Vehicle seat, vehicle seat device, and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which enables improvement of safety or comfort, and to provide a vehicle seat device and a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat device 1B includes a vehicle seat 3B including a seat back 32B configured to support a back of an occupant H, and a seat cushion 31 configured to support a hip of the occupant H. A lower end of the seat back 32B is pivotally supported by a rear end of the seat cushion 31, and the seat back 32B is configured to enable position adjustment in a manner that the seat back 32B rotates forward to be in a forward tilted position at which the seat back 32B overlaps on the seat cushion 31. The seat back 32B is configured so that the occupant H can be seated on the seat back 32B when the seat back 32B is in the forward tilted position. The seat back 32B has a seat back heat source 32h which provides heat energy to the occupant H on a seating surface 32g which forms an upper surface of the seat back 32B and allows the occupant H to be seated thereon when the seat back 32B is in the forward tilted position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, a vehicle seat apparatus, and a vehicle, and more particularly to a vehicle seat in which a seat back can be tilted forward, and a vehicle seat apparatus and a vehicle equipped with the vehicle seat. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle that uses a luggage board to create a rest space or work space inside the vehicle. Specifically, the second row seats are folded and stored downward, and the luggage board is deployed above the second row seats to create a bed or work desk. This allows the interior space inside the vehicle to be used effectively for various purposes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-165339 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, although the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows occupants to use the space inside the vehicle for various purposes and improves convenience for occupants, safety and comfort were not taken into consideration. Therefore, there is a need to improve the safety and comfort of occupants when the seats are arranged.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a vehicle seat and a vehicle that improve the safety or comfort of occupants when the seat is arranged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which includes a seat back that supports the back of an occupant and a seat cushion that supports the buttocks of the occupant, wherein the lower end of the seat back is rotatably supported on the rear end of the seat cushion, and the seat back is configured to be adjustable in position so that the seat back rotates forward to assume a forward leaning position overlapping the seat cushion, the seat back is configured so that the occupant can be seated on the seat back when the seat back is in the forward leaning position, and the seat back has a seat back heat source that imparts thermal energy to the occupant on a seating surface that is the upper surface of the seat back and on which the occupant can be seated when the seat back is in the forward leaning position. By providing a seat back heat source on the seating surface on which an occupant can sit, which is the upper surface of the seat back when the seat back is in a forward leaning position, it becomes possible to warm an occupant who is working and seated in the forward leaning position as needed, thereby providing a vehicle seat that improves comfort for the occupant.

[0007] In the above configuration, the seat back is composed of a seat back frame which forms the skeleton of the seat back and supports the load from the occupant, a front pad material which covers the front side of the seat back frame when the seat back is in an upright position, a back pad material which covers at least a portion of the back side of the seat back frame, and a skin material which covers the outer surfaces of the front pad material and the back pad material, and the seat back heat source is preferably disposed between the back pad material and the skin material. By locating the seat back heat source in the vicinity of the occupant, thermal energy is easily transferred, improving the comfort of the occupant.

[0008] In the above configuration, the seat back may be provided with a posture detection sensor that detects that the seat back is in the forward leaning position, and a control device that controls the seat back heat source, and the control device may stop supplying electricity to the seat back heat source when the posture detection sensor does not detect that the seat back is in the forward leaning position. By stopping the supply of electricity to the seat back heat source when the seat back is not in a forward leaning position, the seat back heat source is prevented from being operated accidentally, thereby improving safety.

[0009] In the above-mentioned configuration, the seat back may include an occupant detection sensor that detects a seated occupant on the seating surface when the seat back is in the forward tilted position. By providing an occupant detection sensor, for example, the seatback heating source can be prevented from being accidentally activated when the occupant is not seated, thereby improving occupant safety and reducing energy consumption of the seatback heating source.

[0010] In the above configuration, the seat back may be provided with a posture detection sensor that detects that the seat back is in the forward leaning position, and a control device that controls the seat back heat source and the occupant detection sensor, and when the posture detection sensor does not detect that the seat back is in the forward leaning position, the control device may stop supplying electricity to the seat back heat source and the occupant detection sensor. When the seat back is not in a forward-leaning position, power to the seat back heat source and the occupant detection sensor is stopped, which prevents the occupant detection sensor from malfunctioning and prevents the seat back heat source from being activated by mistake, thereby improving safety.

[0011] In the above configuration, the seat back is composed of a seat back frame that forms the skeleton of the seat back and supports the load from the occupant, a front pad material that covers the front side of the seat back frame, a rear pad material that covers at least a portion of the rear side of the seat back frame, and a skin material that covers the outer surfaces of the front pad material and the rear pad material, and the occupant detection sensor is preferably positioned between the rear pad material and the skin material. The provision of the back pad material improves the seating feeling when the seat back is in a forward tilted position, thereby improving comfort. In addition, the occupant detection sensor is disposed between the back pad material and the cover material, so that the occupant detection sensor is in close proximity to the occupant, improving the detection accuracy of the occupant detection sensor, suppressing false detection, and improving safety.

[0012] In the above configuration, the seat back is composed of a seat back frame that forms the skeleton of the seat back and supports the load from the occupant, a front pad material that covers the front side of the seat back frame, a rear pad material that covers at least a portion of the rear side of the seat back frame, and a cover material that covers the outer surfaces of the front pad material and the rear pad material, and the occupant detection sensor is preferably positioned between the rear pad material and the seat back frame. The provision of the back pad material improves the seating feeling when the seat back is in a forward tilted position, thereby improving comfort. In addition, the occupant detection sensor is stabilized by being placed between the back pad material and the seat back frame, improving the detection accuracy of the occupant detection sensor, suppressing false detections, and improving safety.

[0013] In the above configuration, the seat cushion includes a seat cushion main body portion supporting the buttocks of the occupant, and a seat cushion bank portion provided on at least one side in the seat width direction of the seat cushion main body portion and bulging upward to support the side of the occupant's buttocks, the seat cushion bank portion being rotatably supported on the seat cushion main body portion at its front end or rear end, and the seat cushion bank portion having a lateral support portion located above the seat cushion main body portion when rotated upward. When the seat cushion bank portion is rotated upward, it is possible to support the back and head of an occupant lying on the vehicle seat, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant.

[0014] In the above configuration, the seat back comprises a seat back main body portion supporting the back of the occupant, and a seat back bank portion provided on at least one side in the seat width direction of the seat back main body portion and bulging forward to support the side of the occupant's back, the seat back bank portion being rotatably supported on the seat back main body portion at its front end or rear end, and the seat back bank portion preferably has a lateral support portion located forward of the seat back main body portion when rotated forward. When the seat back bank portion is rotated forward, it is possible to support the back and head of an occupant lying in the vehicle seat, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant.

[0015] The above object may be achieved by providing a lifting device that moves the seat cushion and the seat back in the up-down direction of the seat when the seat back is in the forward tilted position. By providing a lifting device, differences in occupant physiques can be accommodated, and the interior space can be used for a variety of purposes according to the occupant's physique. By raising the occupant's line of sight, the outside scenery can be seen clearly, improving satisfaction.

[0016] A vehicle seat device comprising a rear seat consisting of the above-mentioned vehicle seat and a front seat provided in front of the rear seat, wherein the front seat comprises a front seat cushion supporting the buttocks of the occupant seated in the front seat, and a front seat back rotatably supported on the front seat cushion, and the front seat back preferably comprises a front seat heat source on a rear surface of the front seat back that applies thermal energy to the back of the occupant seated in the rear seat when the seat back of the rear seat is in the forward leaning position. By providing a front seat heating source on the front seat back, it is possible to warm the backs of passengers sitting in the rear seats, for example, thereby improving passenger comfort.

[0017] In the above configuration, the front seat comprises a front seat back frame forming the skeleton of the front seat back, a front seat front pad material covering the front side of the front seat back frame in the standing position, a front seat back pad material covering the back side of the front seat back frame in the standing position, and a front seat covering material covering the outer surfaces of the front seat front pad material and the front seat back pad material, and the front seat heat source is preferably disposed between the front seat back pad material and the front seat covering material. By locating the front seat heat source in the vicinity of the occupant, thermal energy is easily transferred, improving the comfort of the occupant.

[0018] In the above configuration, the front seat back may be provided with a front seat occupant detection sensor on a rear surface of the front seat back that detects an occupant sitting in the rear seat when the seat back of the rear seat is in the forward tilted position. By providing an occupant detection sensor on the rear surface of the front seat back, it is possible to detect occupants sitting in the rear seats, thereby improving safety.

[0019] In the above configuration, the front seat comprises a front seat back frame forming the skeleton of the front seat back, a front seat front pad material covering the front side of the front seat back frame in an upright position, a front seat back pad material covering the back side of the front seat back frame in an upright position, and a front seat upholstery material covering the outer surfaces of the front seat front pad material and the front seat back pad material, and the front seat occupant detection sensor is preferably positioned between the front seat back pad material and the front seat upholstery material. The provision of the front seat back pad material improves the seating feeling when leaning against the front seat back, thereby improving comfort. Also, by disposing the front seat occupant detection sensor between the front seat back pad material and the front seat cover material, the front seat occupant detection sensor is in close proximity to the occupant, improving the detection accuracy of the front seat occupant detection sensor, suppressing false detections, and improving safety.

[0020] In the above configuration, the front seat comprises a front seat back frame that forms the skeleton of the front seat back, a front seat front pad material that covers the front side of the front seat back frame in an upright position, a front seat back pad material that covers the back side of the front seat back frame in an upright position, and a front seat covering material that covers the outer surfaces of the front seat front pad material and the front seat back pad material, and the front seat occupant detection sensor is preferably positioned between the front seat back pad material and the front seat back frame. The provision of the front seat back pad material improves the seating feeling when leaning against the front seat back, thereby improving comfort. Also, the front seat occupant detection sensor is disposed between the front seat back pad material and the front seat back frame, so that the front seat occupant detection sensor is stabilized, improving detection accuracy, suppressing false detection, and improving safety.

[0021] In the above configuration, the front seat occupant detection sensor may be provided on an upper part of a rear surface of the front seat back. Since the front seat occupant detection sensor is located on the upper part of the rear surface of the front seat back, it is in close proximity to the occupant, improving detection accuracy, reducing false detections, and improving safety.

[0022] The vehicle may also include the vehicle seat described above and a floor member that forms the floor surface of the space from the rear of the vehicle seat to the rear of the vehicle, and the floor member may have a floor heat source that imparts thermal energy to the space. The floor heat source can heat the space behind the vehicle seat, improving the comfort of the occupant sitting in the vehicle seat.

[0023] In the above configuration, it is preferable to include a plate-shaped member arranged at a predetermined distance from the floor member on the rear side of the vehicle seat, a support part supporting the plate-shaped member, and a board heat source provided on the surface of the plate-shaped member facing the floor member and applying thermal energy to a lower space below the plate-shaped member. The board heat source can heat the space below the plate-like member, improving the comfort of an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat.

[0024] In the above configuration, the floor member may include a chassis and a carpet material covering the chassis, and the floor heat source may be disposed between the chassis and the carpet material. By locating the floor heat source between the chassis and the carpeting, for example, direct contact of the legs of an occupant with the floor heat source is prevented, thereby improving safety.

[0025] In the above configuration, the plate-shaped member may include a base material and a cover member that covers the base material, and the board heat source may be disposed between the base material and the cover member. By arranging the board heat source between the base material and the cover member, for example, direct contact of the legs of an occupant with the board heat source is prevented, thereby improving safety.

[0026] In the above configuration, a power switch capable of turning on / off the power to the seat back heat source, the floor heat source and the board heat source may be provided, and the power switch may be disposed around the front side of the plate-shaped member. Since the power switch is located near the passengers seated in the rear seats, convenience is improved, thereby improving the comfort of the passengers.

[0027] In the above configuration, the seat back heating source, the floor heating source and the board heating source are provided with heating wires that generate heat when an electric current is applied, a power source that supplies current to the heating wires, and a control device that controls the supply of current to the heating wires, and the seat back has an occupant detection sensor on the seating surface when the seat back is in the forward leaning position that detects a seated occupant, and the control device stops the supply of current to the heating wires when a predetermined time has elapsed during which the occupant detection sensor does not detect the occupant sitting in the seat when the seat back is in the forward leaning position. By stopping the supply of electric current to the heating wire when no passenger is seated, the heat source is prevented from being turned on accidentally, improving safety. In addition, stopping the supply of unnecessary electric current can also contribute to energy conservation. Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, by providing a seat back heat source on the seating surface on which an occupant can sit, which is the upper surface of the seat back when the seat back is in a forward leaning position, it is possible to warm an occupant who is working and seated in the forward leaning position as needed, thereby providing a vehicle seat that improves comfort for the occupant. Furthermore, by locating the seat back heat source in the vicinity of the occupant, thermal energy is easily transferred, improving the comfort of the occupant. In addition, by stopping the supply of electricity to the seat back heat source when the seat back is not in a forward tilted position, the seat back heat source is prevented from being operated accidentally, thereby improving safety. In addition, by providing an occupant detection sensor, for example, the seatback heating source is prevented from being accidentally activated when the occupant is not seated, thereby improving occupant safety and reducing energy consumption of the seatback heating source. In addition, when the seat back is not in a forward-leaning position, power to the seat back heat source and the occupant detection sensor is stopped, which prevents the occupant detection sensor from malfunctioning and prevents the seat back heat source from being operated accidentally, thereby improving safety. In addition, the provision of the back pad material improves the seating feeling when the seat back is in a forward tilted position, thereby improving comfort. In addition, the occupant detection sensor is disposed between the back pad material and the cover material, so that the occupant detection sensor is in close proximity to the occupant, improving the detection accuracy of the occupant detection sensor, suppressing false detection, and improving safety. In addition, the provision of the back pad material improves the seating feeling when the seat back is in a forward tilted position, thereby improving comfort. In addition, the occupant detection sensor is stabilized by being disposed between the back pad material and the seat back frame, improving the detection accuracy of the occupant detection sensor, suppressing false detections, and improving safety. Furthermore, when the seat cushion bank portion is rotated upward, it is possible to support the back and head of an occupant lying on the vehicle seat, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant. Furthermore, when the seat back bank portion is rotated forward, it is possible to support the back and head of an occupant lying down in the vehicle seat, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant. In addition, the elevator mechanism can accommodate the differences in occupant physiques, allowing the interior space to be used for a variety of purposes according to the occupant's physique. By raising the occupant's line of sight, the outside scenery can be seen clearly, improving satisfaction. Furthermore, by providing a front seat heating source on the front seat back, it is possible to warm the backs of passengers sitting in the rear seats, for example, thereby improving passenger comfort. In addition, by locating the front seat heat source near the occupant, thermal energy is easily transferred, improving comfort for the occupant. In addition, by providing an occupant detection sensor on the rear surface of the front seat back, it is possible to detect occupants sitting in the rear seats, thereby improving safety. In addition, the provision of the front seat back padding improves the seating feeling when leaning against the front seat back, thereby improving comfort. In addition, the front seat occupant detection sensor is disposed between the front seat back padding and the front seat cover material, so that the front seat occupant detection sensor is in close proximity to the occupant, improving the detection accuracy of the front seat occupant detection sensor, suppressing false detection, and improving safety. In addition, the provision of the front seat back pad material improves the seating feeling when leaning against the front seat back, thereby improving comfort. In addition, the front seat occupant detection sensor is disposed between the front seat back pad material and the front seat back frame, so that the front seat occupant detection sensor is stabilized, improving detection accuracy, suppressing false detection, and improving safety. In addition, since the front seat occupant detection sensor is located on the upper part of the rear surface of the front seat back, it is in close proximity to the occupant, improving detection accuracy, suppressing false detection, and improving safety. In addition, the floor heat source can heat the space behind the vehicle seat, improving the comfort of the occupant sitting in the vehicle seat. In addition, the board heat source can heat the space below the plate-like member, improving the comfort of an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat. In addition, by locating the floor heat source between the chassis and the carpeting, for example, the passenger's legs are prevented from coming into direct contact with the floor heat source, thereby improving safety. Furthermore, by arranging the board heat source between the base material and the cover member, for example, direct contact of the legs of an occupant with the board heat source is prevented, thereby improving safety. In addition, since the power switch is located near the passengers seated in the rear seats, convenience is improved, thereby improving the comfort of the passengers. In addition, by stopping the supply of electric current to the heating wire when no passenger is seated, the heat source is prevented from being turned on by mistake, improving safety. Also, by stopping the supply of unnecessary electric current, energy can be saved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed obliquely from the rear. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle with a rear seat back in a forward tilted position, as viewed obliquely from the rear. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the interior space showing a state in which a passenger is seated on the rear seat back with the rear seat back in a forward tilted position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a device mounted on a vehicle. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the front seat with the front seat back in an upright position, as viewed obliquely from the rear. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear seat with the rear seat back in an upright position. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear seat with the rear seat back in a forward tilted position. [Figure 10A] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a rear seat back showing the position of a second rear seat occupant detection sensor. FIG. [Figure 10B] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a rear seat back showing another example of the position of the second rear seat occupant detection sensor. FIG. [Figure 11A] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the seat back pad material of the rear seat as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing another example of a seat back pad material for a rear seat. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing another example of a seat back pad material for a rear seat. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing another example of a seat back pad material for a rear seat. [Figure 12A] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a rear seat back showing the positions of a second rear seat occupant detection sensor and a breathing sensor. FIG. [Figure 12B] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a rear seat back showing another example of the positions of the second rear seat occupant detection sensor and the breathing sensor. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a side view of the interior space showing a state in which the height of the rear seats is raised using the lifting device. [Figure 14A] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the attitude detection sensor. [Figure 14B] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a posture detection sensor. FIG. [Figure 15] 11 is a diagram illustrating a range in which a rear seat back can be tilted forward. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a current supply control process for a second rear seat occupant detection sensor. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a side view of an interior space illustrating a vehicle seat device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18A] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a front seat back showing the position of a second front seat occupant detection sensor. FIG. [Figure 18B] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a front seat back showing another example of the position of the second front seat occupant detection sensor. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a side view of an interior space showing a modified example of the vehicle seat device. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a power supply control process for a vibration device. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a control process of the vibration device by the respiration sensor. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a vehicle driving control process. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is a side view of an interior space of a vehicle, showing a rear seat and a vehicle seat device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rear seat back showing the position of the rear seat heater. [Diagram 25] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a power supply control process for a rear seat heater. [Figure 26A] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a rear seat back showing the positions of a rear seat heater and a second rear seat occupant detection sensor. FIG. [Figure 26B] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a rear seat back showing another example of the positions of the rear seat heater and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor. FIG. [Figure 27] 6 is a flow chart showing a power supply control process for a rear seat heater and a second rear seat occupant detection sensor. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear seat having a rear seat cushion bank portion. [Figure 29A] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of a rear seat cushion bank portion whose rotation axis is located on the front end side of the rear seat cushion; FIG. [Figure 29B] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of a rear seat cushion bank portion whose rotation axis is located on the rear end side of the rear seat cushion. FIG. [Diagram 30] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear seat having a rear seat back bank portion. [Figure 31A] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of a rear seat cushion bank portion whose rotation axis is located on the upper end side of the rear seat back. FIG. [Figure 31B] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of a rear seat cushion bank portion whose rotation axis is located at the lower end side of the rear seat back. FIG. [Diagram 32] 1 is a side view of the interior space showing a state in which the height of the rear seats is raised using the lifting device. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a side view of an interior space illustrating a modified example of the vehicle seat device according to the third embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the front seat back showing the position of the front seat heater. [Figure 35A] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a front seat back showing the positions of a front seat heater and a second front seat occupant detection sensor. FIG. [Figure 35B] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a front seat back showing another example of the positions of the front seat heater and the second front seat occupant detection sensor. FIG. [Diagram 36] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the rear seat and the luggage space. [Figure 37] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a heater-related configuration provided in a vehicle. [Figure 38] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control process for various heaters. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] <<First embodiment>> Hereinafter, the configuration of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment (present embodiment) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is an example for making the present invention easier to understand, and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0031] In the following, as an example of a vehicle seat, a vehicle seat (front seat, rear seat) mounted on a vehicle is given, and a configuration example thereof is described. As an example of a vehicle seat device, a vehicle seat device mounted on a vehicle is given, and a configuration example thereof is described. However, the present invention is not limited to seats and seat devices mounted on vehicles that have wheels and run on the ground, such as automobiles and trains, and may also be applied to seats and seat devices mounted on aircraft, ships, and the like that move other than on the ground, for example.

[0032] In the following description, the term "seat front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat (front seat and rear seat) constituting the vehicle seat device, and is the direction that coincides with the front-rear direction as seen by an occupant H seated in the vehicle seat with the seat back in an upright position. The term "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat, and is the direction that coincides with the left-right direction as seen by an occupant H seated in the vehicle seat with the seat back in an upright position. The term "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle seat, and is the direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane. In addition, when the term "outside" is used simply, it refers to the side closer to the outside in the direction from the center of the vehicle seat to the outside, and when the term "inside" is used, it refers to the side closer to the center in the direction from the outside to the center of the vehicle seat.

[0033] <Vehicle V1> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle V1 according to a first embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the rear. A part of the vehicle V1 is cut away to show the configuration of an interior space R inside the vehicle. The vehicle V1 is a four-wheeled automobile, and as shown in FIG. 1, has an interior space R in which an occupant H rides. The interior space R is surrounded by walls such as a floor F, a ceiling C, and doors and a back door BD. In addition, a luggage space 8 in which luggage and the like are placed is provided at the rear of the interior space R. An engine room is provided in front of the interior space R, and the vehicle V1 is configured to be capable of running by a drive unit 6 arranged in the engine room.

[0034] A vehicle seat device 1 in which an occupant H is seated is provided in the interior space R. The vehicle seat device 1 is composed of a front seat 2 arranged at the front side of the interior space R, a rear seat 3 arranged behind the front seat 2, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 4 that controls devices and sensors provided in the front seat 2 and the rear seat 3. In addition, a luggage board 5 that protects luggage is attached to the luggage space 8. The ECU 4 is disposed, for example, in an instrument panel IP located in front of the front seat 2. The location where the ECU 4 is disposed is not limited to this, and the ECU 4 may be disposed, for example, inside the front seat 2, inside the rear seat 3, or in the space below the floor F.

[0035] <Front seat 2> The configuration of the front seat 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the front seat 2 with the front seat back 22 in an upright position, as viewed obliquely from the rear, and Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the front seat frame 2a of the front seat 2. In FIG. 5, for convenience of illustration, a part of the front seat 2 is shown with the seat cushion covering material 21c, the seat back covering material 22c, and the head rest covering material 23c removed.

[0036] The front seat 2 is a first-row seat, and is composed of a driver's seat and a passenger seat arranged side by side. A driver, occupant H, sits in the driver's seat of the front seat 2 and operates the steering wheel, foot pedals, etc. to drive the vehicle V1.

[0037] The front seat 2 includes a front seat cushion 21 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant H, a front seat back 22 that supports the back of the occupant H, and a front seat headrest 23 that supports the head of the occupant H. The front seat 2 also includes a front seat reclining device 24, a front seat slide rail device 25, and a first front seat occupant detection sensor 21d. Hereinafter, the front seat cushion 21, the front seat back 22, and the front seat headrest 23 may be collectively referred to as a front seat body 20.

[0038] The front seat cushion 21 is composed of a seat cushion pad material 21b and a seat cushion skin material 21c that covers the outer surface of the seat cushion pad material 21b. The front seat back 22 is composed of a seat back pad material 22b and a seat back skin material 22c that covers the outer surface of the seat back pad material 22b. The front seat headrest 23 is composed of a headrest pad material 23b and a headrest covering material 23c that covers the outer surface of the headrest pad material 23b.

[0039] The seat cushion pad material 21b, the seat back pad material 22b, and the head rest pad material 23b are urethane base materials formed by foam molding using, for example, a urethane foaming agent. The seat cushion covering material 21c, the seat back covering material 22c, and the head rest covering material 23c are made of cloth, film, leather, or the like.

[0040] As described above, the front seat 2 is equipped with the front seat reclining device 24, and the front seat reclining device 24 supports the front seat back 22 so that the front seat back 22 can be tilted relative to the front seat cushion 21. In other words, the front seat cushion 21 and the front seat back 22 are connected to sandwich the front seat reclining device 24 therebetween.

[0041] The front seat 2 is also equipped with a front seat slide rail device 25 that slides the front seat body 20 of the front seat 2 in the front-rear direction. The front seat slide rail device 25 is composed of a lower rail 25a fixed on the floor F and an upper rail 25b that is slidable relative to the lower rail 25a. The upper rail 25b is connected to cushion side frames 21aa, 21aa of the front seat cushion frame 21a, which will be described later, and supports the front seat body 20 of the front seat 2.

[0042] <Front seat frame 2a> 6, a front seat frame 2a is provided in the front seat 2, and the front seat frame 2a is mainly composed of a front seat cushion frame 21a and a front seat back frame 22a. The front seat cushion frame 21a forms the framework of the front seat cushion 21, and the front seat back frame 22a forms the framework of the front seat back 22.

[0043] The front seat cushion frame 21a has an outer shape of a substantially rectangular frame. The front seat cushion frame 21a has a pair of cushion side frames 21aa, 21aa constituting the left and right ends in the seat width direction, respectively. The pair of cushion side frames 21aa, 21aa defines the width of the front seat cushion frame 21a and is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle V1, separated from each other in the left-right direction.

[0044] The front seat cushion frame 21a has a pan frame 21ad located at the front end of the front seat cushion frame 21a, a front pipe 21ab connecting the pair of cushion side frames 21aa, 21aa at the front, and a rear pipe 21ac connecting the pair of cushion side frames 21aa, 21aa at the rear. The front pipe 21ab and the rear pipe 21ac are made of round pipes. A pressure receiving portion 21af is provided to bridge the front pipe 21ab and the rear pipe 21ac.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, the front seat back frame 22a is a rectangular frame. The front seat back frame 22a has a pair of back side frames 22aa, 22aa arranged on the left and right in the seat width direction. The front seat back frame 22a also has an upper frame 22ab that connects the upper ends of the pair of back side frames 22aa, 22aa, and a lower frame 22ac that connects the lower ends of the pair of back side frames 22aa, 22aa. A pressure receiving portion 22af is provided between the pair of back side frames 22aa, 22aa. The upper frame 22ab of the front seat back frame 22a also has a headrest guide holding portion 22ad that supports a front seat headrest pillar 23a extending from the front seat headrest 23. A connecting member 22ae that connects the left and right side portions of the upper frame 22ab is provided, and the pressure receiving portion 22af is provided to bridge the connecting member 22ae and the lower frame 22ac.

[0046] 5, a first front seat occupant detection sensor 21d for detecting the seating state of the occupant H is provided on an upper surface (seating surface) of the front seat cushion 21 of the front seat 2. The first front seat occupant detection sensor 21d is a device called a seat belt reminder, and is composed of a pressure sensor. The first front seat occupant detection sensor 21d is connected to the ECU 4, and when the occupant H sits on the front seat cushion 21 and the first front seat occupant detection sensor 21d detects a load applied from the buttocks, it outputs a detection signal to the ECU 4. Note that the first front seat occupant detection sensor 21d is composed of a pressure sensor, but is not limited thereto, and may be composed of, for example, a proximity sensor.

[0047] <Rear seat 3> The configuration of the rear seat 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the rear seat 3 with the seat back in an upright position, as viewed obliquely from the front. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the rear seat frame, and Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the rear seat with the rear seat back in a forward-tilting position. In addition, in Fig. 7, for convenience of illustration, a part of the rear seat 3 is shown with the seat cushion covering material 31c, the seat back covering material 32c, and the head rest covering material 33c removed. Also, Fig. 9 shows the rear seat 3 with the rear seat head rest 33 removed from the rear seat back 32.

[0048] The rear seat 3 is a second-row seat located behind the front seat 2. By sitting in the rear seat 3, an occupant H can travel to a destination together with an occupant sitting in the driver's seat. The rear seat 3 corresponds to a vehicle seat.

[0049] The rear seat 3 includes a rear seat cushion 31 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant H, a rear seat back 32 that supports the back of the occupant H, and a rear seat headrest 33 that supports the head of the occupant H. Hereinafter, the rear seat cushion 31, the rear seat back 32, and the rear seat headrest 33 may be collectively referred to as a rear seat body 30. The rear seat 3 also includes a rear seat reclining device 34, a rear seat slide rail device 35, and a rear seat lifting device 36. A first rear seat occupant detection sensor 31d that detects the seated state of the occupant H is provided on the seating surface of the rear seat cushion 31. A second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is provided on the back side of the rear seat back 32 in the upright position. The second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is located on the upper surface of the rear seat back 32 when the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilted position. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether or not the occupant H is seated on the rear seat back 32 (seated state).

[0050] 7, the rear seat 3 has a configuration in which two rear seat bodies 30 are arranged on the left and right, but is not limited to this. The rear seat 3 may be a bench seat. When the rear seat 3 is a bench seat, the rear seat 3 has a single rear seat cushion 31 that is continuous in the seat width direction.

[0051] The rear seat cushion 31 is composed of a seat cushion pad material 31b and a seat cushion skin material 31c that covers the outer surface of the seat cushion pad material 31b. The rear seat back 32 is composed of a seat back pad material 32b and a seat back skin material 32c that covers the outer surface of the seat back pad material 32b. The rear seat headrest 33 is composed of a headrest pad material 33b and a headrest skin material 33c that covers the outer surface of the headrest pad material 33b.

[0052] The seat cushion pad material 31b, the seat back pad material 32b and the head rest pad material 33b are urethane base materials molded by foam molding using a urethane foaming agent, similar to the pad materials used in the front seats 2. The seat cushion covering material 31c, the seat back covering material 32c and the head rest covering material 33c are made of cloth, film, leather, etc., similar to the covering materials used in the front seats 2.

[0053] The rear seat 3 is also equipped with a rear seat slide rail device 35 that slides the rear seat body 30 of the rear seat 3 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle V1. The rear seat slide rail device 35 is composed of a lower rail 35a fixed to the floor F (more specifically, the floor member 9 of the luggage space 8) and an upper rail 35b that is slidable relative to the lower rail 35a. The upper rail 35b is connected to cushion side frames 31aa, 31aa of the rear seat cushion frame 31a (described later) via a rear seat lifting device 36 (described later), and supports the rear seat body 30 of the rear seat 3.

[0054] The rear seat 3 has a rear seat reclining device 34 that supports the rear seat back 32 so that it can be tilted relative to the rear seat cushion 31. As shown in Fig. 9, the rear seat 3 can be placed in a forward tilted position by tilting the rear seat back 32 forward by the rear seat reclining device 34. It is also configured so that it can be placed in a backward tilted position by tilting it backward.

[0055] The occupant H can use the luggage space 8 more widely by tilting the rear seat 3 forward or backward. In this embodiment, the rear seat 3 is tilted forward and the occupant H sits on the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3 facing the rear of the vehicle, so that the luggage space 8 can be used for various purposes. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the luggage board 5 can be used as a desk, so that the luggage space 8 can be used as a work space where the occupant H can study or work.

[0056] The rear seat lifting device 36 connects the rear seat cushion 31 and the rear seat back 32 to the rear seat slide rail device 35 so that they can be raised and lowered. The rear seat lifting device 36 has a link mechanism 36a, and by driving the link mechanism 36a, the rear seat cushion 31 and the rear seat back 32 are lifted and lowered with a displacement width of, for example, up to 200 mm. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, even if a small-sized passenger (e.g., a child) is seated on the rear seat 3, the rear seat cushion 31 and the rear seat back 32 can be lifted, making it possible to use the interior space R for various purposes. In addition, the rear seat lifting device 36 raises the line of sight of the passenger and provides the passenger with a view outside the window that can be seen from above, thereby improving the passenger's satisfaction. Incidentally, even when the rear seat back 32 is in an upright position, the rear seat cushion 31 and the rear seat back 32 may be moved in the seat up-down direction using the rear seat lifting device 36.

[0057] <Rear seat frame 3a> As shown in Fig. 8, a rear seat frame 3a is provided in each of the rear seats 3 arranged side by side. The rear seat frame 3a is mainly composed of a rear seat cushion frame 31a and a rear seat back frame 32a. The rear seat cushion frame 31a forms the framework of the rear seat cushion 31, and the rear seat back frame 32a forms the framework of the rear seat back 32.

[0058] The rear seat cushion frame 31a has an outer shape of a substantially rectangular frame. The rear seat cushion frame 31a has a pair of cushion side frames 31aa, 31aa constituting the left and right ends in the seat width direction, respectively. The pair of cushion side frames 31aa, 31aa defines the width of the rear seat cushion frame 31a and is disposed to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle V1, spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction (seat width direction).

[0059] The rear seat cushion frame 31a has a front pipe 31ab that connects the pair of cushion side frames 31aa, 31aa at the front and a rear pipe 31ac that connects the pair of cushion side frames 31aa, 31aa at the rear. The front pipe 31ab and the rear pipe 31ac are made of round pipes. A pressure receiving portion 31af is provided to bridge the front pipe 31ab and the rear pipe 31ac.

[0060] 8, the rear seat back frame 32a is a rectangular frame-like body and is made up of a pair of back side frames 32aa, 32aa located on the left and right in the seat width direction, an upper frame 32ab located on the upper side, and a lower frame 32ac. In addition, a plate-shaped pressure-receiving plate 32af is provided behind the rear seat back frame 32a. As shown in FIG. 8, an upper frame 32ab of the rear seat back frame 32a is provided with a headrest guide holding portion 32ad that supports a rear seat headrest pillar 33a extending from the rear seat headrest 33.

[0061] The case where the rear seat 3 is in a forward-tilted position will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the vehicle V1 with the rear seat 3 in a forward-tilted position, and Figure 3 is a side view of the interior space R showing a state where the rear seat 3 is in a forward-tilted position and an occupant H is seated on the seat back of the rear seat 3.

[0062] As described above, the rear seat 3 includes the rear seat back 32 that supports the back of the occupant H, and the rear seat cushion 31 that supports the buttocks of the occupant H. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the rear seat back 32 is configured to be adjustable in position so as to be in a forward-leaning position overlapping the rear seat cushion 31, and the rear seat back 32 is configured so that the occupant H can be seated on the rear seat back 32 when the rear seat back 32 is in a forward-leaning position.

[0063] More specifically, the rear seat 3 is rotatably supported at the lower end of the rear seat back 32 and the rear end of the rear seat cushion 31, and the rotation angle is adjustable by the rear seat reclining device 34. The rear seat 3 is tilted forward when the rear seat back 32 rotates forward (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 7) from an upright position and overlaps with the rear seat cushion 31. When the rear seat 3 is tilted forward, the part that was the back surface of the rear seat back 32 in the upright position becomes the upper surface of the rear seat back 32 as shown in FIG. 3, and becomes a seating surface 32g on which the occupant H can sit. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the occupant H can face the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the vehicle V1 and sit on the rear seat 3 with the rear seat back 32 in a forward tilted position. At this time, for example, the occupant H can place the luggage board 5 on his / her lap and work by operating a notebook PC on the luggage board 5. In this way, the occupant H can use the luggage space 8 as a working space for working by operating a PC or the like, and the uses of the interior space R are expanded.

[0064] 7, a first rear seat occupant detection sensor 31d is provided on an upper surface (seating surface) of the rear seat cushion 31 of the rear seat 3 to detect the seated state of the occupant H when the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3 is in an upright position. The first rear seat occupant detection sensor 31d is connected to the ECU 4, and when the occupant H is seated on the rear seat cushion 31 and the first rear seat occupant detection sensor 31d detects a load applied from the buttocks, a detection signal is output to the ECU 4. The first rear seat occupant detection sensor 31d is a pressure sensor, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a proximity sensor.

[0065] In addition, the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3 is provided with a second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d on a seating surface 32g which forms the upper surface of the rear seat back 32 and on which the occupant H can be seated when the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3 is in a forward leaning position, for detecting the seating state of the occupant H. The second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is connected to the ECU 4. When the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d detects a load applied from the buttocks of the occupant H seated on the rear seat back 32, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d outputs a detection signal to the ECU 4. The second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is a pressure sensor similar to the first rear seat occupant detection sensor 31d, but is not limited to this. For example, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d may be a proximity sensor.

[0066] <About seat back pad material 32b> The rear seat 3 is configured so that when the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilted position, the rear surface of the rear seat back becomes the upper surface, making it possible for an occupant H to sit on it. In conventional seats, no padding is provided on the rear surface, as it is not assumed that an occupant H will sit on the rear surface. In the rear seat 3 of this embodiment, a padding is also provided on the rear surface of the rear seat back frame 32a, as there are cases where an occupant H sits on the rear surface of the rear seat back 32.

[0067] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 10A, the rear seat back 32 includes a rear seat back frame 32a which forms the framework of the rear seat back 32 and supports the load from the occupant H. The rear seat back frame 32a is provided with a seat back pad material 32b. The seat back pad material 32b includes a front pad material 32ba which covers the front side of the rear seat back frame 32a when the rear seat back 32 is in an upright position, and a back pad material 32bb which covers at least a part of the back side of the rear seat back frame 32a. The seat back cover material 32c covers the outer surfaces of the front pad material 32ba and the back pad material 32bb. The rear seat back 32 is provided with a back pad material 32bb, which improves seating comfort even when the seat is in a forward tilted position. The back pad material 32bb allows the occupant H to be stably seated on the rear seat back 32 in a forward tilted position.

[0068] The second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d may be disposed between the back pad material 32bb and the seat back covering material 32c as shown in Fig. 10A. By disposing the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d in this manner, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is located close to the buttocks of the occupant H, thereby improving detection accuracy. Since false detection is suppressed, safety is improved.

[0069] The arrangement of the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is an example, and is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 10B, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d may be arranged between the back pad material 32bb and the rear seat back frame 32a (more specifically, the pressure-receiving plate 32af). By arranging the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d in this manner, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d can be stably attached and the detection accuracy can be improved. False detection is suppressed, and safety is improved.

[0070] <Back pad material 32bb> Here, the arrangement of the back pad material 32bb will be described with reference to Figures 11A to 11D. Figure 11A is a diagram showing the back surface of the seatback pad material 32b of the rear seat 3. Figures 11B to 11D are diagrams showing other examples of the seatback pad material 32b (seatback pad materials 32b1-32b3), and are rear views seen from behind when the rear seat back 32 is in an upright position. Conventionally, the padding material of the seat back is arranged only on the front and outer periphery of the rear seat back frame, and no padding material is provided on the rear side of the rear seat back frame. In the rear seat 3 of this embodiment, the rear padding material 32bb is provided so as to cover at least a part of the rear seat back frame 32a in the portion that is the rear side of the rear seat back frame 32a when the rear seat back 32 is in the upright position.

[0071] Although the seat back padding material 32b is disposed in a portion of the back surface where no padding material was previously provided, it does not cover the entire portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the seat back pad material 32b is formed such that the upper edge of the rear pad material 32bb is connected to the front pad material 32ba only at the connection portion 32bc, and a gap 32bd is formed between the portion other than the upper edge and the front pad material 32ba. By forming the seatback pad material 32b in this manner, it becomes easier to cover the rear seat back frame 32a with the seatback pad material 32b than if the seatback pad material 32b was formed without leaving a gap 32bd between the rear pad material 32bb and the front pad material 32ba, improving the assembly of the rear seat 3.

[0072] The connection portion 32bc between the front pad material 32ba and the rear pad material 32bb is not limited to the upper side of the rear pad material 32bb, and may be another side. For example, as in the seat back pad material 32b1 shown in Fig. 11B, the lower side of the rear pad material 32bb may be the connection portion 32bc, and the rear pad material 32bb and the front pad material 32ba may be connected.

[0073] Also, for example, like a seat back pad material 32b2 shown in FIG. 11C, either the left side or the right side of the back pad material 32bb may serve as a connection portion 32bc, connecting the back pad material 32bb and the front pad material 32ba.

[0074] Also, like the rear seat back pad material 32b3 shown in Fig. 11D, the front pad material 32ba and the rear pad material 32bb may be formed as separate bodies. By forming the rear pad material 32bb as a separate body, the rear seat 3 can be assembled by attaching the front pad material 32ba to the rear seat back frame 32a, and then placing and fixing the rear pad material 32bb on the back side of the rear seat back frame 32a.

[0075] <Respiration Sensor 32e> The rear seat 3 may be provided with a breathing sensor 32e that detects the breathing pattern of the occupant H, in addition to the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d. As shown in Fig. 12A, when the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilting position, the breathing sensor 32e is disposed on the seating surface 32g, which is the upper surface of the rear seat back 32, similarly to the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d. In other words, when the rear seat back 32 is in an upright position, the breathing sensor 32e is disposed on the back side of the rear seat back 32.

[0076] The respiration sensor 32e is made of a known pressure sensor, and detects a pressure signal which is a signal indicating the consciousness level that varies with the breathing of the occupant H seated on the pressure sensor. For example, the respiration sensor 32e is made of a piezoelectric sensor type pressure sensor, a semiconductor piezoresistance type pressure sensor, a strain gauge type pressure sensor, a capacitance type pressure sensor, a silicon resonant type pressure sensor, or the like.

[0077] The breathing sensor 32e is preferably disposed between the back pad material 32bb and the seat back covering material 32c as shown in Fig. 12A. By disposing the sensor close to the buttocks of the occupant H, the accuracy of detecting the breathing pattern is improved, and false detection is suppressed, thereby improving safety.

[0078] The breathing sensor 32e may be disposed between the back pad material 32bb and the rear seat back frame 32a as shown in Fig. 12B. The breathing sensor 32e is supported by the rear seat back frame 32a and is stable, so that the detection accuracy of the breathing pattern can be improved. Safety is improved by suppressing false detection.

[0079] 12A and 12B is attached as a sensor separate from the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d. However, since both the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d and the breathing sensor 32e can be configured as pressure sensors, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d may be used as the breathing sensor 32e. That is, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is not only used to detect the seated state of the occupant H, but is also used as the breathing sensor 32e that detects the breathing pattern of the occupant H. By using the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d as the breathing sensor 32e, it is possible to detect the breathing pattern without increasing the number of parts.

[0080] <Posture detection sensor 37> The rear seat 3 may be equipped with a posture detection sensor 37 that detects that the rear seat back 32 is in a forward leaning posture. The posture detection sensor 37 is connected to the ECU 4, and outputs a detection signal to the ECU 4 when it detects that the rear seat back 32 is in a forward leaning posture.

[0081] When the ECU 4 does not receive a detection signal from the posture detection sensor 37, the ECU 4 determines that the rear seat back 32 is not in a forward tilted posture. When the rear seat back 32 is not in a forward tilted position, there is no need to operate the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d provided on the back surface of the rear seat back 32. Therefore, the ECU 4 restricts the operation of the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d. In other words, the ECU 4 stops the supply of electricity to the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d at this time. By using the position detection sensor 37 to stop the supply of electricity to the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection and to achieve energy saving.

[0082] 14A, the attitude detection sensor 37 may be realized by using a wire 37b extending from the rear side of the rear seat back 32 and a rotary switch 37a provided at the rear end of the rear seat cushion 31 and connected to the wire 37b. The wire 37b is configured so that the direction in which it is pulled by a roller 37c changes.

[0083] When the rear seat back 32 rotates forward (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 14A ), the wire 37b is pulled upward (in the direction of arrow C), and the rotary switch 37a rotates. The tilt angle of the rear seat back 32 is measured based on the amount of rotation of the rotary switch 37a. If the tilt angle of the rear seat back 32 is within the forward tilt position detection range α shown in FIG. 15 , the ECU 4 determines that the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilt position. If the tilt angle of the rear seat back 32 is within the forward tilt position detection range β, the ECU 4 determines that the rear seat back 32 is not in a forward tilt position.

[0084] In Fig. 15, the rear seat back 32(1) shows a position where the rear seat back 32 is in an upright position and in a normal use state. The rear seat back 32(2) shows a position where it can be locked in a rearward tilted position and in a rearward tilted position. The rear seat back 32(3) shows a position where it can be locked in a forward tilted position. When the rear seat back 32(3) is tilted forward, the rear seat back 32 overlaps the rear seat cushion 31 and is in a forward tilted position.

[0085] The configuration of the attitude detection sensor 37 is not limited to a mechanism composed of the wire 37b and the rotary switch 37a. For example, as shown in FIG. 14B, the posture detection sensor 37A may be realized by a cushion-side fixed shaft portion 37f provided in the rear seat reclining device 34 and a back-side rotating shaft portion 37d that rotates around the cushion-side fixed shaft portion 37f.

[0086] A fixed electrode 37g is provided on the surface of the cushion-side fixed shaft 37f, and a rotation electrode 37e is provided on the back-side rotation shaft 37d at a position facing the fixed electrode 37g. As shown in the upper part of Fig. 14B, when the rear seat back 32 rotates forward (in the direction of arrow D), the rotation electrode 37e rotates upward (in the direction of arrow E). Then, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 14B, the rotation electrode 37e and the fixed electrode 37g come into contact with each other and are energized, whereby the posture detection sensor 37A can detect that the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilted posture. In addition, although not shown, electrodes may be provided on the bank portions of the rear seat back 32 and the rear seat cushion 31, and when the rear seat back 32 is tilted forward and placed on the rear seat cushion 31, the electrodes come into contact with each other and electricity flows, thereby detecting a forward leaning position.

[0087] The energization control process of the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d by the attitude detection sensor 37A will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flow chart showing the energization control process of the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d. As described above, the attitude detection sensor 37A and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d are connected to the ECU 4 provided in the vehicle V1 or the rear seat 3, and are configured to be controllable by the ECU 4.

[0088] When the rear seat back 32 is rotated forward or backward from an upright position by the occupant H, the ECU 4, which is a control device, receives a detection signal from the position detection sensor 37 (step S101). The detection signal may be information on the tilt angle of the rear seat back 32 with respect to the rear seat cushion 31, or may be a signal indicating that the tilt angle of the rear seat back 32 is within the forward tilt position detection range α.

[0089] When the ECU 4 receives the detection signal, the ECU 4 judges whether the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilted position (step S102). When the ECU 4 judges that the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilted position (step S102: Yes), for example, when the tilt angle of the rear seat back 32 is within the forward tilted position detection range α, the ECU 4 starts energizing the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d so that the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is activated (step S103). When the ECU 4 judges that the rear seat back 32 is not in a forward tilted position, for example, when the ECU 4 judges that the tilt angle of the rear seat back 32 is outside the forward tilted position detection range α (step S102: No), the ECU 4 stops energizing the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d. In this manner, by controlling the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection when the occupant is in a standing position.

[0090] Various devices provided in the vehicle V1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 4. As described above, the vehicle V1 is provided with the first front seat occupant detection sensor 21d provided in the front seat 2, the first rear seat occupant detection sensor 31d provided in the rear seat 3, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d, a breathing sensor 32e, and a posture detection sensor 37. The vehicle V1 is also provided with a drive device 6 that drives the vehicle V1 and a communication device 7 that communicates with an external information communication terminal T. The ECU 4 can use the communication device 7 to establish a communication connection with an external information communication terminal T via publicly available electric communication means (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the ECU 4 can transmit information about the occupant H obtained from a breathing sensor, an occupant detection sensor, or the like (for example, the occupant's biological information or an occupant detection signal) to the external information communication terminal T.

[0091] The external information communication terminal T is, for example, a smartphone operated by a person who monitors the biological information of the occupant H, but is not limited to this. The external information communication terminal T may be a tablet terminal. The electric communication means is a mobile wireless communication line such as LTE or 5G, but is not limited to this. The ECU 4 may be connected to the information communication terminal T by a short-range wireless connection such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wifi (registered trademark). Of course, a known in-vehicle communication system can be used.

[0092] <Start control of vehicle V1> The ECU 4 is configured to restrict the vehicle V1 from starting when the occupant H is seated in the rear seat 3 in a forward-leaning position. That is, when the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d detects that the occupant H is seated, the ECU 4, which is the control device, may control the drive device 6 to restrict the start of the vehicle V1. For example, even if another occupant in the driver's seat depresses the accelerator, the ECU 4 may prevent the vehicle V1 from starting, or may alert the driver with an alarm sound or light that the occupant H is seated in the rear seat 3 in a forward-leaning position. Furthermore, when the ECU 4 detects that the occupant H is seated, the ECU 4 may use the communication device 7 to transmit detection information indicating the detection to an external information communication terminal T.

[0093] Furthermore, in the case where the breathing sensor 32e is provided in the rear seat 3, when the breathing sensor 32e detects the breathing pattern of the occupant H, the driving device 6 may be controlled to restrict the starting of the vehicle V1. For example, even if the driver depresses the accelerator, the ECU 4 may control the vehicle V1 not to start, or may notify the driver by a warning sound or light that the breathing pattern of the occupant H has been detected. Furthermore, when the ECU 4 acquires the breathing pattern (biological information) of the occupant H by the breathing sensor 32e, the ECU 4 may transmit the information on the breathing pattern to an external information communication terminal T. Furthermore, the ECU 4 may determine whether or not the occupant H is awake based on the breathing pattern, and transmit the determination result.

[0094] <<Second embodiment>> A vehicle seat device 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle V2 including the vehicle seat device 1A will be described with reference to Figs. 17 to 18B. Figure 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle seat device 1A of the second embodiment, Figure 18A is a cross-sectional view showing the position of a second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d provided on the front seat back 22 of the front seat 2A, and Figure 18B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the position of the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d.

[0095] The vehicle seat device 1A is a device mounted on a vehicle V2, similar to the vehicle seat device 1 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for members similar or equivalent to those of the vehicle V1 and the vehicle seat device 1 according to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] The vehicle seat device 1A includes a rear seat 3A and a front seat 2A provided in front of the rear seat 3A. The rear seat 3A includes a rear seat cushion 31 that supports the buttocks of an occupant H seated in the rear seat 3A, and a rear seat back 32 that is pivotally supported by the rear seat cushion 31 and supports the back of the occupant H when in a standing position. The rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3A is configured to be position adjustable so that it can be rotated forward to assume a forward leaning position overlapping the rear seat cushion, as shown in Fig. 17. The rear seat back 32 is also configured so that, when in the forward leaning position, the occupant H can be seated on the seating surface 32g that is the upper surface of the rear seat back 32.

[0097] The front seat 2A includes a front seat cushion 21 that supports the buttocks of an occupant seated in the front seat 2A, and a front seat back 22 that is rotatably supported by the front seat cushion and supports the back of the occupant H. 17, when the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilted position and the occupant H is seated in the rear seat 3A, the front seat back 22 serves as a backrest for the occupant H. The front seat back 22 is provided with a second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d at an upper part of the rear surface of the front seat back 22 for detecting the seating state of the occupant H in the rear seat 3A.

[0098] 17, when an occupant H sits facing backwards on the rear seat 3A in a forward-leaning position, the front seat back 22 acts as a backrest and bears the weight of the back of the occupant H. The second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d is provided on the upper part of the rear surface of the front seat back 22, so that the seated state of the occupant H can be detected.

[0099] Like the front seat 2 of the vehicle seat device 1 according to the first embodiment, the front seat 2A is provided with a front seat slide rail device 25 for sliding the front seat body 20 in the front-rear direction below the front seat cushion 21. Therefore, when the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3A is in a forward tilted position, the front seat body 20 of the front seat 2A moves rearward by the front seat slide rail device 25, so that the front seat back 22 supports the back of the occupant H.

[0100] Since the back of the front seat back 22 of the front seat 2A may support the back of the occupant H seated in the rear seat 3A, if there is a padding material on the back side as well, the seating comfort will be improved. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 18A, the front seat back 22 of the front seat 2A is provided with not only a front padding material 22ba (front seat front padding material) on the front side of the front seat back frame 22a, but also a back padding material 22bb (front seat back padding material) on the back side of the front seat back frame 22a. The seat back covering material 22c (front seat covering material) covers the outer surfaces of the front padding material 22ba and the back padding material 22bb. In conventional seat backs, the rear side does not serve as a backrest, and therefore no padding material is provided on the rear side. As described above, the front seat back 22 of this embodiment may serve as a backrest for the occupant H seated in the rear seat 3A, and the seating comfort can be improved by providing the rear padding material 22bb on the rear side.

[0101] <Position of the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d> 18A, the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d is preferably disposed between the back pad material 22bb and the seat back cover material 22c on the upper back side of the front seat back 22. By disposing the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d in this manner, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy since it is disposed close to the back of the occupant H seated in the rear seat 3A.

[0102] The arrangement of the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d is an example, and is not limited thereto. As shown in Fig. 18B, the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d may be arranged between the back pad material 32bb and the front seat back frame 22a (more specifically, the connecting member 22ae) on the upper back side of the front seat back 22. By arranging the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d in this manner, the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d can be stably attached and the detection accuracy can be improved.

[0103] The second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d is configured with a pressure sensor, but is not limited thereto and may be configured with, for example, a proximity sensor. In addition, when the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d is configured with a pressure sensor, the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d may be used as a breathing sensor that detects the breathing pattern (biological information) of the occupant H.

[0104] The back pad material 22bb of the front seat back 22 does not have to be provided on the entire back surface of the front seat back 22, as with the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3 in the first embodiment, but may be provided on only a portion of the back surface against which the back of the occupant H comes into contact. The back pad material 22bb is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. Only the upper edge of the back pad material 22bb of the front seat back 22 is connected to the front pad material 22ba, and the rest of the back pad material 22bb is formed so that there is a gap between the front pad material 32ba and the front pad material 22ba. This makes it easier to cover the front seat back frame 22a with the front pad material 22ba, improving the ease of assembly of the front seat 2A.

[0105] In addition, the connection portion between the front pad material 22ba and the rear pad material 22bb is not limited to the upper side of the rear pad material 22bb, and may be another side. For example, the lower side of the rear pad material 22bb may be connected to the front pad material 22ba. In addition, either the left side or the right side of the back pad material 22bb may be connected to the front pad material 22ba. The front pad material 22ba and the back pad material 22bb may be formed as separate bodies. By forming the back pad material 22bb as a separate body, the front pad material 22ba is attached to the rear seat back frame 32a, and then the back pad material 22bb is placed on the back side of the front seat back frame 22a and fixed thereto, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0106] <Modification> 19 shows a vehicle seat device 1A1 which is a modified example of the vehicle seat device 1A. The front seat 2A1 of the vehicle seat device 1A1 further includes a vibration device 22e above the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d. By providing the vibration device 22e, it is possible to notify information by vibration or to knead the back of an occupant H seated in the rear seat 3A1 with the rear seat back 32 in a forward tilted position.

[0107] In addition, the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3A1 may be provided with a second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d on the seating surface 32g when the rear seat is in a forward leaning position, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d detecting the seating state of the occupant H. In addition, the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3A may be provided with a breathing sensor 32e on the seating surface 38 when the rear seat is in a forward leaning position, the breathing sensor 32e detecting the breathing pattern of the occupant H.

[0108] The rear seat 3A1 may be provided with a posture detection sensor 37 that detects a forward tilted posture of the rear seat back 32. The posture detection sensor 37 and the vibration device 22e are connected to the ECU 4, which is a control device, and when a forward tilted posture of the rear seat back 32 is detected, the vibration device 22e provided on the front seat back 22 of the front seat 2A1 may be made conductive.

[0109] The power supply control process for the vibration device 22e will be described with reference to FIG. The ECU 4 detects the forward leaning posture by the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d provided on the rear seat back 32 (step S201). When the ECU 4 receives the detection signal, it judges whether the rear seat back 32 is in a forward leaning posture or not (step S202). When the ECU 4 judges that the rear seat back 32 is in a forward leaning posture (step S202: Yes), the ECU 4 enables the vibration device 22e to be energized so that the vibration device 22e can be operated (step S203). When the ECU 4 judges that the rear seat back 32 is not in a forward leaning posture (step S202: No), the ECU 4 stops energizing the vibration device 22e (step S204). In this manner, by controlling the vibration device 22e, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the vibration device 22e. For example, when the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3A1 is in an upright position, it is possible to suppress the vibration device 22e from erroneously starting vibration.

[0110] Furthermore, when the ECU 4 determines that the occupant H is asleep based on the breathing pattern of the occupant H detected by the breathing sensor 32e, the ECU 4 may wake up the occupant H by activating the vibration device 22e.

[0111] The control process of the vibration device 22e by the respiration sensor 32e will be described with reference to FIG. The ECU 4 detects the breathing type of the occupant H by the breathing sensor 32e provided on the rear seat back 32 (step S301). When the ECU 4 receives the detection signal, it determines whether the occupant H is asleep (step S302). If the ECU 4 determines that the occupant H is asleep (step S302: Yes), it vibrates the vibration device 22e (step S303). If the ECU 4 determines that the occupant H is not asleep (step S302: No), it stops the supply of electricity to the vibration device 22e (step S304). By determining the state of the occupant H using the breathing sensor 32e and vibrating the vibration device 22e, the sleeping occupant H can be efficiently brought into an awakened state. Although the breathing sensor 32e mounted on the rear seat 3A1 is used, the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d provided on the front seat 2A1 may be used as a breathing sensor to perform the above control process.

[0112] Furthermore, the ECU 4 may include a timer that measures a time set by the occupant. When the occupant H sets the time and the timer completes measuring the set time, the ECU 4 vibrates the vibration device 22e to notify the occupant H that the time set by the occupant H has elapsed. This allows the occupant H to know that the set time has elapsed. Furthermore, if the occupant H is asleep, the vibration device 22e can be vibrated at a specified time to wake him up.

[0113] Furthermore, when the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d or the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d detects the seated state of the occupant H, the ECU 4 may limit the starting of the vehicle V2A by the drive unit 6. That is, when the occupant H is seated in the rear seat 3A1 in a forward-leaning position, the ECU 4 may halt the starting of the vehicle V2A.

[0114] The driving control process of the vehicle V2A using the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d or the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d will be described with reference to FIG. The ECU 4 detects the seated state of the occupant H by the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d or the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d provided on the front seat back 22 or the rear seat back 32 (step S401). The ECU 4 judges the seated state of the occupant H (step S402). When the ECU 4 judges that the occupant H is seated on the rear seat 3A1 (step S402: Yes), the ECU 4 disables the driving device 6 from driving (step S403). When the ECU 4 judges that the occupant H is not seated (step S402: No), the ECU 4 enables the driving device 6 to drive (step S404). By controlling the traveling of the vehicle V2A in this manner, it is possible to halt transmission when an occupant H is seated in the rear seat 3A1, thereby improving safety.

[0115] <<Third embodiment>> A rear seat 3B according to the third embodiment, and a vehicle seat device 1B and a vehicle V3 equipped with the rear seat 3B will be described with reference to Fig. 23 to Fig. 25. Fig. 23 is a side view of an interior space R of a vehicle V3 showing a vehicle seat device 1B equipped with a rear seat 3B according to the third embodiment, and Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a rear seat back showing a position of a rear seat heater 32h provided in the rear seat 3B. Fig. 25 is a flow chart showing a power supply control process for the rear seat heater 32h.

[0116] The rear seat 3B is a device mounted on the vehicle V3, similar to the rear seat 3 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for the same or equivalent members as those of the rear seat 3 and the vehicle V3 according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] The rear seat 3B includes a rear seat cushion 31 that supports the buttocks of the occupant H seated in the rear seat 3B, a rear seat back 32B that is rotatably supported on the rear seat cushion 31 and supports the back of the occupant H when in an upright position, and a rear seat headrest 33 that supports the head of the occupant H. When the rear seat back 32B is in a forward tilted position, the rear seat headrest 33 is removed and is therefore not shown in FIGS. 23 and 24.

[0118] Hereinafter, the rear seat cushion 31, the rear seat back 32B, and the rear seat headrest 33 may be collectively referred to as a rear seat body 30B. The rear seat 3 is equipped with a rear seat reclining device 34, a rear seat slide rail device 35, and a rear seat lifting device 36. A first rear seat occupant detection sensor 31d that detects the seated state of the occupant H is provided on the seating surface of the rear seat cushion 31.

[0119] 23, the rear seat back 32B of the rear seat 3B is configured to be adjustable in position so as to be rotated forward and to assume a forward leaning position overlapping the rear seat cushion 31. When the rear seat back 32B is in the forward leaning position, the rear seat back 32B is configured so that an occupant H can be seated on a seating surface 32g that is the upper surface of the rear seat back 32B. The rear seat 3B has a rear seat heater 32h (seat back heat source) that applies heat energy to the occupant H on a seating surface 32g that is the upper surface of the rear seat back 32B in a forward tilting position. Providing the rear seat heater 32h makes it possible to warm the buttocks of the occupant H seated in the rear seat back 32B in a forward-leaning position as necessary, thereby improving comfort.

[0120] The rear seat heater 32h is connected to the ECU 4 and is a device that generates heat based on a control signal input from the ECU 4 to warm the buttocks of the occupant H. The rear seat heater 32h is composed of, for example, a base fabric and an electric heating wire 41 that serves as a heat source and is arranged on the base fabric.

[0121] The position of the rear seat heater 32h will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 24. The rear seat back 32B of the rear seat 3B is composed of a rear seat back frame 32a which forms the framework of the rear seat back 32B and supports the load from the occupant H, a front pad material 32ba which covers the front side of the rear seat back frame 32a in the upright position when the rear seat back 32 is in the upright position, a back pad material 32bb which covers at least a part of the back side of the rear seat back frame 32a in the upright position, and a seat back skin material 32c which covers the outer surfaces of the front pad material 32ba and the back pad material 32bb. In addition, since Figure 24 shows the rear seat back 32 in a forward-leaning position, the front pad material 32ba is positioned below the rear seat back frame 32a, and the rear pad material 32bb is positioned above the rear seat back frame 32a.

[0122] 24, the rear seat heater 32h is disposed on the upper surface of the rear seat back 32B in a forward tilted position, i.e., on the seating surface 32g side, between the back pad material 32bb and the seat back covering material 32c. By disposing the rear seat heater 32h in the vicinity of the occupant H, thermal energy is easily transmitted, improving the comfort of the occupant H.

[0123] Similarly to the rear seat 3 in the first embodiment, the rear seat 3B may be provided with a posture detection sensor 37 that detects that the rear seat back 32B is in a forward tilted position. When the rear seat back 32B is in a forward tilted position, a wire 37b extending from the posture detection sensor 37 is pulled, and the inclination angle of the rear seat back 32B can be detected by the rotary switch 37a. The posture detection sensor 37 is connected to the ECU 4 and configured to output a detected signal to the ECU 4.

[0124] Furthermore, the ECU 4 is configured to limit the operation of the rear seat heater 32h when the posture detection sensor 37 does not detect a forward leaning posture. In other words, the ECU 4 disables or stops the supply of electricity to the rear seat heater 32h. By stopping the supply of electricity to the rear seat heater 32h, it is possible to prevent the rear seat heater 32h from being erroneously supplied with electricity when the rear seat back 32 is in an upright posture.

[0125] The power supply control process for the rear seat heater 32h depending on the position of the rear seat back 32B will be described with reference to FIG. The posture detection sensor 37 detects the posture of the rear seat back 32 (step S501). Next, the ECU 4 determines the posture of the rear seat back 32 based on the detection signal from the posture detection sensor 37 (step S502). If the ECU 4 determines that the rear seat back 32 is in a forward leaning posture (step S502: Yes), it enables the supply of electricity to the rear seat heater 32h (step S503). If the ECU 4 determines that the rear seat back 32 is not in a forward leaning posture (step S502: No), it stops the supply of electricity to the rear seat heater 32h (step S504). By controlling the rear seat heater 32h in this way, even if the occupant H mistakenly turns on the switch of the rear seat heater 32h when the rear seat back 32B is in an upright position, the power supply to the rear seat heater 32h is stopped, so energy saving is achieved. Also, the rear seat back 32B is not inadvertently heated, and safety is improved.

[0126] <Modification> A rear seat 3B1, which is a modified example of the rear seat 3B, will be described with reference to Figures 26A to 27. The rear seat 3B1, like the rear seat 3 of the first embodiment, is provided with a second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d that detects a seated occupant H when the rear seat back 32B1 is in a forward tilted position. The second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is provided on a seating surface 32g when the rear seat back 32B1 is in a forward tilted position.

[0127] The position of the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 26A and 26B. Figure 26A is a cross-sectional view of the rear seat back 32B1 showing the positions of the rear seat heater 32h and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor, and Figure 26B is a cross-sectional view of the rear seat back 32B1 showing another example of the positions of the rear seat heater 32h and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 26A, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is disposed between the back pad material 32bb and the seat back cover material 32c on the seating surface 32g side when the rear seat back 32B1 is in a forward tilted position. A hole is formed in the rear seat heater 32h, and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is disposed in the hole. Therefore, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d and the rear seat heater 32h are disposed so as not to overlap. The second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is disposed close to the buttocks of the occupant H, improving detection accuracy.

[0129] The arrangement of the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is an example, and is not limited thereto. As shown in Fig. 26B, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d may be arranged between the back pad material 32bb and the rear seat back frame 32a (more specifically, the pressure receiving plate 32af). Since the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is arranged on the rear seat back frame 32a, the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is stabilized, and therefore the detection accuracy can be improved.

[0130] Furthermore, the ECU 4 is configured to restrict the operation of the rear seat heater 32h and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d when the posture detection sensor 37 does not detect that the rear seat back 32B1 is in a forward tilted posture. That is, the ECU 4 is configured to stop the supply of electricity to the rear seat heater 32h and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d. By stopping the supply of electricity to the rear seat heater 32h and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d, it is possible to prevent the rear seat heater 32h and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d from being erroneously operated when the rear seat back 32B1 is in an upright posture.

[0131] The energization control process for the rear seat heater 32h and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d depending on the position of the rear seat back 32B1 will be described with reference to FIG. The posture detection sensor 37 detects the posture of the rear seat back 32B1 (step S601). The ECU 4 determines the posture of the rear seat back 32 based on an input signal from the posture detection sensor 37 (step S602). When the ECU 4 determines that the rear seat back 32B1 is in a forward leaning posture (Yes in step S602), it enables the rear seat heater 32h and energizes the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d (step S603). When the ECU 4 determines that the rear seat back 32B1 is not in a forward leaning posture (No in step S602), it stops energizing the rear seat heater 32h and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d (step S604). In this way, by controlling the energization of the rear seat heater 32h and the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d, for example, even if the occupant H mistakenly turns on the switch of the rear seat heater 32h when the rear seat back 32B1 is in an upright position, the operation of the rear seat heater 32h can be suppressed. Also, since the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d does not operate when the rear seat back 32B1 is in an upright position, power consumption can be reduced and energy can be saved. Also, mistaken detection of the seated state of the occupant H is suppressed.

[0132] <Modification having a bank portion> Next, rear seats 3B2-3B5 which are modifications of rear seat 3B will be described with reference to Figs. 28 to 30B. As shown in Fig. 28, the rear seat 3B2 has a rear seat cushion 31A and a rear seat back 32. The rear seat cushion 31A of the rear seat 3B2 serves as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant. The rear seat cushion 31A includes a rear seat cushion main body 31e that supports the occupant from below, and left and right rear seat cushion bank portions 31f located on both sides of the rear seat cushion main body 31e in the seat width direction.

[0133] The rear seat cushion main body 31e supports the buttocks of the occupant H from below and receives the weight of the occupant H. The rear seat cushion bank portion 31f supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant from diagonally below, improving the stability of the occupant H when seated. The rear seat cushion bank portion 31f is formed as a separate body from the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e.

[0134] In addition, the rear seat cushion bank portion 31f is composed of a first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 rotatably connected to the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e, and a second rear seat cushion bank portion 31f2 fixed to the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e.

[0135] 28, the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 is located on the outer side in the seat width direction of the rear seat cushion 31. The first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 has a bank rotation device 31g that rotatably supports the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1, and a side support portion 31h that supports the occupant from the side when the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 rotates. Further, the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 has an upper end portion that bulges upward from the upper surface (seating surface) of the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e, and is formed so as to support the side portion of the occupant H's buttocks.

[0136] The first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 is rotatably supported by a rear rotation shaft portion 31g1 provided at the rear end thereof relative to the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e. As shown in FIG. 29A, when the side support portion 31h of the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 rotates upward (in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 29A), it is positioned above the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e.

[0137] The bank rotation device 31g has an electric motor (not shown) built in the rear seat cushion main body 31e and a rear rotation shaft 31g1 connected to the output shaft of the electric motor, and rotates the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 between a raised position and a lowered position. The bank rotation device 31g may also have a lock mechanism that locks the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 at a predetermined rotation position relative to the rear seat cushion main body 31e. The first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 may be configured to be manually rotated up and down by the occupant H without being provided with an electric motor.

[0138] The operation of the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 will be described with reference to Fig. 29A. First, the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 is located in the lowered position shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 29A. At this time, the upper end of the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 bulges upward on the outer side of the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e in the seat width direction, and supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant H from diagonally below.

[0139] Next, when the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 rotates around the rear rotation shaft portion 31g1, the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 is displaced to a raised position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 32A. When the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 is displaced to the raised position, the side support portion 31h, which was located below the upper surface of the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e when the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 is located at the lowered position, is displaced above the upper surface of the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e and exposed. This makes it possible to support the back or head of the occupant H lying in the traveling direction of the vehicle V3, for example, in the rear seats 3 arranged side by side, by the side support portion 31h. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately support an occupant who frequently changes his / her posture while sitting in the rear seat 3B2 of the vehicle V3, such as a child.

[0140] The rear seat 3B2 shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29A is rotatably supported relative to the rear seat cushion main body 31e by a rear rotation shaft 31g1 provided at the rear end of the first rear seat cushion bank 31f1. However, this is just one example, and for example, as in the rear seat 3B3 shown in Figure 29B, the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 may be rotatably supported on the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e by a front rotation shaft portion 31g2 provided at the front end.

[0141] When the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 rotates upward (in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 29B) around the front rotation shaft portion 31g2, the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 is displaced to the raised position shown by the solid line in FIG. 32B. When the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 is displaced to the raised position, the side support portion 31h, which was located below the upper surface of the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e when it was located at the lowered position, is displaced above the upper surface of the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e and exposed. As a result, for example, the back or head of the occupant H lying in the traveling direction of the vehicle V3 on the rear seats 3B2 arranged side by side can be supported by the side support portion 31h.

[0142] <Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the first rear seat cushion bank portion 31f1 supports the occupant H from the side by displacing to a raised position relative to the rear seat cushion main body portion 31e, but the means for supporting the occupant H from the side is not limited to this. The bank portion of the rear seat back 32 may be displaced to a forward position to support the occupant H from the side.

[0143] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a rear seat 3B4 according to a modified example, seen obliquely from the front. As shown in Fig. 30, the rear seat 3B4 mainly comprises a rear seat cushion 31, a rear seat back 32B2, and a rear seat headrest 33.

[0144] The rear seat back 32B2 serves as a backrest that supports the back of the seated occupant. The rear seat back 32B2 has a rear seat back main body 32i that supports the occupant H from behind, and a rear seat back bank portion 32j that is provided on the outer side of the rear seat back main body portion 32i in the seat width direction. Even when the rear seat back bank portion 32j is in the rear position, its front end portion bulges forward to support the side of the occupant H. The rear seat back main body 32i supports the back of the occupant H from behind and receives the weight of the occupant H.

[0145] The rear seat back bank portion 32j supports the back and waist of the occupant H from the diagonally rearward direction, improving the stability of the occupant H when seated. The rear seat back bank portion 32j is formed as a separate body from the rear seat back main body portion 32i, and is rotatably connected to the rear seat back main body portion 32i. The rear seat back bank portion 32j has a bank rotation device 32k that rotatably supports the rear seat back bank portion 32j relative to the rear seat back main body portion 32i, and a lateral support portion 32m that supports the occupant from the side when the rear seat back bank portion 32j rotates.

[0146] The bank rotation device 32k has an electric motor (not shown) built in the rear seat back main body 32i and a lower rotation shaft 32k1 connected to the output shaft of the electric motor, and rotates the rear seat back bank part 32j between a forward position and a rear position. The rear seat back bank part 32j may also have a locking mechanism that locks the rear seat back bank part 32j at a predetermined rotation position relative to the rear seat back main body 32i. The rear seat back bank portion 32j may be provided so as to be manually rotatable in the front-rear direction.

[0147] The operation of the rear seat back bank portion 32j will be described with reference to Fig. 31A. First, the rear seat back bank portion 32j is located at the rear position shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 31A. At this time, the front end portion of the rear seat back bank portion 32j bulges forward on the outer side of the rear seat back main body portion 32i in the seat width direction, and can support the back and waist of the occupant H from the diagonally rearward direction.

[0148] Next, when the rear seat back bank portion 32j rotates forward (in the direction of the arrow H in FIG. 31A) around the lower rotation shaft portion 32k1, the rear seat back bank portion 32j is displaced to the forward position shown by the solid line in FIG. 31A. When the rear seat back bank portion 32j is displaced to the forward position, the side support portion 32m, which was located rearward of the front surface of the rear seat back main body portion 32i when it was located in the rear position, is displaced forward of the front surface of the rear seat back main body portion 32i and exposed. This makes it possible to support the back or head of the occupant H lying in the traveling direction of the vehicle V3 on the rear seats 3 arranged side by side on the left and right by the side support portion 32m. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately support the occupant H who frequently changes his / her posture while sitting on the rear seat 3B4 of the vehicle V3, such as a child.

[0149] In Figs. 30 and 31A, the lower rotation shaft portion 32k1 which is the rotation shaft of the rear seat back bank portion 32j is located at the lower end portion of the rear seat back 32B2 (near the rear seat reclining device 34), but is not limited thereto. As shown in Fig. 31B, the upper rotation shaft portion 32k2 serving as the rotation shaft may be located at the upper end of the rear seat back main body portion 32i of the rear seat 3B5. Even in this case, the rear seat back bank portion 32j can rotate around the upper rotation shaft portion 32k2 between the forward position and the rear position, and the occupant seated sideways on the rear seat 3B5 in the forward position can be supported by the side support portion 32m.

[0150] <Rear seat lifting device 36> The rear seat lifting / lowering device 36 provided in the rear seat 3B will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 32, the rear seat 3B equipped with the rear seat heater 32h is provided with a rear seat lifting device 36 that moves the rear seat cushion 31 and the rear seat back 32B in the up and down direction of the seat when the rear seat back 32B is in a forward leaning position, similar to the rear seat 3 of the first embodiment. By using the rear seat lifting device 36, even when a small-sized occupant H (e.g., a child) sits in the rear seat 3B, the rear seat cushion 31 and the rear seat back 32B can be raised to match the height of the luggage board 5, allowing the occupant H to use the seat as a work desk. In addition, the rear seat lifting device 36 raises the line of sight of the occupant H, providing the occupant H with a view outside the window from above, thereby improving the occupant H's satisfaction. Even when the rear seat back 32B is in the upright position, the rear seat lifting device 36 may be used to move the rear seat cushion 31 and the rear seat back 32B in the seat up-down direction.

[0151] Next, a vehicle seat device 1B1 which is a modified example of the vehicle seat device 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 33 to 35B. Fig. 33 is a side view of the vehicle seat device 1B1 in the interior space R. As shown in Fig. 33, the vehicle seat device 1B1 includes a rear seat 3B having a rear seat heater 32h and a front seat 2B provided in front of the rear seat 3B.

[0152] The front seat 2B includes a front seat cushion 21 that supports the buttocks of an occupant H seated in the front seat 2B, and a front seat back 22B that is rotatably supported by the front seat cushion 21. In addition, a front seat headrest 23 that supports the head of the occupant H is provided on the upper end of the front seat back 22B.

[0153] 33, when the rear seat back 32B is in a forward tilted position and the occupant H sits facing backwards in the rear seat 3B in the forward tilted position, the front seat back 22B serves as a backrest for the occupant H. The front seat back 22B also includes a front seat heater 22h (front seat heat source) on the rear surface of the front seat back 22B that applies heat energy to the back of the occupant H seated in the rear seat 3B. More specifically, the front seat heater 22h is disposed on the upper part of the rear surface of the front seat back 22B.

[0154] Like the front seat 2 of the vehicle seat device 1 according to the first embodiment, the front seat 2B is provided with a front seat slide rail device 25 for sliding the front seat body 20 in the front-rear direction below the front seat cushion 21. Therefore, when the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3B is in a forward-leaning position, the front seat body 20 of the front seat 2B moves rearward by the front seat slide rail device 25, so that the front seat back 22B supports the back of the occupant H.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 34, the rear surface of the front seat back 22B of the front seat 2B may support the back of the occupant H seated in the rear seat 3B as described above, so that a pad is also provided on the rear surface side. The front seat back frame 22a is provided with a seat back pad material 32b. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, the front seat back 22 of the front seat 2B is provided with not only a front pad material 22ba on the front side of the front seat back frame 22a, but also a back pad material 22bb on the back side of the front seat back frame 22a. The back pad material 22bb is provided so as to cover at least a part of the back side of the front seat back frame 22a. That is, instead of covering the entire back side, the back pad material 22bb may be connected to the front pad material 22ba at the top side, and the other sides may be formed so that there is a gap between the front pad material 22ba and the front pad material 22ba. The connected part is not limited to the top side, and may be the bottom side or either the left or right side. The back pad material 22bb may not be connected to the front pad material 22ba and may be formed as a separate body.

[0156] <Front seat heater 22h position> As shown in Fig. 34, the front seat heater 22h is preferably disposed between the back pad material 22bb and the seat back covering material 22c on the back side of the front seat back 22. By disposing the front seat heater 22h in this manner, the back of the occupant H and the front seat heater 22h are in close proximity to each other, so that thermal energy can be efficiently applied to the occupant H.

[0157] <Second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d> In addition, as shown in FIG. 35A, the front seat back 22 may be provided with a second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d on the rear surface of the front seat back 22B for detecting an occupant H seated in the rear seat 3B when the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3B is in a forward tilted position. More specifically, the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d may be disposed on an upper part of the rear surface of the front seat back 22B.

[0158] By providing the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d on the back surface of the front seat back 22, it is possible to detect that the occupant H is seated in the rear seat 3B. Therefore, for example, when the occupant H seated in the rear seat 3B is working, it is possible to prevent the vehicle V3 from starting, thereby improving the safety of the occupant. Also, when the occupant H is not seated in the rear seat 3B, it is possible to stop the power supply to the rear seat heater 32h and the front seat heater 22h, which prevents unnecessary power consumption and allows energy saving.

[0159] The second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d may be disposed between the back pad material 22bb and the seat back covering material 22c as shown in Fig. 35A. By disposing the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d in this manner, the sensor is located close to the back of the occupant H, thereby improving the detection accuracy. In addition, the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d may be disposed between the back pad material 22bb and the front seat back frame 22a (more specifically, the connecting member 22ae) as shown in Fig. 35B. By disposing the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d in this manner, the second front seat occupant detection sensor 22d can be stably attached and the detection accuracy can be improved.

[0160] <Vehicle V3> Next, a vehicle V3 equipped with a rear seat 3B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 35. Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a luggage space 8 of the vehicle V3. As shown in Fig. 35, the vehicle V3 has a luggage space 8 that extends from the rear of the rear seat 3B to the rear of the vehicle V3. Usually, luggage and the like are loaded in the luggage space 8. Also, it may be used as a space for an occupant H seated facing rearward to do work.

[0161] A floor member 9 constituting a floor surface is provided in the luggage space 8. A floor heater 9c (floor heat source) that applies thermal energy to the luggage space 8 is provided in the floor member 9. By providing the floor heater 9c that applies thermal energy, it is possible to improve the comfort of an occupant H who is working facing backwards on the rear seat back 32B of the rear seat 3B, for example.

[0162] In addition, in the luggage space 8, a luggage board 5 (plate-shaped member) arranged with a predetermined distance L from the floor member 9, and a support member 5d supporting the luggage board 5 are provided.

[0163] The luggage board 5 is a plate material made of synthetic resin and can be used as a shelf when loading cargo to be transported to a destination. The luggage board 5 can also be used as a work desk when the luggage space 8 is used as a work space. The support member 5d is formed on the side wall of the vehicle V3, and the luggage board 5 is removably supported by the support member 5d. The upper surface of the luggage board 5 has a flat surface, but is not limited to this. The upper surface of the luggage board 5 only needs to ensure workability when the occupant H uses the luggage board 5 as a work desk, and may be formed with a convex portion for preventing items from falling or a concave portion for accommodating items.

[0164] A board heater 5c (board heat source) that applies thermal energy to a lower space 5e below the luggage board 5 is provided on the lower surface 5f of the luggage board 5 facing the floor member 9. That is, the lower space 5e is configured to be heated by the thermal energy applied by the board heater 5c and the floor heater 9c. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 35, an occupant H seated facing backward can warm his / her legs by putting his / her legs in the lower space 5e. That is, by providing the floor heater 9c and the board heater 5c, the comfort of the occupant H working on the rear seat back 32B of the rear seat 3B can be improved.

[0165] The floor member 9 may include a chassis 9a and a carpet material 9b covering the chassis 9a, and the floor heater 9c may be disposed between the chassis 9a and the carpet material 9b. By disposing the carpet material 9b on the floor heater 9c, the legs of the occupant H are prevented from directly contacting the floor heater 9c, and the feet are protected, improving safety.

[0166] Furthermore, the luggage board 5 provided in the luggage space 8 includes a base material 5a and a cover member 5b that covers the base material 5a. The board heater 5c is disposed between the base material 5a and the cover member 5b. By covering the board heater 5c with the cover member 5b, the legs of the occupant H are prevented from directly contacting the board heater 5c, so that the legs of the occupant H are protected and safety is improved.

[0167] The vehicle V3 is provided with a power switch 42 capable of turning on / off the power source 40 of the rear seat heater 32h provided on the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3B, the floor heater 9c for heating the luggage space 8, and the board heater 5c. The power switch 42 may be arranged around the front side of the luggage board 5 as shown in FIG. 35. More specifically, the power switch 42 is arranged in the vicinity of the rear seat 3B among the side wall parts (door, pillar) surrounding the luggage space 8. The occupant H seated in the rear seat 3B can turn on / off the power sources of the rear seat heater 32h, the floor heater 9c, and the board heater 5c using the power switch 42, improving convenience. In addition, the comfort can be improved because the temperature can be increased by easily operating the power source when working in the luggage space 8.

[0168] A method for controlling various heaters provided in the vehicle V3 will be described with reference to Fig. 36 and Fig. 37. Fig. 37 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of various heaters provided in the vehicle V3, and Fig. 38 is a flow chart showing the control process of the various heaters. As described above, the vehicle V3 is equipped with a front seat heater 22h provided in the front seat back 22B of the front seat 2B, a rear seat heater 32h provided in the rear seat back 32B of the rear seat 3B, a floor heater 9c provided on the floor surface of the luggage space 8, and a board heater 5c provided on the underside of the luggage board 5.

[0169] The front seat heater 22h, the rear seat heater 32h, the floor heater 9c, and the board heater 5c are each provided with a heating wire 41 that generates heat when an electric current flows through them. In the following description, the front seat heater 22h, the rear seat heater 32h, the floor heater 9c, and the board heater 5c are collectively referred to as various heaters.

[0170] The vehicle V3 includes a power source 40 that supplies a current to the heating wire 41. The power source 40 is controlled by an ECU 4, which is a control device. In other words, the ECU 4 controls the supply of current from the power source 40 to the heating wire 41. A power switch 42 capable of turning on / off the current flowing to the various heaters is directly provided on the power source 40. However, the power switch 42 may be configured to turn on / off the various heaters via the ECU 4.

[0171] A second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d is provided on a seating surface 32g of the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3B when the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilted position. When the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilted position, the ECU 4 monitors whether or not an occupant H is seated on the rear seat back 32 based on a signal input from the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d. Then, when the rear seat back 32 is in a forward tilted position and current is being supplied to the various heaters, if a state in which the occupant H is not detected as being seated on the rear seat back 32 has elapsed for a predetermined time, the ECU 4 stops supplying current to the heating wire 41 of the various heaters. In other words, if a state in which the seated state of the occupant H on the rear seat back 32 cannot be detected has elapsed for a certain time, the ECU 4 cuts off the current supply to the heating wire 41.

[0172] This control method will be described with reference to Fig. 37. It is assumed that the rear seat 3B has the rear seat back 32B in a forward tilted position and the occupant H can sit on the upper surface (seating surface 32g) of the rear seat back 32B.

[0173] The second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d detects whether or not an occupant H is seated in the rear seat 3B (step S701). When the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d detects that an occupant H is seated in the rear seat 3B (step S701: Yes), the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d continues to supply current to various heaters (step S705). When the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d cannot detect that the occupant H is seated in the rear seat 3B (step S701: No), the ECU 4 starts measuring time (step S702). Then, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d could not detect the occupant H being seated (step S703). For example, it is determined whether 10 minutes have elapsed since the second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32d could not detect the occupant H being seated.

[0174] If the ECU 4 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S703: No), the process returns to step S702 and continues measuring the time. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S703: Yes), the ECU 4 stops the supply of current to the various heaters (step S704).

[0175] In this way, by controlling the current supply to various heaters, the current supply to various heaters can be reduced when occupant H is not present, thereby improving safety and reducing the consumption of thermal energy, thereby saving energy.

[0176] The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings. In the vehicle seat device 1B of the third embodiment, the heater is provided only in the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3B, or in both the rear seat back 32 of the rear seat 3B and the front seat back 22 of the front seat 2B, but the heater may be provided only in the front seat back 22 of the front seat 2B. In addition, the heater may be provided in the front seat cushion 21 of the front seat 2B and the rear seat cushion 31 of the rear seat 3B. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] V1, V2, V2A, V3 vehicles R Indoor space T Information and communication terminal F Floor C Ceiling BD Backdoor H Crew IP Instrument Panel 1, 1A, 1A1, 1B Vehicle seat device (vehicle seat device) 2, 2A, 2A1, 2B front seats 2a Front seat frame 20 Front seat body 21 Front seat cushion 21a Front seat cushion frame 21aa Cushion side frame 21ab front pipe 21ac rear pipe 21ad Pan Frame 21af Pressure receiving part 21b Seat cushion pad material 21c Seat cushion covering material 21d First front seat occupant detection sensor 22 Front seat back 22a Front seat back frame 22aa back side frame 22ab Upper Frame 22ac lower frame 22ad Headrest guide holder 22ae Connecting member 22af Pressure receiving part 22b Seat back pad material 22ba Front padding (front seat padding) 22bb Back pad material (front seat back pad material) 22c Seat back covering material (front seat covering material) 22d Second front seat occupant detection sensor 22e Vibration device 22h Front seat heater (front seat heat source) 23 Front seat headrest 23a Front seat headrest pillar 23b Headrest pad material 23c Headrest covering material 24 Front seat reclining device (front seat rotation device) 25 Front seat slide rail device (slide device) 25a Lower rail 25b upper rail 3, 3A, 3A1, 3B Rear seats (vehicle seats) 3a Rear seat frame 30 Rear seat body 31, 31A, Rear seat cushion (seat cushion) 31a Rear seat cushion frame 31aa Cushion side frame 31ab front pipe 31ac rear pipe 31af Pressure receiving part 31b Seat cushion pad material 31c Seat cushion covering material 31d First rear seat occupant detection sensor 31e Rear seat cushion body 31f Rear seat cushion bank 31f1 First rear seat cushion bank 31f2 Second rear seat cushion bank 31g Bank Rotation Device 31g1 Rear rotating shaft part 31g2 Front rotating shaft 31h Lateral support 32, 32B Rear seat back (seat back) 32a Rear seat back frame 32aa back side frame 32ab upper frame 32ac lower frame 32ad Headrest guide holder 32af Pressure Plate 32b Seat back pad material 32ba front padding 32bb Back padding 32bc connection part 32bd Gap 32c Seat back covering material (rear seat covering material) 32d Second rear seat occupant detection sensor 32e Respiration sensor 32g seating surface 32h Rear seat heater (seat back heating source) 32i Rear seat back body 32j Rear seat back bank 32k Bank Rotation Device 32k1 Lower rotating shaft 32k2 Upper rotating shaft 32m lateral support 33 Rear seat headrest 33a Rear seat headrest pillar 33b Headrest pad material 33c Headrest covering material 34 Rear seat reclining device (rear seat rotation device) 35 Rear seat slide rail device (slide device) 35a Lower rail 35b upper rail 36 Rear seat lifting device (lifting device) 36a Link mechanism 37, 37A Attitude detection sensor 37a Rotary switch 37b Wire 37c Lola 37d Rear rotating shaft 37e Rotating electrode 37f Cushion side fixed shaft 37g fixed electrode 4 ECU (control unit) 5 Luggage board (plate-shaped member) 5a Base material 5b Cover member 5c Board heater (board heat source) 5d Support member 5e Downward space 5f Bottom 6. Drive unit 7. Communications Equipment 8 Luggage space (space) 9 Floor materials (Floor materials) 9a Chassis 9b Carpet materials 9c Floor heater (floor heat source) 40 Power supply 41 Heating wire 42 Power switch

Claims

1. A seat back that supports the back of an occupant; A vehicle seat including a seat cushion that supports the buttocks of an occupant, The lower end of the seat back is pivotally supported on the rear end of the seat cushion, the seat back is configured to be position adjustable so that the seat back is rotated forward to assume a forward leaning position overlapping the seat cushion, the seat back is configured so that the occupant can be seated on the seat back when the seat back is in the forward tilting position, The vehicle seat is characterized in that the seat back has a seat back heat source that imparts thermal energy to the occupant on a seating surface on the upper surface of the seat back on which the occupant can sit when the seat back is in the forward leaning position.

2. The seat back is a seat back frame that forms a framework of the seat back and supports a load from the occupant; A front pad material that covers a front side of the seat back frame when the seat back is in an upright position; A back pad material that covers at least a part of the back side of the seat back frame; a cover material covering the outer surfaces of the front padding material and the back padding material; 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the seat back heat source is disposed between the back pad material and the cover material.

3. a posture detection sensor that detects that the seat back is in the forward tilted posture; A control device for controlling the seat back heating source, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the control device stops the supply of electricity to the seat back heat source when the posture detection sensor does not detect the forward leaning posture.

4. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the seat back includes an occupant detection sensor for detecting a seated occupant on the seating surface when the seat back is in the forward tilted position.

5. a posture detection sensor that detects that the seat back is in the forward tilted posture; A control device for controlling the seat back heating source and the occupant detection sensor, 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the control device stops the supply of electricity to the seat back heat source and the occupant detection sensor when the posture detection sensor does not detect the forward leaning posture.

6. The seat back is a seat back frame that forms a framework of the seat back and supports a load from the occupant; A front pad material that covers the front side of the seat back frame; A back pad material that covers at least a part of the back side of the seat back frame; a cover material covering the outer surfaces of the front padding material and the back padding material; 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the occupant detection sensor is disposed between the back pad material and the cover material.

7. The seat back is a seat back frame that forms a framework of the seat back and supports a load from the occupant; A front pad material that covers the front side of the seat back frame; A back pad material that covers at least a part of the back side of the seat back frame; a cover material covering the outer surfaces of the front padding material and the back padding material; 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the occupant detection sensor is disposed between the back pad material and the seat back frame.

8. the seat cushion includes a seat cushion main body portion supporting the buttocks of the occupant, and a seat cushion bank portion provided on at least one side portion in a seat width direction of the seat cushion main body portion and bulging upward to support a side portion of the buttocks of the occupant, The seat cushion bank portion is pivotally supported at a front end or a rear end by the seat cushion main body portion, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the seat cushion bank portion has a side support portion that is positioned above the seat cushion main body portion when the seat cushion bank portion is rotated upward.

9. The seat back includes a seat back main body portion that supports the back of the occupant, and a seat back bank portion that is provided on at least one side of the seat back main body portion in a seat width direction and bulges forward to support a side portion of the back of the occupant, The seat back bank portion is pivotally supported at a front end or a rear end by the seat back main body portion, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the seat back bank portion has a side support portion that is located forward of the seat back main body portion when the seat back is rotated forward.

10. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting device that moves the seat cushion and the seat back in a seat up-down direction when the seat back is in the forward tilted position.

11. A vehicle seat device comprising a rear seat comprising the vehicle seat according to claim 1 and a front seat provided in front of the rear seat, the front seat includes a front seat cushion that supports the buttocks of the occupant seated in the front seat, and a front seat back that is pivotally supported on the front seat cushion, The vehicle seat device is characterized in that the front seat back has a front seat heat source on a rear surface of the front seat back that applies thermal energy to the back of the occupant seated in the rear seat when the seat back of the rear seat is in the forward tilted position.

12. The front seat includes a front seat back frame that forms a framework of the front seat back, A front seat front pad material that covers a front side of the front seat back frame in an upright position; A front seat back pad material that covers a back side of the front seat back frame in an upright position; a front seat cover material covering outer surfaces of the front seat front pad material and the front seat back pad material, 12. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the front seat heat source is disposed between the front seat back pad material and the front seat covering material.

13. 12. The vehicle seat device according to claim 11, wherein the front seat back includes a front seat occupant detection sensor disposed on a rear surface of the front seat back for detecting an occupant seated in the rear seat when the seat back of the rear seat is in the forward tilted position.

14. The front seat includes a front seat back frame that forms a framework of the front seat back, A front seat front pad material that covers a front side of the front seat back frame in an upright position; A front seat back pad material that covers a back side of the front seat back frame in an upright position; a front seat cover material covering outer surfaces of the front seat front pad material and the front seat back pad material, 14. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the front seat occupant detection sensor is disposed between the front seat back pad material and the front seat covering material.

15. The front seat includes a front seat back frame that forms a framework of the front seat back, A front seat front pad material that covers a front side of the front seat back frame in an upright position; A front seat back pad material that covers a back side of the front seat back frame in an upright position; a front seat cover material covering outer surfaces of the front seat front pad material and the front seat back pad material, 14. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the front seat occupant detection sensor is disposed between the front seat back pad material and the front seat back frame.

16. 14. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the front seat occupant detection sensor is provided on an upper part of a rear surface of the front seat back.

17. A vehicle, The vehicle seat according to claim 1 ; a floor member that constitutes a floor surface of a space from the rear of the vehicle seat to the rear of the vehicle; The floor member of the vehicle has a floor heat source for providing thermal energy to the space.

18. a plate-shaped member disposed at a rear side of the vehicle seat and at a predetermined distance from the floor member; A support portion that supports the plate-like member; 18. The vehicle of claim 17, further comprising: a board heat source that applies thermal energy to a lower space below the plate-like member and is provided on a surface of the plate-like member facing the floor member.

19. The floor member includes a chassis and a carpet material covering the chassis.

20. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the floor heat source is disposed between the chassis and the carpeting.

20. The plate-like member includes a base material and a cover member that covers the base material, 20. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the board heat source is disposed between the substrate and the cover member.

21. A power switch is provided to turn on / off the power of the seat back heat source, the floor heat source, and the board heat source, 20. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the power switch is disposed around the front side of the plate-like member.

22. A heating wire that is provided in the seat back heating source, the floor heating source, and the board heating source and generates heat by an electric current; A power source for supplying a current to the heating wire; A control device that controls the supply of current to the heating wire, the seat back has an occupant detection sensor for detecting a seated occupant on the seating surface when the seat back is in the forward tilted position, The vehicle according to claim 18, characterized in that, when the seat back is in the forward tilted position, the control device stops supplying electric current to the heating wire when a predetermined time has elapsed during which the occupant detection sensor has not detected the occupant seated.

Images