 14 (step T9). Next, the seat cushion front end sensor (CF sensor 24) determines whether the seat cushion load is within the predetermined threshold (step T10). If the seat cushion load is not within the predetermined threshold, the process returns to step T9.

[0060] When the seat cushion load is less than or falls within the specified threshold, i.e., when the seat cushion load no longer exceeds the specified threshold, the operation of the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30 and the seat surface angle variable mechanism 38 is stopped (step T11). Thus, the driving posture of the occupant P, who is seated on the vehicle seat 12, is adjusted.

[0061] Thus, when adjusting the driving posture, the foot pedal detection device 36 detects the foot pedal 22, and the seat cushion 14 is adjusted in the fore-and-aft direction by the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30, and the seat surface angle of the seat cushion 14 is adjusted by the seat surface angle variable mechanism 38, so that the seat cushion load does not exceed the specified threshold and the backrest load is not less than the specified threshold.

[0062] Therefore, compared with the first embodiment described above, the occupant P's waist can be more reliably sealed to the seat back 16. That is, even a short occupant P can reliably seal his waist to the seat back 16 without his lower legs touching the front end of the seat cushion 14, and can place his feet normally on the accelerator pedal 22.

[0063] After adjusting the driving posture, turn on the ignition switch (step T12) to start the vehicle. Alternatively, the ignition switch can be turned on after step T1 and before step T2.

[0064] After finishing driving the vehicle, turn off the ignition switch (step T13). Next, determine whether occupant P is still seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12 (step T14). If occupant P remains seated, return to step T14.

[0065] When occupant P gets off the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12, the seat cushion length variable mechanism 30 and the seat surface angle variable mechanism 38 operate to restore the seat cushion length and seat surface angle of the seat cushion 14 to their initial positions (initialization: step T15). As a result, when other occupants drive the vehicle next time, it is easy to adjust the driving posture in a way that suits the occupant's physique.

[0066] Additionally, a seat front sensor (CF sensor) 24 detects the seat load acting on the front surface of the seat cushion 14. When the seat upper surface sensor 28, which detects the seat load acting on the front surface of the seat cushion 14, is also used for detection, in the case where... Figure 5 In the flowchart shown, "CF sensor" becomes "CF sensor and seat cushion upper surface sensor".

[0067] And, as Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the side, the upper front part of the seat cushion 14 is designed with a gentle curve shape. As long as the load caused by the interference of the occupant P's lower leg can be properly detected, the seat cushion front sensor 24 and the seat cushion upper surface sensor 28 can be replaced. Only the seat cushion front upper sensor 25, which detects the seat load acting on the upper front part of the seat cushion 14, is installed in the seat cushion 14.

[0068] Furthermore, at least one of the seat cushion front end sensor 24 and the seat cushion upper surface sensor 28 can also be used as an occupant seating sensor, and the seat cushion front upper part sensor 25 can also be used as an occupant seating sensor. As a result, the increase in manufacturing cost of the vehicle seat 12 can be suppressed.

[0069] The vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to the illustrations, and appropriate design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the second embodiment, the reduction of the seat angle of the seat cushion 14 can be performed only when it is deemed necessary based on the foot pedal detection information based on the foot placement on the accelerator pedal 22 by the foot pedal detection device 36, the backrest load, and the seat cushion load.

[0070] Furthermore, the driver's posture adjustment can be initiated not by the foot pedal detection device 36 detecting the accelerator pedal 22, but by the recognition of the seated occupant via a camera inside the vehicle (illustration omitted) or by the occupant's voice instruction. Moreover, the backrest load detection device and seat cushion load detection device are not limited to pressure sensors such as the seat backrest sensor 26 and the seat cushion front sensor 24.

Claims

1. A vehicle driving posture adjustment device, characterized in that, have: The seat cushion has a variable length mechanism that allows the seat to change its length in the fore-aft direction; A seat cushion load detection device is disposed on the seat cushion to detect the seat cushion load exerted on the seat cushion by the seated occupant; and A foot pedal detection device detects whether the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal. When adjusting the driving posture, the foot pedal detection device detects the accelerator pedal, triggering the seat cushion length to be adjusted in the fore-and-aft direction by the variable seat cushion mechanism, so that the seat cushion load does not exceed a specified threshold.

2. The vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: A backrest load detection device, which is installed on the seat back, detects the backrest load exerted on the seat back by the seated occupant. When adjusting the driving posture, the seat cushion length in the fore-and-aft direction is adjusted by the variable seat cushion length mechanism so that the backrest load is not less than a specified threshold.

3. A vehicle driving posture adjustment device, characterized in that, have: The seat cushion has a seat cushion length variable mechanism that can change the length of the seat in the fore-and-aft direction and a seat surface angle variable mechanism that can change the seat surface angle. A seat cushion load detection device is disposed on the seat cushion to detect the seat cushion load exerted on the seat cushion by the seated occupant; A backrest load detection device is installed on the seat back to detect the backrest load exerted on the seat back by the seated occupant. and A foot pedal detection device detects whether the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal. When adjusting the driving posture, the foot pedal detection device detects the accelerator pedal, triggering the adjustment of the seat cushion's fore-and-aft length in the seat-to-seat direction via the variable seat cushion length mechanism, and the seat cushion's seat angle is adjusted via the variable seat angle mechanism, so that the seat cushion load does not exceed a specified threshold and the backrest load is not less than a specified threshold.

4. The vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The seat cushion load detection device includes: At least one of the seat cushion front-end sensor and the seat cushion upper surface sensor, wherein the seat cushion front-end sensor detects the seat cushion load acting on the front end face of the seat cushion, and the seat cushion upper surface sensor detects the seat cushion load acting on the front part of the seat cushion. The foot detection device includes: Any one of the following: pedal opening sensor, pressure sensor disposed on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal, and foot camera.

5. The vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The seat cushion load detection device includes: A sensor located at the upper front end of the seat cushion detects the load acting on the upper front end of the seat cushion. The foot detection device includes: Any one of the following: pedal opening sensor, pressure sensor disposed on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal, and foot camera.

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