Vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle which allows an occupant to get in or off the vehicle properly and operate the vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle V includes: a vehicle height adjustment device 10 which adjusts a heigh of the vehicle; vehicle seats 60, 70 attached to a vehicle floor 50; and a vehicle control device 80 which exercises control so as to switch the vehicle between a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode. The vehicle seat 70 includes a seat cushion 71, a height device 75 which adjusts a heigh of the seat cushion, and a tilt device 76 which inclines at least a part of the seat cushion forward. In the second mode, the vehicle control device 80 controls the vehicle height adjustment device 10 so that the height of the vehicle becomes lower than that in the first mode, controls the height device 75 so that the height of the seat cushion 71 is increased, and controls the tilt device 76 so that the seat cushion is inclined forward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly to a vehicle capable of controlling vehicle devices mounted on the vehicle in a plurality of modes. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Vehicles equipped with a vehicle height adjustment device (for example, a height-adjustable suspension device) capable of adjusting the height of the vehicle are known.

[0003] The vehicle of Patent Document 1 includes a vehicle height adjustment means for adjusting the vehicle height, a running condition detection means for detecting the running condition of the vehicle, and a vehicle height control means for controlling the vehicle height based on output information from the running condition detection means. The vehicle also includes a seat position adjustment means for adjusting the height of a vehicle seat, and a seat control means for controlling the seat position adjustment means. The vehicle of Patent Document 2 also includes a driving posture control means for controlling the driver's posture, a boarding / alighting determination means for determining whether the driver is getting in and out of the vehicle, and a control means for controlling the movable floor to move to its lowest position and the driver's seat to move to its lowest position when the driver gets in and out of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-76799 [Patent Document 2] Publication No. 2005-104456 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in the case of vehicles such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there has been a demand for a vehicle that allows passengers to get in and out of the vehicle more appropriately (comfortably) and that can also be driven. For example, there has been a demand for a vehicle that can switch vehicle modes in response to operations or actions of the occupant, thereby improving the riding comfort of the occupant.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that allows occupants to properly get in and out of and that can be driven. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle capable of switching the vehicle mode in response to an operation or action of the occupant, thereby ensuring a comfortable ride for the occupant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by a vehicle of the present invention, which comprises a vehicle height adjustment device that adjusts the height of the vehicle, a vehicle seat mounted inside the vehicle and attached to a vehicle floor, and a vehicle control device that controls the vehicle to switch between a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode, wherein the vehicle seat comprises a seat cushion, a height device that adjusts the height of the seat cushion, and a tilt device that tilts at least a portion of the seat cushion forward, and the vehicle control device controls the vehicle height adjustment device so as to lower the height of the vehicle in the second mode compared to when in the first mode, controls the height device so as to raise the height of the seat cushion compared to when in the first mode, and controls the tilt device so as to tilt at least a portion of the seat cushion forward compared to when in the first mode. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle that allows passengers to properly get in and out of and that can be driven. In detail, the vehicle can be switched between a "first mode (e.g., a driving mode)" and a "second mode (e.g., an entry / exit mode)", and in the "second mode", the vehicle height can be lowered, the seat cushion height can be raised, and at least a portion of the seat cushion can be tilted forward compared to in the "first mode". This allows the occupant to properly enter and exit the vehicle when the vehicle is in the "second mode". Note that the occupant can drive the vehicle when the vehicle is in the "first mode". Specifically, when getting on and off the vehicle, it is preferable to minimize the vertical distance between the ground and the vehicle floor (vehicle height) and set the vertical distance between the vehicle floor and the seat cushion relatively large. It is also preferable to tilt at least a portion of the seat cushion slightly forward (ensuring ease of getting on and off). When the vehicle is traveling, it is preferable to set the vertical distance between the vehicle's traveling surface and the vehicle floor relatively large and the vertical distance between the vehicle floor and the seat cushion relatively small (ensuring ride comfort while traveling). The above mode switching allows for good adjustment of the height of the vehicle floor (vehicle height), the height of the seat cushion, and the posture.

[0008] In this case, the second mode is a boarding / alighting mode for allowing passengers to board and alight, and the vehicle control device, in the boarding / alighting mode, preferably controls the tilt device so that the seating surface of the seat cushion is tilted forward relative to the floor surface of the vehicle floor. In addition, the second mode is a boarding / alighting mode for allowing passengers to board and alight, and is equipped with a vehicle inclination measuring device that measures the degree of inclination of the vehicle relative to the running surface on which the vehicle is running, and a seat inclination measuring device that measures the degree of inclination of the seat cushion relative to the vehicle floor, and the vehicle control device controls the tilt device so that the seating surface of the seat cushion tilts forward relative to the running surface based on the degree of inclination of the vehicle and the degree of inclination of the seat cushion when in the boarding / alighting mode. With the above-described configuration, when an occupant gets in and out of the vehicle, the seating surface of the seat cushion can be tilted forward, allowing the occupant to get in and out of the vehicle more appropriately.

[0009] In this case, the second mode is a boarding / alighting mode for allowing passengers to board and alight, the vehicle seat is equipped with a rail device having a lower rail fixed to the vehicle floor and an upper rail slidably connected to the lower rail, and the vehicle control device controls the tilt device so that the seating surface of the seat cushion tilts forward relative to the upper surface of the upper rail when in the boarding / alighting mode. With the above-described configuration, when an occupant gets in and out of the vehicle, the seating surface of the seat cushion can be tilted forward, allowing the occupant to get in and out of the vehicle more appropriately.

[0010] In this case, the vehicle seat includes a seat back and a reclining device that rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion and locks the seat back, and the vehicle control device controls the reclining device so that in the second mode, the seat back is tilted further backward relative to the seat cushion than in the first mode. In addition, in the second mode, the vehicle control device may control the reclining device so that the seating surface of the seat back is perpendicular to a floor surface of the vehicle floor. In addition, in the second mode, the vehicle control device may control the reclining device so that the seating surface of the seat back is vertical. With the above configuration, when an occupant gets in and out of a vehicle, the seat cushion is set in a forward tilted position (slightly forward tilted position) and the seat back is set in a rearward tilted position (slightly rearward tilted position), allowing the occupant to get in and out of the vehicle appropriately. However, if the seat back is set in a forward tilted position, the occupant's back will be pressed by the seat back when getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0011] In this case, it is preferable that the vehicle control device controls the vehicle height adjustment device, the height device, and the tilt device in an interlocking manner when in the second mode. In addition, in the second mode, the vehicle control device may control the vehicle height adjustment device, the height device, the tilt device and the reclining device in an interlocking manner. The above configuration allows the occupant to get in and out of the vehicle more appropriately, and allows the occupant to drive the vehicle in comfort.

[0012] In this case, the first mode is a driving mode for driving the vehicle, and the second mode is a boarding / alighting mode for getting passengers on and off, and the vehicle control device is preferably controlled to switch between the driving mode, the boarding / alighting mode, and a third mode different from the driving mode and the boarding / alighting mode. In addition, the third mode is a rest mode for allowing the occupant to relax while seated in the vehicle seat, and the vehicle control device may control the tilt device in the rest mode using operational control that is different from that in the driving mode and the getting-in / out mode. With the above configuration, the vehicle mode can be controlled to be switched among a "traveling mode," a "boarding / exiting mode," and a "rest mode" in response to an operation or action of the occupant.

[0013] In this case, the vehicle control device has a memory unit that stores mode operation information including mode start conditions and / or mode switching conditions for the driving mode, the boarding / alighting mode, and the rest mode, and based on the mode operation information, controls the vehicle to start in a predetermined mode, and switches and controls the vehicle to the predetermined mode. According to the above configuration, the vehicle mode can be more appropriately switched based on the mode operation information, which allows the occupant to more appropriately get in and out of the vehicle and drive the vehicle more appropriately. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, a vehicle can be realized that allows passengers to get in and out of the vehicle appropriately and that allows the vehicle to be driven. That is, the height of the vehicle floor (vehicle height), the height of the seat cushion, and the posture can be adjusted by switching between a "first mode (e.g., a driving mode)" and a "second mode (e.g., a getting in and out mode)". Therefore, in the "second mode", passengers can get in and out of the vehicle appropriately, and in the "first mode", passengers can drive the vehicle suitably. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when an occupant gets in and out of the vehicle, the seating surface of the seat cushion can be tilted forward, allowing the occupant to get in and out of the vehicle more appropriately. According to the present invention, when an occupant gets in and out of a vehicle, the seat cushion is set to a slightly forward tilted position and the seat back is set to a slightly backward tilted position, so that the occupant can get in and out of the vehicle appropriately. If the seat back is set to a forward tilted position, the back of the occupant is pressed by the seat back when getting in and out of the vehicle. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the occupant can get in and out of the vehicle more appropriately, and can drive the vehicle in comfort. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the vehicle mode can be controlled to be switched among the "travel mode", the "boarding / exiting mode", and the "rest mode" in response to the operation or action of the occupant. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the vehicle mode can be more appropriately switched based on the mode operation information, thereby enabling the occupant to more appropriately get in and out of the vehicle and drive the vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle, showing that the vehicle is in a "driving mode (first mode)". [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of the vehicle seat in a "driving mode." [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing that the vehicle mode is the "boarding / exiting mode (second mode)." [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a state of a vehicle seat in an "entrance / exit mode." [Diagram 5]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing that the vehicle mode is "rest mode (third mode)". [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of the vehicle seat in a "rest mode." [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle control device and vehicle equipment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of a vehicle control method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment relates to a "vehicle" that enables occupants to properly get in and out of the vehicle and that also enables the vehicle to be driven. The "front-rear direction of the vehicle" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is normally traveling. The "inner side in the width direction of the vehicle" refers to the interior side of the vehicle (inner side) with respect to the vehicle door, and the "outer side in the width direction of the vehicle" refers to the exterior side of the vehicle (outer side) with respect to the vehicle door.

[0017] <Vehicle hardware configuration> The vehicle V is an automobile that realizes that the occupants can ride comfortably while the vehicle V is traveling, and that the occupants can conveniently get in and out of the vehicle V. In other words, the vehicle V is an automobile that ensures a comfortable ride while traveling, and ensures ease of getting in and out of the vehicle V. For example, when an occupant gets in and out of a vehicle, making the vehicle floor as low as possible makes it easier for the occupant to get in and out. Also, making the height of the vehicle seat (seat cushion) relatively high makes it easier for the occupant to sit and stand up. Also, tilting the seat cushion slightly forward makes it easier for the occupant to sit and stand up.

[0018] 1, the vehicle V is an automobile equipped with two rows of vehicle seats 60, 70 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle V. The vehicle V may be an automobile equipped with one, three, or four or more rows of vehicle seats. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat 70 (rear seat) is configured to move, but the vehicle seat 60 (front seat) also moves in the same manner. Of the vehicle seats 60, 70, only the vehicle seat 70 may be configured to drive and move, or only the vehicle seat 60 may be configured to drive and move.

[0019] The vehicle control device 80 can switch the mode of the vehicle V between a "driving mode (first mode)" shown in Figures 1 and 2, a "boarding / alighting mode (second mode)" shown in Figures 3 and 4, and a "rest mode (third mode)" shown in Figures 5 and 6. The "driving mode" is a mode for driving the vehicle V. The "getting in and out mode" is a mode for allowing a passenger to get in and out of the vehicle V. The "rest mode" is a mode for allowing a passenger to relax while seated in the vehicle seat 70. The vehicle control device 80 can control the operation of vehicle devices (group of vehicle devices) mounted on the vehicle V in accordance with each mode. The vehicle V may be controlled by the vehicle control device 80 as a default to a "stop mode (reference mode, fourth mode)" in which the vehicle V is stopped.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle V includes a vehicle body 1, wheels 2 for driving the vehicle body 1, a vehicle door 3, a vehicle height adjustment device 10 that connects the vehicle body 1 and the wheels 2 and adjusts the height (vehicle height) of the vehicle body 1, a distance sensor 15, a vehicle inclination measuring device 20, a roof moving device 30, an on-board sensor 40, a vehicle floor 50, vehicle seats 60, 70 attached to the vehicle floor 50, and a vehicle control device 80 that controls the vehicle equipment group.

[0021] The vehicle body 1 corresponds to the vehicle main body and includes a bottom wall portion 1a that forms the bottom wall of the vehicle V, a side wall portion 1b that forms the side wall of the vehicle V, a top wall portion 1c that forms the ceiling (roof) of the vehicle V, a front wall portion 1d, and a rear wall portion 1e. The wheels 2 are attached to the four corners of the vehicle body 1 (bottom wall portion 1a) and function as running wheels. The vehicle door 3 is attached to the vehicle body 1 (side wall portion 1b) so as to be openable and closable. A door opening / closing sensor is attached inside a door handle 3a of the vehicle door 3. The door opening / closing sensor outputs a detection signal to the vehicle control device 80 when it detects that the vehicle door 3 is open.

[0022] The vehicle height adjusting device 10 corresponds to a suspension device, and has a mechanism for supporting the wheels 2 and absorbing shocks, thereby allowing the vehicle V to travel stably. The vehicle height adjusting device 10 includes a suspension arm that supports the wheel 2, a spring, and a damper (also called a shock absorber). The vehicle height adjusting device 10 is a height-adjustable suspension device, and is capable of adjusting the height (vehicle height) of the vehicle V. In other words, by adjusting the vehicle height, the vertical distance between the ground (running surface) and the bottom wall portion 1a (vehicle floor 50) can be adjusted. In other words, the vehicle height adjusting device 10 can change the height position of the vehicle floor 50.

[0023] The distance sensor 15 is a sensor that measures the distance between the ground and the vehicle body 1 (bottom wall portion 1a) in the vertical direction, and is attached to the bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 1a. The distance sensor 15 measures the distance between the ground and the vehicle body 1, and transmits the distance information to the vehicle control device. By including the distance sensor 15, it is possible to prevent the vehicle body 1 from coming into contact with the ground.

[0024] The vehicle inclination measuring device 20 is a device that measures the degree of inclination of the vehicle V with respect to the traveling surface on which the vehicle V travels. The vehicle inclination measuring device 20 has, for example, an inclination sensor, measures the degree of inclination of the vehicle V using the inclination sensor, and transmits information on the degree of inclination of the vehicle V to the vehicle control device 80. The vehicle inclination measuring device 20 is attached to the center of the bottom wall 1a of the vehicle V, but may be attached to the front and rear parts of the vehicle V, or may be attached to the four corners of the vehicle V. Alternatively, the vehicle inclination measuring device 20 may be a vehicle slope meter and may be mounted inside the vehicle V.

[0025] The roof moving device 30 is a device capable of vertically moving the roof portion 31 relative to the top wall portion 1c, and is disposed at a position corresponding to the vehicle seats 60, 70 (directly above the vehicle seats 60, 70). The roof moving device 30 includes a rectangular plate-shaped roof portion 31, a connecting link 32 (connecting member) that connects the roof portion 31 and the top wall portion 1c, and a drive motor (not shown). The roof moving device 30 is operated to move (rotate) the roof portion 31 in the vertical direction. By moving the roof portion 31 upward, the height of the ceiling (roof) directly above the vehicle seats 60, 70 can be increased. The roof moving device 30 may change the height of the ceiling by sliding the roof portion 31 up and down. Alternatively, the roof moving device 30 may slide the roof portion 31 back and forth or left and right to open a portion of the ceiling of the vehicle V. Alternatively, the roof portion 31 may be rotated back and forth or left and right to open a portion of the ceiling.

[0026] The on-board sensor 40 includes multiple imaging devices 41 that detect the external environment (moving objects, structures, etc.) around the vehicle V, a lidar 42, and a gyro sensor 43 (acceleration sensor) that measures the angular velocity and acceleration of the vehicle V. The vehicle-mounted sensor 40 also has seating sensors 44, 45 that are attached inside the vehicle seats 60, 70 and detect the seating pressure of the occupant.

[0027] The imaging device 41 is a small camera that captures external images around the vehicle V, and creates external image data to perform the ``sensing function'' and ``monitoring function'' of the vehicle V, and transmits the external image data to the vehicle control device 80. A plurality of imaging devices 41 are mounted on the vehicle V, and are attached, for example, to the sides of the vehicle V at the front position and the rear position. The lidar 42 is a remote sensor that measures the distance to a target object by emitting laser light and receiving reflected light from the target object, thereby performing three-dimensional spatial imaging. The lidar 42 acquires distance measurement data that measures the distance to the target object, and transmits the distance measurement data to the vehicle control device 80. A plurality of riders 42 are mounted on the vehicle V, and are attached, for example, to the lateral portions at the front position and the rear position of the vehicle V.

[0028] The gyro sensor 43 measures the three-dimensional angular velocity and acceleration of the vehicle V, and transmits information on the acceleration and angular velocity of the vehicle V to the vehicle control device 80. The mounting positions of the imaging device 41, the lidar 42, and the gyro sensor 43 can be changed as appropriate.

[0029] The seating sensors 44, 45 are pressure sensors that output a detection signal to the vehicle control device 80 when they detect that an occupant is seated. The seating sensor 44 is attached to the surface of the seat cushion 71. The seating sensor 45 is attached to the surface of the seat back 72.

[0030] The vehicle floor 50 is a floor for mounting vehicle seats 60, 70 and vehicle interior components, and is disposed slightly above the bottom wall portion 1a of the vehicle body 1. Inside the vehicle V, an area surrounded by the vehicle floor 50, the side wall 1b, the top wall 1c, the front wall 1d, and the rear wall 1e constitutes the cabin (interior space) of the vehicle V. While the vehicle V is traveling and during rest periods, the occupants spend time inside the cabin.

[0031] 1 and 2, the vehicle seat 60 is a front seat (driver's seat, passenger seat) disposed in a forward position of the vehicle V. The vehicle seat 70 is a rear seat disposed in a rear position of the vehicle V. Since the vehicle seats 60 and 70 have the same configuration, the vehicle seat 70 will be described in detail below.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle seat 70 includes a seat cushion 71, a seat back 72, a headrest 73, a rail device 74, a height device 75, a tilt device 76, a seat inclination measuring device 77, and a reclining device 78. The seat cushion 71, the seat back 72, and the headrest 73 correspond to the "seat body." The rail device 74, the height device 75, the tilt device 76, the seat inclination measuring device 77, and the reclining device 78 correspond to the "seat moving device (vehicle equipment)."

[0033] The seat cushion 71 is a seating portion that supports a seated person (occupant) from below, and has a cushion frame 71a, a padding material, and a cover material that covers the cushion frame 71a and the padding material. The cushion frame 71a is a frame-shaped frame and has left and right side frames 71b arranged on the sides in the seat width direction, a plate-shaped pan frame 71c connecting the front portions of each side frame 71b, and a rear connecting frame 71d connecting the rear portions of each side frame 71b. A tilt device 76 and a seat inclination measuring device 77 are attached to the cushion frame 71a. A rail device 74 is attached to the lower portion of the cushion frame 71a via a height device 75. An ottoman device 79 is attached to the front portion of the cushion frame 71a.

[0034] The seat back 72 is a backrest portion that supports a seated occupant from behind, and includes a back frame 72a, a padding material, and a covering material. A reclining device 78 is attached to the connecting portion of the cushion frame 71a and the back frame 72a.

[0035] The headrest 73 supports the head of the occupant from behind, and includes a head pillar 73a serving as a core material, a pad material, and a cover material. A head driving device 73b is attached to the connecting portion of the back frame 72a and the head pillar 73a. The head driving device 73b is a driving motor type head height adjustment device, and is a device that can connect the headrest 73 (head pillar 73a) to the back frame 72a so as to be vertically movable, and can fix the headrest 73 in place.

[0036] The rail device 74 is attached between the vehicle floor 50 and the seat cushion 71 in the vertical direction. The rail device 74 is fixed to the vehicle floor 50 and includes left and right lower rails 74a extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, left and right upper rails 74b connected to the lower rails 74a so as to be slidable along the lower rails 74a, a locking member that locks the upper rails 74b, and a drive motor. A seat cushion 71 is attached to the upper surfaces of the left and right upper rails 74b via height devices 75.

[0037] The height device 75 is attached between the rail device 74 and the seat cushion 71. The height device 75 is, for example, a height link device, and includes left and right front links arranged in front of the seat, left and right rear links arranged in the rear of the seat, a locking member that locks the seat cushion 71, and a drive motor. The height device 75 can adjust the height of the seat cushion 71, for example, by using the rear link as a driving link.

[0038] The tilt device 76 is attached to the cushion frame 71a. The tilt device 76 includes a tilt rotation shaft supported on the front portions of the left and right side frames 71b, a tilt bracket that connects the pan frame 71c to the side frames 71b so as to be rotatable about the tilt rotation shaft, and a drive motor. The tilt device 76 can tilt the seat cushion 71 forward or backward by rotating the pan frame 71c upward relative to the side frame 71b. The tilt device 76 may tilt a portion of the seat cushion 71 forward or backward.

[0039] The seat inclination measuring device 77 is a device that measures the degree of inclination of the seat cushion 71 with respect to the vehicle floor 50, and is attached to the cushion frame 71a. The seat inclination measuring device 77 has, for example, an inclination sensor, measures the degree of inclination of the seat cushion 71 using the inclination sensor, and transmits information on the degree of inclination of the seat cushion 71 to the vehicle control device 80.

[0040] The reclining device 78 is a device that rotatably connects the seat back 72 to the seat cushion 71 and locks the seat back 72 . The reclining device 78 includes a reclining body 78a that is driven when rotating the seat back 72, a back rotation shaft, a spiral spring that urges the seat back 72 to rotate forward around the back rotation shaft, and a drive motor. The reclining body 78a can switch the state of the seat back 72 between a "locked state" and an "unlocked state" in which the seat back 72 is rotatable relative to the seat cushion 71. The back rotation shaft is supported in the seat width direction on the seat cushion 71 side and the seat back 72 side. One end of the spiral spring is anchored to the seat cushion 71 side, and the other end is anchored to the seat back 72 side.

[0041] The ottoman device 79 is a device that rotatably connects a leg support member 79a to the seat cushion 71 and locks the leg support member 79a. The ottoman device 79 includes an ottoman rotation shaft supported by the cushion frame 71a, a leg support member 79a that rotates about the ottoman rotation shaft relative to the cushion frame 71a, and a drive motor. The ottoman device 79 is a device that allows the leg support member 79a to rotate between a "storage position" and an "extended position" in which the leg support member 79a is rotated and moved toward the front of the seat from the storage position.

[0042] The vehicle control device 80 is a device that performs overall electrical control of the vehicle V, and is, for example, an engine control unit (ECU). The vehicle control device 80 is mounted inside the dashboard of the vehicle V, for example. The vehicle control device 80 is connected to the vehicle height adjustment device 10, distance sensor 15, vehicle inclination measuring device 20, roof moving device 30, on-board sensor 40, head drive device 73b, rail device 74, height device 75, tilt device 76, seat inclination measuring device 77, reclining device 78 and ottoman device 79 via an on-board network. Specifically, the vehicle control device 80 is a computer equipped with a CPU (processor) as a data calculation and control processing device, ROM and RAM as storage devices, an HDD, and a communication interface for sending and receiving information data via the in-vehicle network.

[0043] In addition to a main program that performs functions necessary for a computer, a vehicle program according to this embodiment is stored in the storage unit 81 of the vehicle control device 80. The functions of the vehicle V are realized by executing the program by a CPU (processor). The vehicle control device 80 controls the vehicle V to switch between a "traveling mode", a "boarding / exiting mode", and a "rest mode".

[0044] <Vehicle Features> As shown in FIG. 7, from a functional perspective, the vehicle control device 80 has as its main components a memory unit 81 that stores various programs and various data, an operation control unit 82, a calculation unit 83, and a communication unit 84. These are composed of a CPU (processor), ROM, RAM, HDD, communication interface, and various programs.

[0045] The storage unit 81 stores "mode operation information (mode operation map)." The “mode operation information” includes information on the mode start conditions and mode switching conditions for the driving mode, the getting-in / out mode, and the rest mode, and is stored in a centralized manner in the memory unit 81. By referring to the above-mentioned "mode operation information", the vehicle control device 80 can start controlling the vehicle V in a predetermined mode, and can switch and control the vehicle V to the predetermined mode. The start conditions (switching conditions) of each mode will be described in detail below.

[0046] <<Start conditions (switching conditions) for "Driving mode">> A condition for starting the "driving mode" is when it is detected that an occupant (driver) has operated the shift lever 4. Specifically, when it is detected that the shift lever 4 has been set to drive, the operation control unit 82 controls the mode of the vehicle V to become the "driving mode." Moreover, when the seat belt (belt buckle) provided in the target vehicle seat 60, 70 is locked, the operation control unit 82 controls to switch to the "driving mode." In addition, when the seating sensors 44, 45 detect that an occupant is seated and the door opening / closing sensor detects that all of the vehicle doors 3 are closed, the operation control unit 82 may switch to the "driving mode". Alternatively, the operation control unit 82 may switch to the "driving mode" simply by the occupant operating a mode switching operation switch.

[0047] <<Start conditions (switching conditions) for "Getting on / off mode">> The condition for starting the "getting in / out mode" is when it is detected that an occupant has opened or closed the vehicle door 3 (door handle 3a). Specifically, when the door opening / closing sensor detects that the vehicle door 3 is open, the operation control unit 82 controls the mode of the vehicle V to the "getting in / out mode". In addition, when an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 60, 70 places his / her hand on the vehicle door 3 (door handle 3a) and the seat sensor 44 detects a decrease in seat pressure, the operation control unit 82 may switch to the "entrance / exit mode." Alternatively, the operation control unit 82 may switch to the "driving mode" simply by the occupant operating a mode switching operation switch. Alternatively, the operation control unit 82 may switch to the "driving mode" by the occupant issuing a specified voice command or a specified gesture command.

[0048] <<Start conditions (switching conditions) for "rest mode">> The conditions for starting the "rest mode" include when the seating sensors 44, 45 of the vehicle seats 60, 70 in which an occupant is seated detect a predetermined seating pressure (pressure) or detect an increase or decrease to the predetermined seating pressure. For example, when the seating sensor 45 of the seat back 72 detects an increase to the predetermined pressure within a predetermined time and the seating sensor 44 of the seat cushion 71 detects a decrease to the predetermined pressure within a predetermined time, the operation control unit 82 controls the mode of the vehicle V to the "rest mode". Another example is when it is detected that the occupant has operated the shift lever 4. For example, when it is detected that the shift lever 4 is set to parking, the operation control unit 82 controls the mode of the vehicle V to be the "rest mode." In addition, when the vehicle V is driving autonomously, the operation control unit 82 may switch the mode of the vehicle V to a "rest mode." Alternatively, the operation control unit 82 may switch to the "rest mode" simply by the occupant operating a mode switching operation switch. Alternatively, the operation control unit 82 may switch to the "rest mode" by the occupant issuing a predetermined voice command or a predetermined gesture command.

[0049] <<Driving mode control>> When the mode of the vehicle V is the "driving mode", the operation control unit 82 controls the operation of the vehicle height adjustment device 10, the roof moving device 30, the head drive device 73b, the rail device 74, the height device 75, the tilt device 76, the reclining device 78 and the ottoman device 79, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, the operation control unit 82 controls the vehicle height adjustment device 10 to set the vehicle height to the "reference position (normal position)", and controls the roof moving device 30 to set the height of the roof portion 31 to the "reference position". In addition, the operation control unit 82 controls the head drive device 73b so as to set the height of the headrest 73 to the "reference position (deployed position)", and controls the rail device 74 so as to set the front-rear position of the vehicle seat 70 to the "reference position". Further, the operation control unit 82 controls the height device 75 so as to set the height of the seat cushion 71 to the "reference position (normal position)", and controls the tilt device 76 so as to set the tilt posture (tilt posture in the front-rear direction) of the seat cushion 71 to the "reference position (horizontal position)". In other words, the tilt device 76 is controlled so as to make the seating surface of the seat cushion 71 horizontal (approximately horizontal). In addition, the operation control unit 82 controls the reclining device 78 to set the inclination posture of the seat back 72 to the "reference position (normal position)" and controls the ottoman device 79 to set the leg support member 79a to the "reference position (storage position)". In other words, the reclining device 78 is controlled to tilt the seat surface of the seat back 72 slightly backward from the vertical.

[0050] As described above, the vehicle control device 80 controls the operation of each vehicle device, allowing the occupant (driver) to drive the vehicle V more comfortably. In particular, when the vehicle V is in "driving mode", by controlling the vehicle height, the height of the seat cushion 71, and the tilted attitude of the seat cushion 71 and the seat back 72 as described above, the occupants can drive the vehicle V comfortably.

[0051] <<Control boarding and disembarking mode>> When the mode of the vehicle V is the "boarding / exiting mode", the operation control unit 82 controls the operation of the vehicle height adjustment device 10, the roof moving device 30, the head drive device 73b, the rail device 74, the height device 75, the tilt device 76, the reclining device 78 and the ottoman device 79, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Specifically, the operation control unit 82 controls the vehicle height adjustment device 10 to lower the vehicle height below the "reference position", and controls the roof moving device 30 to raise the height of the roof portion 31 above the "reference position". The operation control unit 82 also controls the head drive device 73b to set the height of the headrest 73 to the "storage position", and controls the rail device 74 to set the front-rear position of the vehicle seat 70 to the "reference position". Note that the vehicle seat 70 may be moved forward or backward from the "reference position" to make it easier for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. In addition, the operation control unit 82 controls the height device 75 so as to make the height of the seat cushion 71 higher than the "reference position", and controls the tilt device 76 so as to tilt the inclination of the seat cushion 71 forward from the "reference position". In other words, the tilt device 76 is controlled so as to tilt the seating surface of the seat cushion 71 slightly forward from the horizontal. The operation control unit 82 also controls the reclining device 78 to tilt the seat back 72 slightly backward from the "reference position", and controls the ottoman device 79 to set the leg support member 79a to the "reference position". In other words, as the seat cushion 71 is tilted forward by the tilt device 76, the reclining device 78 is controlled (corrective control) to tilt the seating surface of the seat back 72 vertically or slightly backward.

[0052] As described above, the vehicle control device 80 controls the operation of each vehicle device, making it easier for the occupant to get in and out of the vehicle. In particular, when the vehicle V is in the "getting in and out mode", the vehicle height, the height of the seat cushion 71, and the inclination of the seat cushion 71 and the seat back 72 are controlled as described above, making it easier for the occupant to sit in the vehicle seats 60, 70 and to stand up.

[0053] As described above, when the vehicle V is in the "getting / getting mode", the vehicle control device 80 controls the tilt device 76 so that the seating surface of the seat cushion 71 tilts forward relative to the floor surface of the vehicle floor 50. In addition, the vehicle control device 80 controls the tilt device 76 so that the seating surface of the seat cushion 71 tilts forward relative to the upper surface of the upper rail 74b. Furthermore, the vehicle control device 80 acquires measurement information of the inclination degree of the vehicle V from the vehicle inclination measurement device 20, and acquires measurement information of the inclination degree of the seat cushion 71 from the seat inclination measurement device 77. Then, based on the acquired information, the vehicle control device 80 controls the tilt device 76 so that the seating surface of the seat cushion 71 is tilted forward with respect to the ground (traveling surface). This allows the seating surface of the seat cushion 71 to be adjusted more appropriately, allowing the passenger to get in and out of the vehicle more appropriately (comfortably).

[0054] As described above, when the vehicle V is in the “getting / getting mode”, the vehicle control device 80 controls the reclining device 78 so that the seating surface of the seat back 72 is perpendicular to the floor surface of the vehicle floor 50. Furthermore, the vehicle control device 80 acquires measurement information of the inclination degree of the vehicle V and measurement information of the inclination degree of the seat cushion 71. Then, based on the acquired information, the vehicle control device 80 controls the reclining device 78 so that the seating surface of the seat back 72 becomes perpendicular to the ground. This allows the seating surface of the seat back 72 to be adjusted more appropriately, allowing the occupant to get in and out of the seat more appropriately. The measured value of the inclination degree of the vehicle V and the measured value of the inclination degree of the seat cushion 71 are calculated by the calculation unit 83.

[0055] As described above, when the vehicle V is in the "getting / getting-in mode", the vehicle control device 80 controls the head drive device 73b to store the headrest 73 on the seat back 72 side. This makes it possible to prevent the headrest 73 from unintentionally coming into contact with the top wall portion 1c (roof portion 31) when the seat cushion 71 is raised by the height device 75. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, by storing the leg support member 79a without deploying it, it is possible to prevent the calves of the occupant from coming into contact with the leg support member 79a when the occupant stands up from the vehicle seat 60, 70 or sits down.

[0056] <<Control break mode>> When the mode of vehicle V is "rest mode", the operation control unit 82 controls the operation of the vehicle height adjustment device 10, roof moving device 30, head drive device 73b, rail device 74, height device 75, tilt device 76, reclining device 78 and ottoman device 79, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Specifically, the operation control unit 82 controls the vehicle height adjustment device 10 so as to set the vehicle height to the "reference position", and controls the roof moving device 30 so as to set the height of the roof portion 31 to the "reference position". In addition, the operation control unit 82 controls the head drive device 73b so as to set the height of the headrest 73 to the "reference position (deployed position)", and controls the rail device 74 so as to set the front-rear position of the vehicle seat 70 to the "reference position". In addition, the operation control unit 82 controls the height device 75 to set the height of the seat cushion 71 to the "reference position", and controls the tilt device 76 to tilt the inclination of the seat cushion 71 backward from the "reference position". In other words, the tilt device 76 is controlled to tilt the seating surface of the seat cushion 71 slightly backward from the horizontal. The motion control unit 82 also controls the reclining device 78 to tilt the seat back 72 further backward than the "reference position". That is, the reclining device 78 is controlled to tilt the seating surface of the seat back 72 backward. The motion control unit 82 also controls the ottoman device 79 to set the leg support member 79a to the "deployed position". That is, the motion control unit 82 controls the ottoman device 79 to cause the leg support member 79a to protrude forward from the seat cushion 71.

[0057] As described above, the vehicle control device 80 controls the operation of each vehicle device, thereby allowing the occupant to sit relaxed in the vehicle seat 70. In particular, when the vehicle V is in the "rest mode", the height of the seat cushion 71, the inclination of the seat cushion 71 and the seat back 72, and the protrusion amount of the leg support member 79a are controlled as described above, allowing the occupant to sit more comfortably in the vehicle seats 60, 70.

[0058] In the above configuration, in the vehicle V, the vehicle control device 80 controls the vehicle height adjustment device 10, the vehicle inclination measurement device 20, the roof moving device 30, the head drive device 73b, the rail device 74, the height device 75, the tilt device 76, the reclining device 78 and the ottoman device 79 in conjunction with each other in response to each mode of the vehicle V. This allows the occupants to get in and out of the vehicle V more appropriately, and allows the occupants to drive the vehicle V comfortably. The vehicle control device 80 may control each vehicle device individually, in addition to controlling the vehicle devices in an interlocking manner.

[0059] In the above configuration, each vehicle device (driving device) has a sensing function that can transmit the state of the driven object, such as the position and angle, to the vehicle control device 80. The vehicle control device 80 (calculation unit 83, communication unit 84) acquires this sensing information and calculates the position, angle, etc. of the driven object based on the sensing information. Then, the operation control unit 82 operates the vehicle body 1 (vehicle floor 50), roof unit 31, vehicle seats 60, 70, etc., which are the driven objects. This allows the vehicle V to operate the vehicle body 1 (vehicle floor 50), the roof portion 31, the vehicle seats 60, 70, etc. with high precision in accordance with each mode.

[0060] <Vehicle control method> Next, the processing of a vehicle control program (vehicle control method) executed by the vehicle V will be described with reference to FIG. The program of this embodiment is a program for implementing the above-mentioned operation control unit 82, calculation unit 83, and communication unit 84 as functional components of a vehicle control device 80 having a storage unit 81. A CPU (processor) of the vehicle control device 80 executes this vehicle control program. The execution of the above program is triggered by, for example, accepting a command to start the program through an operation (operation of a key switch) by an occupant (user).

[0061] The vehicle control flow shown in FIG. 8 starts with step 1 (S1) in which a door opening / closing sensor of the vehicle door 3 detects that the vehicle door 3 has been opened or closed by an occupant. When the door opening / closing sensor detects that the vehicle door 3 is open, it transmits a detection signal to the vehicle control device 80 (the operation control unit 82).

[0062] In step 2, the operation control unit 82 receives a detection signal from the door opening / closing sensor and sets the mode of the vehicle V to the "getting in and out mode." At this time, if the mode of the vehicle V is the "stop mode (reference mode)", the operation control unit 82 controls to switch from the "stop mode" to the "getting in and out mode".

[0063] In step 3, the shift sensor of the shift lever 4 detects that the shift lever 4 has been set to drive by the driver. When the shift sensor detects the operation of the shift lever 4, it transmits a detection signal to the operation control unit 82. Then, in step 4, the operation control unit 82 receives a detection signal from the shift sensor of the shift lever 4 and switches the mode of the vehicle V from the "getting in and out mode" to the "driving mode."

[0064] In step 5, the seating sensors 44, 45 of the vehicle seat 70 detect a predetermined seating pressure (pressure) and transmit a detection signal to the operation control unit . For example, the seating sensor 45 of the seat back 72 detects that the pressure has risen to a predetermined pressure within a predetermined time, and the seating sensor 44 of the seat cushion 71 detects that the pressure has decreased to a predetermined pressure within a predetermined time. Then, in step 6, the operation control unit 82 receives the detection signals from the seating sensors 44, 45 and switches the mode of the vehicle V from the "driving mode" to the "rest mode."

[0065] In step 7, the door opening / closing sensor of the vehicle door 3 detects that the vehicle door 3 has been opened or closed by an occupant. Specifically, when the door opening / closing sensor detects that the vehicle door 3 is open, the door opening / closing sensor transmits a detection signal to the operation control unit 82. Then, in step 8, the operation control unit 82 receives a detection signal from the door opening / closing sensor and switches the mode of the vehicle V from the "rest mode" to the "getting in and out mode."

[0066] Then, if a command to stop the operation of the program is received (step 9), the process of Fig. 8 is terminated. On the other hand, if a command to stop the operation is not received, the process returns to step 1 as appropriate and repeats the process described above. The mode switching of the vehicle V in the above program, the start conditions of each mode, and the switching conditions are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. The vehicle control device 80 may switch the mode of the vehicle V from the "boarding / alighting mode" to the "rest mode", or from the "rest mode" to the "driving mode". In addition, the vehicle control device 80 may switch the mode of the vehicle V simply by the occupant operating a mode switching operation switch.

[0067] The above vehicle and vehicle control method allow passengers to get in and out of the vehicle appropriately and drive the vehicle comfortably. In particular, the vehicle mode can be switched in response to the operation or movement of the passenger, thereby ensuring a comfortable ride for the passengers.

[0068] <Other> In the above embodiment, the vehicle control device 80 controls the vehicle height adjustment device 10, the vehicle inclination measurement device 20, the roof moving device 30, the head drive device 73b, the rail device 74, the height device 75, the tilt device 76, the reclining device 78 and the ottoman device 79, but this is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle V (vehicle control device 80) may control at least the vehicle height adjustment device 10, the height device 75, and the tilt device 76 in accordance with the mode of the vehicle V. The vehicle control device 80 may preferably control as follows. 2, the seat back 72 is tilted backward, and the seating surface of the seat back 72 is tilted backward about 10 to 30 degrees, preferably 20 degrees, with respect to the vertical plane. The positions of the seat cushion 71, seat back 72, and headrest 73 in the "traveling mode" are also referred to as "reference positions." 4, it is preferable that the seat cushion 71 is tilted forward, and the seating surface of the seat cushion 71 is tilted forward about 15 to 35 degrees (preferably 25 degrees) from the horizontal plane. Also, it is preferable that the seat back 72 is tilted slightly backward, and the seating surface of the seat back 72 is along a vertical plane or is tilted slightly backward from the vertical plane.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an automobile has been described as a specific example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be used for vehicles such as motorcycles, trains, buses, as well as airplanes, ships, and other vehicles.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the vehicle according to the present invention has been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] V vehicle 1. Vehicle body 1a Bottom wall 1b Side wall part 1c Ceiling wall 1d front wall 1e Rear wall 2 wheels 3 Vehicle doors 3a Door handle 4 Shift lever 10. Vehicle height adjustment device (suspension device) 15 Distance sensor 20 Vehicle tilt measuring device 30 Roof Movement Device 31 Roof 32 Consolidated link 40 In-vehicle sensors 41 Imaging device 42 Rider 43 Gyro Sensor 44, 45 Seat sensor 50 Vehicle Floor 60 Vehicle seat (front seat) 70 Vehicle seat (rear seat) 71 Seat Cushion 71a Cushion Frame 71b Side Frame 71c Bread Frame 71d rear connecting frame 72 Seat back 72a Back frame 73 Headrest 73a Head Pillar 73b Head Driver 74 Rail Equipment 74a Lower Rail 74b Upper Rail 75 Height device 76 Tilt device 77 Sheet tilt measuring device 78 Reclining device 78a Reclining body 79 Ottoman Device 79a Leg support member 80 Vehicle control device 81 Storage section 82 Operation control unit 83 Arithmetic section 84 Communications Department

Claims

1. A vehicle height adjustment device for adjusting the height of a vehicle; A vehicle seat that is installed inside the vehicle and attached to a vehicle floor; A vehicle control device that controls the vehicle to switch between a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode, The vehicle seat includes: Seat cushion and A height device for adjusting the height of the seat cushion; a tilt device for tilting at least a portion of the seat cushion forward, The vehicle control device controls the vehicle height adjustment device so as to lower the height of the vehicle in the second mode compared to the first mode, controls the height device so as to raise the height of the seat cushion compared to the first mode, and controls the tilt device so as to tilt at least a portion of the seat cushion forward compared to the first mode.

2. The second mode is an entry / exit mode for allowing a passenger to enter and exit the vehicle, 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control device controls the tilt device in the getting-in / out mode so that a seating surface of the seat cushion is tilted forward with respect to a floor surface of the vehicle floor.

3. The second mode is an entry / exit mode for allowing a passenger to enter and exit the vehicle, a vehicle inclination measuring device for measuring an inclination degree of a vehicle with respect to a running surface on which the vehicle runs; a seat inclination measuring device that measures an inclination degree of the seat cushion with respect to the vehicle floor, The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle control device controls the tilt device so that the seating surface of the seat cushion tilts forward relative to the running surface based on the degree of inclination of the vehicle and the degree of inclination of the seat cushion when in the boarding / exiting mode.

4. The second mode is an entry / exit mode for allowing a passenger to enter and exit the vehicle, The vehicle seat includes a rail device having a lower rail fixed to the vehicle floor and an upper rail slidably connected to the lower rail, 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control device controls the tilt device in the getting-in / out mode so that a seating surface of the seat cushion is tilted forward with respect to an upper surface of the upper rail.

5. The vehicle seat includes a seat back and a reclining device that rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion and locks the seat back, 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control device controls the reclining device so that, in the second mode, the seat back is tilted further rearward relative to the seat cushion than in the first mode.

6. 6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the vehicle control device controls the reclining device in the second mode so that a seating surface of the seat back is perpendicular to a floor surface of the vehicle floor.

7. 6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the vehicle control device controls the reclining device in the second mode so that the seating surface of the seat back is vertical.

8. 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control device controls the vehicle height adjustment device, the height device, and the tilt device in an interlocking manner when in the second mode.

9. 6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the vehicle control device controls the vehicle height adjustment device, the height device, the tilt device and the reclining device in an interlocking manner when in the second mode.

10. The first mode is a driving mode for driving the vehicle, The second mode is an entry / exit mode for allowing a passenger to enter and exit the vehicle, The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle control device performs control to switch between the traveling mode, the getting-in / out mode, and a third mode different from the traveling mode and the getting-in / out mode.

11. The third mode is a rest mode for allowing the occupant to relax while seated in the vehicle seat, The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle control device controls the tilt device in the rest mode by an operation control different from that in the travel mode and the getting-in / out mode.

12. The vehicle control device includes: A storage unit stores mode operation information including a mode start condition and / or a mode switching condition of the traveling mode, the getting on / off mode, and the rest mode, 12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the vehicle is started in a predetermined mode and the vehicle is switched to and controlled in the predetermined mode based on the mode operation information.

Images