Interior system for vehicle

Abstract

To provide an interior system for a vehicle which increases options of an operation method of an electric device, and can improve entertainment property.SOLUTION: An interior system 100 for a vehicle includes an interior member S provided on a vehicle, an electric device 6 provided on the interior member S, a cushion body Cs which can be held by an occupant H, and a control part 10 for controlling the electric device 6, wherein the cushion body Cs has a sensor 25 for measuring a force applied to the cushion body Cs, the cushion body Cs and the control part 10 are able to communicate with each other, and the control part 10 operates the electric device 6, on the basis of a measurement value measured by the sensor 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior system, and more particularly to a vehicle interior system equipped with an electrically powered device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an electrically-operated device provided in a vehicle, such as an electrically-operated reclining device or sliding device, is operated, the device is operated using an operation switch or the like provided on the vehicle seat. Moreover, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle control device that enables the seat layout to be changed using a mobile information terminal equipped with a touch panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-62694 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand to improve the entertainment value of the interior space of a vehicle when traveling, and although it was previously possible to change the position and shape of a vehicle seat using an operating switch or a mobile information terminal, the operating methods were limited and the entertainment value was lacking.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its object is to provide a vehicle interior system that increases the options for operating electric devices and improves entertainment value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problem is solved by the vehicle interior system of the present invention, which includes an interior member provided on a vehicle, an electric device provided on the interior member, a cushion body that can be held by an occupant, and a control unit that controls the electric device, wherein the cushion body has a sensor that measures a force applied to the cushion body, the cushion body and the control unit are capable of communicating with each other, and the control unit operates the electric device based on a measurement value measured by the sensor.

[0007] By controlling the electric device based on the measured value of the force applied to the cushion body measured by the sensor, the options for operating the electric device are increased, making it possible to provide a vehicle seat that is more entertaining.

[0008] In addition, in the above configuration, the cushion body is provided with a plurality of sensors, at least one of the plurality of sensors being a pressure sensor, and the control unit may operate the electric device based on the position at which the pressure sensor that measured the pressure is located. Since the electrically-driven device can be operated based on the position of the pressure sensor that measures the pressure, more intuitive operation is possible.

[0009] In addition, in the above configuration, the pressure sensor can measure the strength of the pressure applied to the cushion body, and the control unit can change the amount of operation of the electric device based on the strength of the pressure applied to the pressure sensor. The amount of operation of the electrically-operated device can be changed based on the strength of pressure applied to the pressure sensor, so that the electric device can be intuitively operated since fine adjustments can be made by the occupant's force.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the cushion body has a main body portion and an extension portion extending from the main body portion, the main body portion has a first tilt sensor that measures the tilt of the main body portion, and the extension portion has a second tilt sensor that measures the tilt of the extension portion, and the control unit calculates the relative tilt of the extension portion with respect to the main body portion as a relative tilt angle from the tilt of the main body portion and the tilt of the extension portion, and operates the electric device based on the relative tilt angle. Since the electric device can be operated based on the relative inclination angle of the extension with respect to the main body, the options for operation methods are increased, improving entertainment value.

[0011] In addition, in the above configuration, the cushion body is composed of at least a first cushion body and a second cushion body, and the control unit operates the electric device based on measurement values ​​measured by the sensor of the first cushion body and the sensor of the second cushion body. By operating the electric device using multiple cushion bodies, multiple passengers can enjoy operating the device together, improving entertainment value.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the first cushion body and the second cushion body each have a main body portion and an extension portion extending from the main body portion, the main body portion has a first tilt sensor that detects the tilt of the main body portion, and the extension portion has a second tilt sensor that detects the tilt of the extension portion, and the control unit calculates the relative tilt of the extension portion with respect to the main body portion as a first relative tilt angle from the tilt of the main body portion of the first cushion body and the tilt of the extension portion, and calculates the relative tilt of the extension portion with respect to the main body portion as a second relative tilt angle from the tilt of the main body portion of the second cushion body and the tilt of the extension portion, and operates the electric device when the difference between the first relative tilt angle and the second relative tilt angle is within a predetermined threshold. For example, by setting the difference between the first relative inclination angle and the second relative inclination angle within a predetermined threshold value, occupants using the cushion can feel a sense of unity with each other, thereby improving entertainment value.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the interior member is a vehicle seat on which the occupant can be seated, the electric device is a device that operates all or part of the vehicle seat, the sensor possessed by the cushion body is a pressure sensor, and the control unit operates the electric device based on the measurement value of the pressure sensor. The cushion pressure sensor allows intuitive operation by operating all or part of the vehicle seat, thereby improving entertainment value.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the interior member is a vehicle seat on which the occupant can be seated, the vehicle seat having a seat back and a side support portion provided on the seat back, the electric device is a side support movable portion that operates the side support portion, the sensor is a pressure sensor, and the control unit operates the side support portion to move closer to the seated occupant when the force of the cushion body applied to the pressure sensor becomes stronger, and operates the side support portion to move away from the seated occupant when the force of the cushion body applied to the pressure sensor becomes weaker. By using the cushion body to move the side support parts closer to or farther away from the occupant, the occupant can feel as if he or she is being wrapped in the vehicle seat, and can feel more one with the vehicle seat or the cushion body.

[0015] Also, in the above configuration, the interior member may be provided with a first display unit for the interior member that displays an image of a character, the sensor may be a pressure sensor, and the control unit may change the image of the character to be displayed on the first display unit based on a measurement value of the pressure sensor. By changing the image of the character displayed on the first display unit, for example, the character can be felt closer to the player through the cushion.

[0016] In the above configuration, the cushion body has a second display unit for the cushion body that displays an image of the character, and a sound output unit that outputs a sound of the character, The control unit may change the image of the character displayed by the second display unit based on the measurement value of the pressure sensor, and cause the audio output unit to output the voice of the character. By displaying a character on the cushion body or outputting sound from the cushion body, for example, the occupant H can feel closer to the character, thereby improving entertainment value.

[0017] In addition, in the above configuration, a collision detection sensor may be provided to detect a collision of the vehicle, and the control unit may stop the linked operation of the cushion body and the electric device when the collision detection sensor detects a collision of the vehicle. When a collision is detected, the linked operation of the cushion body and the electric device is stopped, which prevents the impact of the collision from applying force to the cushion body, thereby preventing the electric device from operating unintended by the occupant, thereby improving safety. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, by operating an electric device based on the measured value of the force applied to the cushion body measured by a sensor, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat that increases the options for operating the electric device and improves entertainment value. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the electrically-driven device can be operated based on the position of the pressure sensor that measures the pressure, more intuitive operation becomes possible. In addition, according to the present invention, the amount of operation of the electric device can be changed based on the strength of pressure applied to the pressure sensor, so that the electric device can be intuitively operated since fine adjustments can be made by the occupant's strength. The electric device can be operated based on the relative inclination angle of the extension part with respect to the main body part, so that the options for operation methods are increased and entertainment is improved. Furthermore, according to the present invention, by operating the electric device with a plurality of cushion bodies, it is possible to enjoy operation together with a plurality of passengers, thereby improving entertainment value. In addition, according to the present invention, by keeping the difference between the first relative inclination angle and the second relative inclination angle within a predetermined threshold value, it is possible for occupants using the cushion body to feel a sense of unity, thereby improving entertainment value. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the pressure sensor of the cushion body can be used to operate all or a part of the vehicle seat, allowing intuitive operation, thereby improving entertainment value. In addition, according to the present invention, by using the cushion body to move the side support portion closer to or farther away from the occupant, the occupant can feel as if he or she is being wrapped in the vehicle seat, making it possible for the occupant to feel more one with the vehicle seat or the cushion body. Furthermore, according to the present invention, by changing the image of the character displayed on the first display portion, it is possible to feel closer to the character through, for example, the cushion body. Furthermore, according to the present invention, by displaying a character on the cushion and outputting sound from the cushion, for example, the passenger can feel closer to the character, thereby improving entertainment value. In addition, according to the present invention, when a collision is detected, the linked operation of the cushion body and the electric device is stopped, thereby preventing the impact of the collision from applying force to the cushion body, which would cause the electric device to operate unintended by the occupant, thereby improving safety. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a vehicle interior system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicle interior system, showing a state in which an occupant holds the cushion body. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sensor provided on the cushion body. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle interior system. [Diagram 5]11 is a flow chart showing a process for operating an electric device by operating a cushion body. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the reclining device by operating the cushion body. [Figure 7] 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the side support parts by operating the cushion body. [Figure 8] 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the ottoman by operating the cushion body. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a process for operating an electrically-powered device using two cushion bodies. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The configuration of a vehicle interior system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is for the purpose of making the present invention easier to understand, and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. In the following description, the contents regarding the materials, shapes and sizes of the parts constituting the vehicle interior system are merely examples and do not limit the present invention.

[0021] In the following, a vehicle interior system 100 including a vehicle seat S mounted on a vehicle V will be given as an example of the vehicle interior system, and an example configuration thereof will be described. In the following description, the "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat S of the vehicle interior system 100, which is the direction that coincides with the traveling direction when the vehicle is traveling. The "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the left-right direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S. The "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane. The term "outside" simply refers to the side closer to the outside in the direction from the center of the vehicle seat S to the outside, and the term "inside" refers to the side closer to the center in the direction from the outside to the center of the vehicle seat S.

[0022] In addition, the shape, position, posture, etc. of each part of the vehicle seat S that constitutes the vehicle interior system 100 described below will be explained assuming that the vehicle seat S is in a seated position, unless otherwise specified.

[0023] <Configuration of vehicle interior system 100> First, the configuration of the vehicle interior system 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the vehicle interior system 100, and Fig. 2 is a front view of the vehicle interior system 100, showing a state in which an occupant H holds the cushion body Cs. Fig. 3 is a view showing a sensor 25 provided on the cushion body Cs, and Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle interior system 100. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing a process flow for operating an electric device by operating the cushion body Cs. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the reclining device 7 by operating the cushion body Cs, and Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the side support part 2c by operating the cushion body Cs. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the ottoman 5 by operating the cushion body Cs. Note that, for convenience of illustration, a part of the vehicle seat S in Fig. 1 is shown with the upholstery Tr removed.

[0024] The vehicle interior system 100 includes a vehicle seat S provided in a vehicle, an electric device 6 provided in the vehicle seat S, a cushion body Cs on which an occupant H can be held, and a seat control unit 10 that controls the electric device 6. The cushion body Cs has a sensor 25 (see FIG. 3) that measures a force applied to the cushion body Cs. The cushion body Cs and the seat control unit 10 are capable of communicating with each other, and the seat control unit 10 is configured to operate the electric device 6 based on a measurement value measured by the sensor 25 of the cushion body Cs.

[0025] <Vehicle seat S> The vehicle seat S is a seat that is placed on the floor of the vehicle (vehicle body floor FL) and in which an occupant H (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a seated person) sits. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S is used as a front seat that corresponds to the front seat of the vehicle. However, the vehicle seat S is not limited to this, and can also be used as a rear seat in the back seat, and can also be used as a second-row middle seat or a third-row rear seat in a vehicle that has three rows of seats in the front-rear direction.

[0026] 1 and 2, the vehicle seat S includes a seat cushion 1 that supports the buttocks and thighs of an occupant H, a seat back 2 that supports the back of the occupant H, and a headrest 3 that supports the head of the occupant H. The vehicle seat S also includes an ottoman 5 that supports the legs of the occupant H at the front end of the seat cushion 1. The seat cushion 1, seat back 2, headrest 3, and ottoman 5 may be collectively referred to as a seat body Sh. The seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2 are configured by covering a surface layer Tr with a pad P.

[0027] The seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2 are connected to sandwich a reclining device 7. The reclining device 7 allows the seat back 2 to rotate relative to the seat cushion 1, and the inclination angle of the seat back 2 can be adjusted. The reclining device 7 is an electric device 6 equipped with an actuator (not shown) and the like, and controls the inclination angle (reclining angle) of the seat back 2 relative to the seat cushion 1 based on a control signal from a seat control unit 10.

[0028] In addition, an ottoman movable part 5a is provided at the front end of the seat cushion 1, and an upper end of the ottoman 5 and a front end of the seat cushion 1 are connected by the ottoman movable part 5a. The ottoman 5 is attached to the seat cushion 1 so that the rotation angle relative to the seat cushion 1 can be adjusted by the ottoman movable part 5a. The ottoman movable part 5a is an electric device 6, and operates based on a control signal from the seat control part 10.

[0029] <Slide rail device 8> A slide rail device 8 is installed below the seat cushion 1 of the vehicle seat S. The slide rail device 8 mounts the vehicle seat S to the vehicle floor FL in a state in which the seat body Sh can slide in the front-rear direction. The slide rail device 8 is composed of a lower rail 8a fixed on the floor surface of the vehicle and an upper rail 8b that can slide relative to the lower rail 8a. The slide rail device 8 is an electric device 6, and operates based on a control signal from a seat control unit 10.

[0030] <Height adjustment device 9> A height adjustment device 9 is provided between the seat body Sh and the slide rail device 8. The height adjustment device 9 can change the position of the seat body Sh from the floor surface in the vertical direction. The height adjustment device 9 is an electric device 6, and the height of the seat body Sh is changed based on a control signal from a seat control unit 10. The vehicle seat S may be provided with a rotation device between the seat body Sh and the height adjustment device 9, which rotates the seat body Sh about an axis extending perpendicularly to the floor surface.

[0031] In addition, the vehicle seat S may be provided with, as electric devices 6, a tilt device that raises and lowers the front end of the seat cushion 1 to tilt the seat cushion 1, a folding device that tilts the upper part of the seat back 2 back and forth to fold it in half, and an armrest device that is configured to automatically rotate, extend, and retract, and bend. In addition, the electric device 6 may also include a device for raising and lowering the window W provided in the door D, a device for moving the center console back and forth, and a tilting device for tilting a display unit provided on the back of the vehicle seat S.

[0032] <Vibration bodies 1a, 2a> Vibrating bodies 1a and 2a are provided on the seating surfaces of the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2, respectively. The vibrating bodies 1a and 2a are, for example, made of eccentric motors, and function as notification means by generating vibrations that can be sensed by the seated occupant H. For example, when the vibrating bodies 1a and 2a detect that a danger is approaching a moving vehicle, they vibrate to notify the seated occupant of the approaching danger. The vibrating body 2a has a plurality of vibration patterns using vibration intensity, frequency, or vibration time as parameters, and can provide various notifications to the seated occupant. The vibrating bodies 1 a and 2 a are also electrically powered devices 6 and are configured to generate vibrations based on a control signal from the seat control unit 10 .

[0033] <Air cell 1b, 2b> Air cells 1b and 2b are provided on the seating surfaces of the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2. The air cells 1b and 2b are pressing devices that protrude (overhang) toward the occupant H and press a part of the back of the occupant H. By kneading the occupant's back, for example, the blood circulation of the seated person is promoted. The air cells 1b and 2b are connected to an air pump (not shown) via a tube and are operated by injecting air from the air pump. The air pump of the air cells 1b and 2b is also an electric device 6, which is connected to the seat control unit 10 and is configured to perform a pressing operation based on a control signal from the seat control unit 10. The pressing device is not limited to the air cells 1b and 2b, and the back of the seated person may be pressed by a mechanical device using a rotating roller, a lumbar support, or the like.

[0034] <Side support parts 1c, 2c> Side support parts 1c, 2c that support the seated occupant H from the sides are provided on the sides of the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2 of the vehicle seat S of this embodiment. The side support parts 1c, 2c move forward or upward to hold down the occupant H and suppress the occupant's movement left and right (in the seat width direction). The side support parts 1c, 2c are realized by rotating the banks of the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2 in the front-rear or up-down direction by an actuator. The side support parts 1c, 2c may be configured to support the occupant H from the sides by inflating air cells provided in the banks. The side support parts 1c, 2c are electrically powered devices 6, which are connected to the seat control unit 10 and are configured to operate based on a control signal from the seat control unit 10.

[0035] <Seat control unit 10> The seat control unit 10 is a device also called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), and includes a control circuit for controlling various electrically-operated devices 6. The seat control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a data calculation and control processing device, and a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as memory devices. The seat control unit 10 also includes a communication interface for receiving information and signals from the electrically-operated devices 6 and transmitting signals for operation. The components are also connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The seat control unit 10 may be provided in the vehicle seat S, or may be provided as an external device of the vehicle seat S. The seat control unit 10 may be a control device of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

[0036] The communication device 11 is a device for wireless communication with devices that are not connected by cables, such as the cushion body Cs described below and mobile terminals carried by occupants. The communication device 11 includes a WiFi (registered trademark) unit or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) unit, and is capable of wireless communication by radio waves conforming to the WiFi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) standards.

[0037] <Cushion body Cs> Next, the cushion body Cs of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. The cushion body Cs is a cushion or stuffed toy that can be held or embraced by the occupant H, and is provided separately from the vehicle seat S. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the cushion body Cs is formed to have an appearance that imitates the animal koala. The cushion body Cs has a main body part 30 that corresponds to the head and torso of the koala, and four extension parts 35 that extend from the main body part 30 and correspond to the koala's limbs. The cushion body Cs is formed by covering a polyurethane sponge with a skin. A plurality of sensors 25 are provided inside the cushion body Cs, and the main body part 30 is provided with a first pressure sensor 31 that measures the pressure and load received when the occupant H holds it, and a first tilt sensor 32 that measures the tilt of the main body part 30. In addition, each of the four extension portions 35 is provided with a second pressure sensor 36 that measures the pressure received when the occupant H grips the extension portion 35, and a second inclination sensor 37 that measures the inclination of the extension portion 35.

[0038] In addition to the sensor 25, the cushion body Cs includes a cushion body control unit 20, a communication device 21, a second monitor 22 (second display unit) which is a display device, a speaker 23 (audio output unit) which outputs sound, and a start switch 24. The cushion control unit 20 is connected to the sensor 25 and processes the measurement values ​​received from the sensor 25. Similar to the seat control unit 10, the cushion control unit 20 includes a CPU, a memory, and an input / output interface, and is connected to a communication device 21. The cushion control unit 20 incorporates a control circuit for controlling the communication device 21, the second monitor 22, the speaker 23, and the sensor 25.

[0039] Furthermore, the cushion body Cs is provided on its main body 30 with an activation switch 24 for activating the cushion body control unit 20 and the like. The activation switch 24 is configured as a button switch, a slide switch, or a capacitance-type touch switch. When the activation switch 24 is a touch switch, for example, the cushion body control unit 20 can be activated by stroking the main body 30 on which the activation switch 24 is provided with a hand.

[0040] The communication device 21 is provided with a WiFi (registered trademark) unit, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) unit, or the like. The cushion body Cs is capable of operating the electric device 6 provided in the vehicle seat S by transmitting and receiving signals to and from the seat control unit 10 by wireless communication via the communication device 21. The cushion body Cs may be connected to the seat control unit 10 in a wired manner by a cable or the like.

[0041] When the cushion body Cs is not in use by the occupant H, it is preferable that it be attached to another interior member. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the cushion body Cs may be stored in a cushion body storage section 14 provided in a door D of the vehicle. In addition, the cushion body Cs that is not in use may be stored in the back surface of the vehicle seat S, or in the floor or ceiling of the vehicle seat S. The cushion body Cs is configured to be powered by a built-in battery 26. The battery 26 can be charged from a power supply unit 14a provided in the cushion body storage unit 14. When power is supplied wirelessly, the built-in battery 26 is conveniently charged simply by placing the cushion body Cs in the cushion body storage unit 14.

[0042] As described above, the cushion body Cs is provided with a plurality of sensors 25. The cushion body control unit 20 of the cushion body Cs receives measurement information (measurement values) measured by the sensors 25 and then transmits the information to the seat control unit 10. The seat control unit 10 operates the reclining device 7 and the like provided in the vehicle seat S based on the received measurement values. When the cushion body Cs and the seat control unit 10 are directly connected by a cable or the like and are capable of communicating with each other, the seat control unit 10 may receive the measurement values ​​directly from the sensors 25 without going through the cushion body control unit 20.

[0043] The seat control unit 10 is configured to control the electric device 6 according to the position of the sensor 25 provided on the cushion body Cs and the measurement value received by the sensor 25. In addition, the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 36 provided on the cushion body Cs are configured to be able to measure the strength of the pressure applied to the cushion body Cs. Therefore, the seat control unit 10 is configured to be able to select the electric device 6 to be operated based on the positions where the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 36 are located, and to be able to change the amount of operation of the electric device 6. The pressure sensor is composed of a sponge body that can recognize forces applied in three dimensions, and is capable of determining whether pressure, for example, causes a part of the cushion body Cs (such as the extension portion 35) to bend backward from the reference plane.

[0044] This process will be described with reference to Fig. 5. First, the seat control unit 10 judges whether or not the occupant H is holding the cushion body Cs (step S101). Whether or not the cushion body Cs is being held is judged, for example, by whether or not the activation switch 24 of the cushion body Cs has been pressed. It may also be judged by whether or not the first pressure sensor 31 of the cushion body Cs has measured a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0045] If it is determined that the seat is held (Yes in step S101), the seat control unit 10 acquires a measurement value from the sensor 25 (step S102). For example, the seat control unit 10 receives a pressure measurement value from the first pressure sensor 31 of the main body 30 of the cushion body Cs. The seat control unit 10 may also receive tilt information from the first tilt sensor 32.

[0046] Next, the seat control unit 10 operates the electric device 6 based on the measurement value (step S103). The seat control unit 10 has registered data in advance on which electric device 6 to operate based on the received measurement value, and the seat control unit 10 operates the electric device 6 based on the data stored in the storage unit. The user can change which electric device 6 to operate.

[0047] A specific operation of the vehicle interior system 100 will be described. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, when the occupant H hugs the cushion body Cs and pressure is applied to the first pressure sensor 31 of the main body 30, the seat control unit 10 may be configured to determine that pressure has been applied to the first pressure sensor 31 and operate the side support movable unit 2d provided on the seat back 2 of the vehicle seat S based on the determination. By operating the side support movable unit 2d, the side support unit 2c approaches the seated occupant, and the occupant H can feel as if he or she is being hugged by the vehicle seat S.

[0048] At this time, the amount of movement of the side support parts 2c may be changed according to the force with which the occupant H hugs the cushion body Cs. For example, when the occupant H hugs the cushion body Cs tightly, the amount of movement of the side support parts 2c is increased so as to press the occupant H more strongly. When the hugging force is weak, the amount of movement of the side support parts 2c is decreased. When the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor 31 of the main body part 30 disappears, the side support parts 2c may be returned to their original state. Also, at this time, the side support movable parts 1d provided on the seat cushion 1 may be operated so that the side support parts 1c move upward.

[0049] Also, when the occupant H grips the upper extension 35a of the cushion body Cs that corresponds to the arm, the seat control unit 10 may be configured to detect that the pressure is measured by the second pressure sensor 36 and operate the reclining device 7 to tilt backward the seat back 2. The seat control unit 10 may change the angle at which the seat back 2 is tilted backward according to the force with which the occupant H grips the extension 35, i.e., the force measured by the second pressure sensor 36.

[0050] Also, when the occupant H grips the lower extension portion 35b of the cushion body Cs, which corresponds to the leg, the seat control portion 10 may detect that the pressure is measured by the second pressure sensor 36 and operate the ottoman movable portion 5a to raise the ottoman 5. Also, the seat control portion 10 may change the angle at which the ottoman 5 is raised depending on the force with which the occupant H grips the extension portion 35, i.e., the magnitude of the pressure measured by the second pressure sensor 36.

[0051] In this way, in the vehicle interior system 100, the seat control unit 10 is configured to be able to operate the electrically-driven device 6 based on the positions of the pressure sensors that measured the pressure. Since the electrically-driven device 6 can be operated based on the positions of the pressure sensors (first pressure sensor 31, second pressure sensor 36) that measured the pressure, more intuitive operation becomes possible. In addition, since the amount of operation of the electrically-driven device 6 can be changed based on the strength of the pressure applied to the pressure sensors, fine adjustments can be made by the force of the occupant, and the electrically-driven device 6 can be intuitively operated.

[0052] As described above, the main body 30 is provided with the first tilt sensor 32 that measures the tilt of the main body 30, and the extension 35 is provided with the second tilt sensor 37 that measures the tilt of the extension 35. The seat control unit 10 receives the tilt of the main body 30 measured by the first tilt sensor 32 and the tilt of the extension 35 measured by the second tilt sensor 37, thereby calculating the relative tilt of the extension 35 with respect to the main body 30. 3, the second tilt sensor 37 of the upper extension portion 35a, which corresponds to the arm portion of the cushion body Cs, and the first tilt sensor 32 of the main body portion 30 can calculate the relative tilt angle α1 of the upper extension portion 35a with respect to the main body portion 30. That is, the seat control portion 10 can detect the tilt of the arm of the cushion body Cs.

[0053] In addition, the relative inclination angle α2 of the lower extension portion 35b with respect to the main body portion 30 can be calculated from the second inclination sensor 37 of the lower extension portion 35b corresponding to the leg portion of the cushion body Cs and the first inclination sensor 32 of the main body portion 30. That is, the seat control portion 10 can detect the inclination of the leg portion of the cushion body Cs.

[0054] Therefore, the seat control unit 10 can operate the electric device 6 based on the relative inclination angles α1, α2 of the extension portion 35 with respect to the main body portion 30. The options for operating the electric device 6 are increased, improving entertainment value.

[0055] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when an occupant H raises the upper extension portion 35a in the direction of the arrow A, the seat control portion 10 calculates the relative inclination angle α1, and when the relative inclination angle α1 reaches a predetermined value or greater, the seat control portion 10 operates the reclining device 7, for example, to tilt the seat back 2 backward in the direction of the arrow D.

[0056] In addition, at this time, the angle by which the seat back 2 is tilted backward may be set according to the magnitude of the relative inclination angle α1. That is, when the occupant H largely raises the arm portion (upper extension portion 35a) of the cushion body Cs, the seat back 2 is tilted backward to a greater extent.

[0057] 8, when the occupant H lies on his / her back on the cushion body Cs and rotates his / her legs (lower extension portion 35b) in the direction of arrow E, that is, raises his / her legs, the seat control portion 10 may calculate the relative inclination angle α2. When the relative inclination angle α2 reaches a predetermined value or more, the seat control portion 10 may operate the ottoman movable portion 5a to rotate the ottoman 5 of the vehicle seat S in the direction of arrow F. At this time, the seat control unit 10 may change the height to which the ottoman 5 is raised depending on the magnitude of the relative tilt angle α2. That is, when the occupant H raises the leg portion of the cushion body Cs higher, the seat control unit 10 raises the ottoman 5 higher.

[0058] In the above example, the seat control unit 10 operates one of the multiple electric devices 6, but it may also operate multiple electric devices 6 or all of the electric devices 6 depending on the measurement value of the pressure sensor.

[0059] Furthermore, when the seat control unit 10 receives the measurement value of the sensor 25 from the cushion body Cs, it may display an image of a character of the cushion body Cs on a first monitor 12 (first display unit) provided in a position in the vehicle cabin where the occupant H can see it as an interior member. At this time, the image of the character to be displayed may be changed based on the measurement of the pressure sensor. The first monitor 12 is provided, for example, on an instrument panel IP located in front of the vehicle seat S. For example, when the occupant H hugs the cushion body Cs tightly, an image of the character being hugged tightly is displayed on the first monitor 12, and when the hugging force weakens, an image of the character in a relaxed state is displayed.

[0060] The first monitor 12 may be attached to a center console, a steering wheel, a meter, the back of a vehicle seat, or the side of a door D. An image may be displayed using a projection device. Alternatively, the first monitor 12 may be a portable information terminal owned by the occupant H.

[0061] By displaying a character image of the cushion body Cs on the first monitor 12 located in a position where the occupant H can see it, and by changing the character image based on the measurement value of the sensor 25, the character of the cushion body can be felt closer to the occupant H.

[0062] Furthermore, the seat control unit 10 may display an image of a character of the cushion body Cs on a second monitor 22 for the cushion body provided on the cushion body Cs, or output the voice of the character from the speaker 23, depending on the measurement value of the sensor 25. At this time, the image of the character displayed on the second monitor 22 may be changed, or the voice of the character output from the speaker 23 may be changed, depending on the measurement value of the sensor 25. By displaying an image of a character on the second monitor 22 of the cushion body Cs and outputting the character's voice from the speaker 23 of the cushion body Cs, the occupant H can feel closer to the character, improving entertainment value.

[0063] Furthermore, if the vehicle interior system 100 includes a collision detection sensor 13 that detects a vehicle collision, the seat control unit 10 may stop the interlocking operation between the cushion body Cs and the electric device 6 when the collision detection sensor 13 detects a vehicle collision. By stopping the interlocking operation between the cushion body Cs and the electric device 6 when a vehicle collision is detected, it is possible to suppress the operation of the electric device 6, which may be caused by a force applied to the cushion body Cs due to the impact of the collision and may result in an unintended movement of the occupant H, thereby improving safety.

[0064] Next, a vehicle interior system 100A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The vehicle interior system 100A is different from the vehicle interior system 100 of the first embodiment in that it uses multiple cushion bodies Cs to operate multiple electric devices 6 provided in the vehicle. The configurations of the cushion bodies Cs and the electric devices 6 are similar to those of the vehicle interior system 100 of the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0065] In the vehicle interior system 100A shown in FIG. 9, a first vehicle seat S1 and a second vehicle seat S2 are arranged in the left-right direction, and a first cushion body Cs1 is provided in the first vehicle seat S1, and a second cushion body Cs2 is provided in the second vehicle seat S2. That is, in the vehicle interior system 100A, an occupant H1 seated in the first vehicle seat S1 operates the first cushion body Cs1, and an occupant H2 seated in the second vehicle seat S2 operates the second cushion body Cs2. The first cushion body Cs1 and the second cushion body Cs2 have a plurality of sensors 25, similar to the cushion body Cs in the first embodiment, and the seat control unit 10 can operate the electric device 6 provided in the vehicle based on the measured value measured by the sensor 25. Hereinafter, when there is no particular need to distinguish between them, they may be simply referred to as cushion bodies Cs. By operating the electric device 6 with a plurality of cushion bodies Cs, a plurality of passengers H1, H2 can enjoy operating the electric device 6 together, improving entertainment value.

[0066] The occupants H1 and H2 may independently operate the electric device 6 using the first cushion body Cs1 and the second cushion body Cs2, but the electric device 6 may also be operated by the occupants H1 and H2 in cooperation with each other as described below. For example, when the pose of the first cushion body Cs1 obtained by the occupant H1 moving the first cushion body Cs1 is substantially the same as the pose of the second cushion body Cs2 obtained by the occupant H2 moving the second cushion body Cs2, a specified electric device 6, such as the reclining device 7, may be moved. The entertainment value can be improved by operating the electric device 6 using the two cushion bodies Cs.

[0067] A process for operating an electrically-driven device using two such cushion bodies Cs will be described with reference to FIG. First, the seat control unit 10 determines whether the occupant H1 is holding the first cushion body Cs1 and whether the occupant H2 is holding the second cushion body Cs2 (step S201). The determination is made, for example, based on whether the activation switch 24 of the cushion body Cs is pressed or not. The determination may also be made based on whether the first pressure sensor 31 of the cushion body Cs measures a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0068] When it is determined that the cushion bodies Cs are held (Yes in step S201), the seat control section 10 calculates the relative inclination angles of the cushion bodies Cs. Specifically, the inclination of the main body 30 of the first cushion body Cs1 and the inclination of the extension portion 35 are measured using a first inclination sensor 32 of the main body 30 of the first cushion body Cs1 and a second inclination sensor 37 of the extension portion 35, and the seat control portion 10 calculates the relative inclination of the extension portion 35 with respect to the main body 30 of the first cushion body Cs1 as a first relative inclination angle β1 from the received inclination measurement value (step S202).

[0069] Next, the inclination of the main body 30 and the extension portion 35 of the second cushion body Cs2 are measured using the first inclination sensor 32 of the main body 30 of the second cushion body Cs2 and the second inclination sensor 37 of the extension portion 35, and the seat control portion 10 calculates the relative inclination of the extension portion 35 with respect to the main body 30 of the second cushion body Cs2 as a second relative inclination angle β2 from the received inclination measurement value (step S203).

[0070] Next, the seat control unit 10 compares the value of the first relative inclination angle β1 with the value of the second relative inclination angle β2, and judges whether the difference is within a predetermined threshold value (step S204). If the difference between the first relative inclination angle β1 and the second relative inclination angle β2 is within the predetermined threshold value, for example, within 3 degrees (Yes in step S204), the seat control unit 10 operates the pre-registered electric device 6 (step S205). For example, the reclining device 7 is tilted backward to inform the occupants H1 and H2 that the poses of the first cushion body Cs1 and the second cushion body Cs2 are almost the same. The seat control unit 10 may also slide the first vehicle seat S1 and the second vehicle seat S2 forward using the slide rail device 8. Also, the seat cushion 1 of the first vehicle seat S1 and the second vehicle seat S2 may be raised using the height adjustment device 9.

[0071] If the difference between the first relative inclination angle β1 and the second relative inclination angle β2 is greater than a predetermined threshold, for example, greater than 3 degrees (No in step S204), the seat control unit 10 determines that the first cushion body Cs1 and the second cushion body Cs2 are in different poses, and ends the process. In this case, the seat control unit 10 may cause the electric device 6 to perform an operation different from the operation performed in step S205. For example, the reclining device 7 may be used to tilt the seat back 2 forward, or the slide rail device 8 may be used to slide the first vehicle seat S1 and the second vehicle seat S2 backward. In addition, the height adjustment device 9 may be used to lower the seat cushions 1 of the first vehicle seat S1 and the second vehicle seat S2. In this way, by playing a game in which the difference between the first relative inclination angle β1 and the second relative inclination angle β2 is within a predetermined threshold, it is possible for occupants using the cushion body to feel a sense of unity with each other, thereby improving the entertainment value.

[0072] Furthermore, the vehicle interior system 100 of this embodiment may be manufactured by a manufacturing method including preparing an interior member (vehicle seat S) to be provided in the vehicle V, an electric device 6 to be provided in the interior member, a cushion body Cs that can be held by an occupant H, and a control unit (seat control unit 10) that controls the electric device 6, providing a sensor 25 to the cushion body Cs that measures a force applied to the cushion body Cs, enabling communication between the cushion body Cs and the control unit, and causing the control unit to operate the electric device 6 based on the measurement value measured by the sensor 25.

[0073] The first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, when the cushion body Cs is moved by the occupant H, the electric device 6 provided on the vehicle seat S is configured to operate, but the electric device 6 that operates is not limited to this. Other devices provided on the vehicle V on which the vehicle seat S is mounted may be configured to operate. For example, the cushion body Cs may be used to raise the extension portion 35 corresponding to the arm or hand to open the window W of the vehicle V. In addition, the cushion body Cs may be tilted to adjust the strength and temperature of the air blown by an air conditioner provided on the vehicle V. In addition, instead of using an infrared communication remote control, the vehicle seat S may be moved in the direction in which the occupant H points the arm (extension portion 35) of the cushion body Cs.

[0074] The seat control unit 10 may also operate a lighting device provided in the vehicle V. For example, the color tone and intensity of the lighting may be changed when the occupant H hugs the cushion body Cs tightly. Specifically, the lighting may be increased when the measurement value of the pressure sensor of the cushion body CS exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the lighting may be decreased when the hugging force exceeds the predetermined threshold and then decreases. Also, the color of the lighting may be changed to a cool color when the measurement value of the pressure sensor of the cushion body Cs exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the lighting may be changed to a warm color when the measurement value of the pressure sensor of the cushion body Cs exceeds a predetermined threshold and then decreases. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 100 Vehicle interior systems V Vehicle S Vehicle seats (interior parts) S1 First Vehicle Seat S2 Second vehicle seat D Door (interior parts) W Window IP Instrument Panel Sh seat body Tr epidermis H Crew FL Vehicle floor 1 seat cushion 1a Vibration body 1b Air Cell 1c Side support part 1d Side support movable part 2 Seat back 2a Vibrating body 2b Air Cell 2c Side support part 2d Side support moving part (electric device) 3 Headrest 5. Ottoman 5a Ottoman movable part (electric device) 6 Electric equipment 7 Reclining device (electric device) 8 Slide rail device (electric device) 8a Lower rail 8b Upper Rail 9 Height adjustment device (electric device) 10 Seat control unit (control unit) 11. Communications equipment 12 First monitor (first display unit) 13 Collision detection sensor 14 Cushion body storage section 14a Power supply section Cs Cushion body Cs1 First cushion body Cs2 Second cushion body 20 Cushion body control section 21 Communication equipment 22 Second monitor (second display unit) 23 Speaker (audio output section) 24 Start switch 25 Sensors 26 Battery 30 Main body 31 First pressure sensor 32 First tilt sensor 35 Extension 35a Upper extension 35b Lower extension 36 Second pressure sensor 37 Second tilt sensor

Claims

1. An interior member provided in the vehicle; An electric device provided in the interior member; A cushion body that can be held by an occupant; A control unit that controls the electric device, The cushion body has a sensor that measures a force applied to the cushion body, The cushion body and the control unit are capable of communicating with each other, The control unit operates the electrically-driven device based on the measurement values ​​measured by the sensor.

2. The cushion body is provided with a plurality of the sensors, At least one of the plurality of sensors is a pressure sensor; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit operates the electrically-driven device based on a position where the pressure sensor that measures the pressure is disposed.

3. The pressure sensor is capable of measuring the strength of pressure applied to the cushion body, 3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes an amount of operation of the electrically-driven device based on the strength of the pressure applied to the pressure sensor.

4. The cushion body has a main body portion and an extension portion extending from the main body portion, the main body portion has a first tilt sensor that measures a tilt of the main body portion; The extension portion has a second tilt sensor that measures a tilt of the extension portion, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit calculates a relative inclination of the extension portion relative to the main body portion as a relative inclination angle from the inclination of the main body portion and the inclination of the extension portion, and operates the electric device based on the relative inclination angle.

5. The cushion body is composed of at least a first cushion body and a second cushion body, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the electric device based on measurement values ​​measured by the sensor of the first cushion body and the sensor of the second cushion body.

6. The first cushion body and the second cushion body each have a main body portion and an extension portion extending from the main body portion, the main body portion has a first tilt sensor that detects a tilt of the main body portion, The extension portion has a second tilt sensor that detects a tilt of the extension portion, The control unit is calculating a first relative inclination angle of the extension portion relative to the main body portion from an inclination of the main body portion of the first cushion body and an inclination of the extension portion; calculating a second relative inclination angle of the extension portion relative to the main body portion from the inclination of the main body portion and the inclination of the extension portion of the second cushion body; 6. The vehicle interior system of claim 5, further comprising: actuating the powered device when a difference between the first relative tilt angle and the second relative tilt angle is within a predetermined threshold.

7. the interior member is a vehicle seat on which the occupant can sit, the electric device is a device that moves all or a part of the vehicle seat, the sensor of the cushion body is a pressure sensor, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit operates the electrically-driven device based on a measurement value of the pressure sensor.

8. the interior member is a vehicle seat on which the occupant can sit and which includes a seat back and a side support portion provided on the seat back, the electric device is a side support movable part that operates the side support part, the sensor is a pressure sensor; 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the side support parts to move closer to the seated occupant when the force applied to the pressure sensor of the cushion body becomes stronger, and operates the side support parts to move away from the seated occupant when the force applied to the pressure sensor of the cushion body becomes weaker.

9. The interior member includes a first display unit for displaying an image of a character, the sensor is a pressure sensor; 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes an image of the character displayed on the first display unit based on a measurement value of the pressure sensor.

10. the cushion body has a second display unit for the cushion body that displays an image of the character, and a sound output unit that outputs a sound of the character, 10. The vehicle interior system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit changes the image of the character displayed by the second display unit based on the measurement value of the pressure sensor, and causes the audio output unit to output the voice of the character.

11. a collision detection sensor for detecting a collision of the vehicle; 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the interlocking operation of the cushion body and the electric device when the collision of the vehicle is detected by the collision detection sensor.

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