Vehicular seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicular seat that is configured so that functionality of a vibration generating device can be improved by arranging a calf support in an ottoman.SOLUTION: A vehicular seat 10C is provided with a seat body 11 and an ottoman 15C that can be displaced with respect to the seat body 11. The ottoman 15C is displaced between a storing position where the ottoman is stored below the seat body 11 and an expanding position where the ottoman extends toward a front side of the seat body 11, which has: a calf support 16 that supports lower leg parts of a seated occupant seated on the seat body 11 from both sides in a seat width direction thereof, when the ottoman is at the expanding position; and a left vibration generating device 155a that outputs a notification signal to a left lower leg part of the seated occupant and a right vibration generating device 155b that outputs a notification signal to a right lower leg part of the seated occupant, which are arranged at adjacent positions in a seat width direction of calf support 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat provided with an ottoman. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a technology that provides a vibration device in a vehicle seat and outputs a warning signal to an occupant by vibration generated by the vibration device has been attracting attention. The vibration device can communicate to the seated person a situation that is difficult for the occupant to recognize visually or aurally by vibration. As a specific example, development of a vehicle seat that can improve the safety of occupants by making the occupant recognize the presence of a dangerous object approaching the vehicle from a blind spot by the vibration generated by the vibration device and allowing the occupant to avoid the danger is being advanced. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 proposes a vehicle seat provided with calf supports and an ottoman capable of supporting the lower legs of a seated person by enveloping them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0410764 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, passengers can travel to their destination with their lower legs supported by the ottoman and calf support, improving passenger comfort, but there is room for further improvement. That is, Patent Document 1 does not describe a vibration device, and sufficient consideration has not been given to improving the functionality of the vibration device by providing a calf support on the ottoman.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can improve the functionality of a vibration generating device by providing a calf support on an ottoman. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which comprises a seat body and an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat body, wherein the ottoman displaces between a stored position stored below the seat body and an deployed position extending forward of the seat body, and has calf supports that support the lower legs of an occupant seated on the seat body from both sides in the seat width direction when the ottoman is in the deployed position, and a left vibration generating device and a right vibration generating device that output an alarm signal to the occupant at positions adjacent to the calf supports in the seat width direction.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the ottoman is provided with calf supports that support the lower legs of the seated person from both sides in the seat width direction, and the left vibration generator and the right vibration generator are provided at positions adjacent to the calf supports in the seat width direction. The calf supports prevent the lower legs of the seated person placed on the ottoman from sliding sideways from side to side due to centrifugal force generated in a moving vehicle. As a result, the left vibration generator and the right vibration generator can accurately output an alarm signal to the lower legs positioned by the calf supports, allowing the seated person to recognize it. Therefore, by providing the calf supports on the ottoman, it is possible to improve the functionality of the vibration generators.

[0008] In addition, the calf support may include a central calf support located in the center of the ottoman in the seat width direction, and a left calf support and a right calf support located at the ends on both the left and right sides of the ottoman, and the left vibration generating device may be connected to the left calf support and the right vibration generating device may be connected to the right calf support by a vibration transmission member. According to the above configuration, the left calf support is connected to the left vibration generating device and the right calf support is connected to the right vibration generating device by vibration transmission members, so that the left calf support and the right calf support can function as output means for an alarm signal output by the vibration generating device, thereby improving the functionality of the vibration generating device.

[0009] In addition, kneading members for kneading the seated occupant may be disposed between the central calf support and the left and right vibration generating devices. According to the above configuration, the calf support prevents the lower leg of the seated person from sliding sideways, so that the kneading member can accurately knead the lower leg positioned by the calf support, thereby promoting blood circulation in the lower leg.

[0010] In addition, it is preferable that a biological information sensor for detecting biological information of the seated occupant be disposed between the central calf support and the left vibration generating device and between the central calf support and the right vibration generating device. According to the above configuration, the calf support prevents the lower leg of the seated person from slipping sideways, enabling the biometric information sensor to accurately detect the biometric information of the lower leg positioned by the calf support.

[0011] In addition, it is preferable that the central calf support is longer than the side calf supports in the front-to-rear direction of the ottoman when in the deployed position. According to the above configuration, it is possible to support the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscles of a seated person by wrapping them from both the left and right sides according to their lengths.

[0012] The central calf support may also have a harderness greater than the left and right calf supports. According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to improve the supporting performance of the central calf support.

[0013] Also, it is preferable that the central calf support is larger in the seat width direction than the left calf support and the right calf support. According to the above-mentioned configuration, when a seated person places his / her lower legs on the ottoman, the seated person can sit in an appropriate posture with both legs spaced approximately the same as the shoulder width.

[0014] The left calf support and the right calf support may be longer than the central calf support in the front-to-rear direction of the ottoman when in the deployed position. According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the lower legs of a seated person from sliding sideways on the ottoman due to centrifugal force or the like and falling off the ottoman.

[0015] Additionally, the left and right calf supports may have a harderness greater than that of the central calf support. According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the lower legs of a seated person from sliding sideways on the ottoman due to centrifugal force or the like and falling off the ottoman.

[0016] In addition, the left calf support and the right calf support may be larger in the seat width direction than the central calf support. According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the support of the lower leg by the left calf support and the right calf support. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, by providing the calf support on the ottoman, it is possible to improve the functionality of the vibration generating device. Furthermore, the left calf support and the right calf support can function as an output means for an alarm signal output by the vibration generator, thereby improving the functionality of the vibration generator. In addition, the kneading member can accurately knead the lower leg portion positioned by the calf support, thereby promoting blood circulation in the lower leg portion. Furthermore, the biological information sensor can accurately detect biological information of the lower leg positioned by the calf support. It is also possible to support the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscles of the seated person by wrapping them from both the left and right sides according to their lengths. Furthermore, when a seated person places their lower legs on the ottoman, they can sit in an appropriate posture with their feet spaced approximately the same distance as their shoulders. It is also possible to reliably prevent the lower legs of a seated person from sliding sideways on the ottoman and falling off the ottoman due to centrifugal force or the like. In addition, it is possible to improve the support of the lower leg by the left calf support and the right calf support. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interior space in which a seat device is arranged. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat as viewed obliquely from the front. [Diagram 3] 1 is a side view of the tilt device with the seat cushion in a horizontal position. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view of a tilt device with a seat cushion in a tilted position. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of a seat device. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of a movable mechanism drive control process. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the reclining position of the vehicle seat. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of a heart rate measurement process. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a vehicle interior in which a seat device according to a first modified example is arranged. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of a movable mechanism drive control process according to a first modified example. [Figure 11] 13 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example in a reclining position. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a bottom view of the ottoman in the deployed position as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 13]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a top view of the ottoman in the deployed position. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat in an item-storing position as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a side view of an interior space in which the seat device is arranged. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of an ottoman inversion process. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 20 taken along line B-B. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Diagram 23] FIG. 2 is a view showing the seat cushion and the ottoman in disassembled state. [Figure 24] 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 22. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an ottoman that moves between a stored state and an unfolded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] A vehicle seat and a method for controlling a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. In the following description, the contents regarding the materials, shapes and sizes of the seat components are merely examples and do not limit the present invention.

[0020] In the following, a vehicle seat 10 mounted on a vehicle V will be given as an example of a vehicle seat, and an example of the configuration will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to seats mounted on vehicles that have wheels and run on land, such as automobiles and trains, and may also be applied to seats mounted on aircraft, ships, and other vehicles that move other than on land.

[0021] In the following description, the term "seat front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat 10, which coincides with the front-rear direction as seen by a seated occupant in the vehicle seat 10. The term "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat 10, which coincides with the left-right direction as seen by a seated occupant in the vehicle seat 10. The term "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle seat 10, which coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle V is traveling on a horizontal plane. In addition, the term "outside" simply refers to the side closer to the outside in the direction from the center of the vehicle seat 10 to the outside, and the term "inside" refers to the side closer to the center in the direction from the outside to the center of the vehicle seat 10.

[0022] <Outline of interior space Rm> FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle V cut at the center in the vehicle width direction, and shows the interior space Rm of the vehicle V. The vehicle V has a manual driving mode and an automatic driving mode. Here, the manual driving mode refers to a control state in which the vehicle V is controlled to travel based on the driving operation by the driver. On the other hand, the automatic driving mode refers to a control state in which the situation of the vehicle V is judged based on signals output by various sensors, and the vehicle V is controlled to travel autonomously based on the judgment result. In the automatic driving mode, the passenger can travel to the destination while watching the video content displayed on the video display device 33. The display surface of the video display device 33 corresponds to the video display area, and the video content corresponds to the video information.

[0023] 1, the interior space Rm is formed between the ceiling Rf and the floor F of the vehicle V. In the interior space Rm, a front seat 10a constituting the vehicle seat 10 and a rear seat 10b located behind the front seat 10a are installed via a slide rail device 20 constituting the movable mechanism 18 and the like.

[0024] In the manual driving mode, a driver seated in the front seat 10a controls the driving of the vehicle V by operating a steering wheel 31 fixed to an interior member 30 (instrument panel) and a foot pedal 32 at the driver's feet. In addition, the driver can switch the driving mode of the vehicle V from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode by operating the interior member 30.

[0025] When the manual driving mode is switched to the automatic driving mode, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 26 built into the vehicle seat 10 automatically adjusts the vehicle seat 10 to a reclining position by controlling the movable mechanism 18. This allows the seated person to enjoy viewing the video content displayed on the video display device 33 in a comfortable position, making it possible to increase satisfaction with the travel time in the automatic driving mode. In addition, since the seated person does not need to adjust the vehicle seat 10 himself / herself, he / she is freed from the hassle of adjusting the vehicle seat 10.

[0026] In Fig. 1, the ECU 26 is built in the vehicle seat 10, but is not limited thereto. The ECU 26 may be provided in the vehicle V. The vehicle seat 10 corresponds to a vehicle seat, and the ECU 26 corresponds to a control device. The vehicle seat 10 and the ECU 26 correspond to a seat device 1.

[0027] <Overview of the vehicle seat 10> 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat 10 as seen obliquely from the front. The vehicle seat 10 mainly comprises a seat body 11 having a seat cushion 12, a seat back 13, and a headrest 14, an ottoman 15, and a movable mechanism 18. The movable mechanism 18 includes a reclining device 19, a slide rail device 20, a rotating device 21, a tilt device 22, and an ottoman driving device 23 (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

[0028] The seat cushion 12 is a support member for supporting the buttocks of a seated person, and is a seating portion for supporting the seated person from below. The seat cushion 12 mainly includes a cushion frame 121 (see Figs. 3 and 4) forming the framework of the seat cushion 12, a cushion pad 12a, and a cushion covering material 12b.

[0029] The seat cushion 12 also includes an air cell 123, a seating sensor 124, and a first heartbeat sensor 125 built therein. The air cells 123 are kneading members that expand when compressed air is injected and contract when the compressed air is discharged, thereby stimulating the left and right biceps of the thighs of the seated person and promoting blood circulation of the seated person. In Fig. 2, the seat cushion 12 has four air cells 123 built in that are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction and the seat width direction, but the number and arrangement of the air cells 123 are not limited to this. The seat cushion 12 may have four or more air cells 123 built in.

[0030] The seating sensor 124 detects a seated person and outputs a detection signal. The seating sensor 124 is built into the center of the seat cushion 12 in the seat width direction. The seating sensor 124 is a pressure sensor that detects the load of the seated person, but is not limited to this. The seating sensor 124 may be an optical sensor that detects the state of the upper surface of the seat cushion 12.

[0031] The first heartbeat sensor 125 detects the heartbeat of the seated person's buttocks and outputs a detection signal. The first heartbeat sensor 125 has left and right body movement detection sensors that detect body movement associated with the pulse of the seated person, and a measurement circuit that measures the heartbeat per unit time based on the detection signal. The heartbeat of the seated person output by the first heartbeat sensor 125 is used to provide a comfortable interior space Rm to the seated person.

[0032] The seat back 13 is a support member that supports the back of a seated occupant, and is a backrest portion that supports the back of the seated occupant from behind. The seat back 13 mainly includes a back frame (not shown) that forms the framework of the seat back 13, a pad material 13a that covers the back frame, and a skin material 13b that covers the back frame and the pad material 13a. The seat back 13 may have an air cell or a heart rate sensor built in. By having the air cell built in the seat back 13, it is possible to stimulate the lower back of the seated person and promote blood circulation.

[0033] The headrest 14 is a support member that supports the head of a seated occupant from behind. The headrest 14 mainly comprises a headrest pillar (not shown) that serves as a core material, a padding material (not shown) that covers the headrest pillar, and a skin material (not shown) that covers the headrest pillar and the padding material.

[0034] The ottoman 15 is provided at the front end of the seat cushion 12 so as to be displaceable relative to the seat cushion 12. In detail, the ottoman 15 displaces between a stored position (see FIG. 1) stored below the seat cushion 12 and an expanded position (see FIG. 2) extending forward of the seat cushion 12, and supports the lower legs of a seated occupant from below in the expanded position. The ottoman 15 mainly comprises an ottoman frame (not shown) that forms the framework of the ottoman 15, an ottoman pad (not shown) that covers the ottoman frame, and an ottoman covering material (not shown) that covers the ottoman frame and the ottoman pad.

[0035] The ottoman 15 incorporates an air cell 151 and a second heart rate sensor 152. The ottoman 15 also has an air outlet 153. The air cells 151 are kneading members that stimulate the left and right triceps surae muscles of the seated person and promote blood circulation in the seated person. In Fig. 2, the ottoman 15 has four air cells 151 built in that are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction and the seat width direction, but the number and arrangement of the air cells 151 are not limited to this. The ottoman 15 may have four or more air cells 151 built in.

[0036] The second heartbeat sensor 152 detects the heartbeat rate of the lower legs of the seated person and outputs a detection signal. The second heartbeat sensor 152 has a body movement detection sensor and a measurement circuit, similar to the first heartbeat sensor 125. By measuring the heartbeat rate of the seated person with the second heartbeat sensor 152 together with the first heartbeat sensor 125, the reliability of the measurement results can be improved. The second heartbeat sensor 152 corresponds to a biological information sensor.

[0037] The air outlet 153 sends out toward the seated occupant an air flow generated by an air blower 25 (see FIG. 5) disposed below the seat body 11. The air outlet 153 is provided in the center of the ottoman 15 in the seat width direction, on the rear side of the ottoman 15 positioned in the deployed position, and can provide a pleasant feeling of coolness to the backs of the knees and calves of the seated occupant. Air outlet 153 is covered with a mesh member. The mesh member has a net-like shape, and prevents foreign matter from entering inside ottoman 15 while ensuring the breathability of air outlet 153.

[0038] The vehicle seat 10 has, as a movable mechanism 18, a reclining device 19, a slide rail device 20, a rotation device 21, a tilt device 22, and an ottoman driving device 23. The reclining device 19 rotatably connects the seat back 13 to the seat cushion 12. The reclining device 19 can lock the seat back 13 in a state inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the seat cushion 12. By releasing the lock, the reclining device 19 can fold the seat back 13 forward or tilt it backward.

[0039] The slide rail device 20 has a known structure (the structure of a general slide rail mechanism). In detail, the slide rail device 20 has a lower rail 201 fixed to the floor F, and an upper rail 202 that is slidable in the front-rear direction relative to the lower rail 201.

[0040] 3, the rotation device 21 supports the seat body 11 and the ottoman 15 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. The rotation device 21 has a base plate 211, a rotating member 212, and an upper plate 213 as main components.

[0041] The base plate 211 is bridged over the left and right upper rails 202. Therefore, the base plate 211 is fixed to the floor F without rotating. The rotating member 212 has an annular shape in a plan view, and is rotatably housed in a circular recess formed in the base plate 211. The upper plate 213 is fixed to the cushion frame 121 via the tilt device 22. More specifically, the upper plate 213 is fixed to the left and right cushion side frames 122 constituting the cushion frame 121 via the tilt device 22. With the above configuration, the rotation device 21 can rotate the seat main body 11 and the ottoman 15 in a direction facing the image display device 33.

[0042] 3 and 4, the tilt device 22 is interposed between the cushion frame 121 and the rotating device 21, and supports the seat cushion 12 so as to be tiltable in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor F. The tilt device 22 corresponds to a tilting device. The tilt device 22 has a connecting bracket 221, a drive motor 222, a gear box 223, a lead screw 224, a first front link 225, a second front link 226, and a rear link 227 as main components.

[0043] The drive motor 222 converts electrical energy into rotational energy and transmits the rotational energy to the lead screw 224 via the gear box 223. The gear box 223 outputs high torque by reducing the rotation speed. A screw groove is formed on the outer periphery of the lead screw 224. Therefore, the rotational energy generated by the drive motor 222 is converted into linear motion of the lead screw 224.

[0044] The lead screw 224 is connected at its upper end to the cushion side frame 122. To explain in detail, the lead screw 224 is rotatably connected to the cushion side frame 122 via a first front connecting shaft 122a located on the front side of the cushion side frame 122. Therefore, the linear motion of the lead screw 224 raises and lowers the front side of the cushion side frame 122 via the first front connecting shaft 122a, and the seat cushion 12 tilts in the front-rear direction. In this way, the drive motor 222, the gear box 223, and the lead screw 224 configure a driving mechanism that tilts the seat cushion 12.

[0045] The first front link 225 and the second front link 226 located at the front and the rear link 227 located at the rear form a pair that constitutes a driven mechanism that adjusts the tilting movement of the seat cushion 12. In other words, the first front link 225, the second front link 226, and the rear link 227 play a role in appropriately adjusting the speed and angle at which the seat cushion 12 tilts.

[0046] The first front link 225 and the second front link 226 are made of metal plate members and have an elongated shape. One end of the first front link 225 in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected to the cushion side frame 122 via a second front connecting shaft 122b located on the front side of the cushion side frame 122. The other end of the first front link 225 is connected to the second front link 226 via a front link connecting shaft 225a. One end in the longitudinal direction of the second front link 226 is rotatably connected to the connecting bracket 221 via a front support shaft 221a located on the front side of the connecting bracket 221 fixed to the rotation device 21. The other end of the second front link 226 is connected to the first front link 225 via a front link connecting shaft 225a.

[0047] The rear link 227 is made of a metal plate member and has an elongated shape. One end of the rear link 227 in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected to the cushion side frame 122 via a rear connecting shaft 122c located on the rear side of the cushion side frame 122. The other end of the rear link 227 is rotatably connected to the connecting bracket 221 via a rear support shaft 221b located on the rear side of the connecting bracket 221.

[0048] Next, the tilting operation of the seat cushion 12 will be described. When the seat cushion 12 is in a horizontal position as shown in Fig. 3, the first front link 225 and the second front link 226 are connected to each other in a bent position via the front link connecting shaft 225a. The rear link 227 connects the cushion side frame 122 and the connecting bracket 221 at a predetermined inclination angle. This allows the seat cushion 12 to be held in a horizontal position.

[0049] 4, the lead screw 224 lifts the front side of the seat cushion 12. At this time, the first front link 225 and the second front link 226 are connected in an upright position. Meanwhile, the rear link 227 takes a horizontal position, displacing the rear side of the cushion side frame 122 rearward and downward of the connecting bracket 221. As a result, the seat cushion 12 is held in an inclined position with an appropriate inclination angle.

[0050] The ottoman drive device 23 (see FIG. 5) has an electric motor (not shown) and displaces the ottoman 15 from the stored position to the deployed position. As will be described later, the ECU 26 controls the ottoman drive device 23 to displace the ottoman 15 to the deployed position in conjunction with the timing at which the seat back 13 is displaced to the reclining position. This allows the seated occupant to assume a comfortable posture without having to adjust the vehicle seat 10 by himself / herself.

[0051] <Configuration of seat device 1> 5 shows a configuration block diagram of the seat device 1. The ECU 26 is responsible for controlling the entire vehicle seat 10. The ECU 26 receives output signals from a seating sensor 124 and a first heartbeat sensor 125 built into the seat cushion 12, and a second heartbeat sensor 152 built into the ottoman 15. The ECU 26 also drives and controls the reclining device 19, the slide rail device 20, the rotating device 21, the tilt device 22, the movable mechanism 18 having the ottoman driving device 23, the fluid supply device 24, and the air blower 25.

[0052] A seating sensor 124 built into the seat cushion 12 detects the weight of the seated occupant. A first heartbeat sensor 125 built into the seat cushion 12 and a second heartbeat sensor 152 built into the ottoman 15 detect the heartbeat of the seated occupant.

[0053] The reclining device 19, the slide rail device 20, the rotation device 21, the tilt device 22, and the ottoman drive device 23 constituting the movable mechanism 18 are controlled to change the position and posture of the vehicle seat 10. Specifically, when the driving mode of the vehicle V is switched from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode, the vehicle seat 10 is automatically adjusted to a direction and posture facing the image display device 33. This allows the seated person to enjoy viewing the video content displayed on the image display device 33 in a comfortable position without having to adjust the vehicle seat 10 themselves.

[0054] The fluid supply device 24 controls the supply and discharge of a fluid (compressed air) used to inflate and deflate the air cells 123 of the seat cushion 12 and the air cells 151 of the ottoman 15. Specifically, the fluid supply device 24 is composed of a pump that delivers the fluid, an electromagnetic valve, and the like.

[0055] The air blower 25 is a propeller fan disposed below the seat cushion 12 and generates an air flow by rotating and driving a rotating blade. The air flow is sent out from the air outlet 153 of the ottoman 15 toward the backs of the knees and the calves of the seated occupant.

[0056] The ECU 26 is a control circuit having a processor, a non-volatile memory, and a volatile memory. The ECU 26 reads out programs stored in the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory and sequentially executes the programs to perform a movable mechanism drive control process and a heart rate measurement process, which will be described later. In addition, the ECU 26 is provided with a communication I / F capable of communicating with electrical components mounted on the vehicle V. Therefore, the ECU 26 can appropriately control the vehicle seat 10 based on the driving mode of the vehicle V and the operation input of the occupant.

[0057] <Movable mechanism drive control process> Next, a description will be given of the movable mechanism drive control process executed by the ECU 26 when the driving mode of the vehicle V is switched from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode. 6 shows the flow of the movable mechanism drive control process. First, the ECU 26 determines whether or not a video output operation for the video display device 33 has been received (step S10). Specifically, the ECU 26 determines whether or not a video content output operation by a seated occupant has been received after switching to the autonomous driving mode. In addition, when the vehicle V is provided with a plurality of video display devices 33, the ECU 26 determines whether or not a selection operation of the video display device 33 that outputs the video content has been received. If it is determined that the video output operation has not been accepted (step S10: No), the ECU 26 waits until the video output operation is accepted.

[0058] When it is determined that the video output operation has been received (step S10: Yes), the ECU 26 identifies the vehicle seat 10 in which the occupant is seated (step S11). Specifically, the ECU 26 identifies the vehicle seat 10 in which the occupant is seated based on an output signal of the seating sensor 124 built in the seat cushion 12.

[0059] Next, the ECU 26 determines whether or not the video content is to be output to the video display device 33 on the ceiling Rf (step S12). If it is determined that the video content is to be output to the video display device 33 on the ceiling Rf (step S12: Yes), the ECU 26 determines whether or not the seat back 13 is in a reclining position inclined backward relative to the seat cushion (step S13).

[0060] If it is not determined that the seat back 13 is in the reclined position (step S13: No), the ECU 26 determines whether or not there is an obstacle behind the vehicle seat 10 (step S14). Specifically, the ECU 26 determines the presence or absence of an obstacle based on the position of the rear seat 10b. However, without being limited thereto, a contact detection sensor may be provided in the vehicle seat 10, and the presence or absence of an obstacle may be determined based on the output of the contact detection sensor.

[0061] If it is not determined that there is an obstacle (step S14: No), the ECU 26 controls the reclining device 19 to tilt the seat back 13 backward (step S15). In other words, the ECU 26 displaces the seat back 13 to a position facing the image display device 33 disposed on the ceiling Rf of the vehicle V. Next, the ECU 26 tilts the seat cushion 12 in conjunction with the displacement of the position of the seat back 13 (step S16). Specifically, while the ECU 26 is changing the seat back 13 to a position facing the image display device 33, the ECU 26 controls the drive motor 222 of the tilt device 22 in conjunction with the displacement of the position of the seat cushion 12 to displace the seat cushion 12 to a tilted position in which the front side is higher than the rear side.

[0062] Next, the ECU 26 determines whether or not the ottoman 15 is located at the deployed position (step S17). Specifically, the ECU 26 determines whether or not the ottoman 15 is located at the deployed position extending forward of the seat cushion 12 based on the output of an encoder built into the ottoman drive device 23. However, without being limited thereto, it may be determined whether or not the ottoman 15 is located at the deployed position based on the output of an optical sensor or an in-vehicle camera.

[0063] If it is determined that the ottoman 15 is not in the deployed position (step S17: No), the ECU 26 controls the interior member 30 to descend (step S18). Specifically, the ECU 26 outputs a control signal to instruct the interior member 30 (instrument panel) provided in front of the vehicle seat 10 to descend. As a result, the foot pedal 32 is stored in the floor F, and the steering wheel 31 rotates below the interior member 30 and descends together with the interior member 30.

[0064] After the interior member 30 is lowered, the ECU 26 drives and controls the ottoman drive device 23 to displace the ottoman 15 to the deployed position (step S19). In other words, the ECU 26 displaces the ottoman 15 to the deployed position in conjunction with the displacement of the postures of the seat back 13 and the seat cushion 12, specifically, while the postures of the seat back 13 and the seat cushion 12 are being displaced. The ECU 26 adjusts the height of the ottoman 15 so that the top surface of the ottoman 15 located in the deployed position is at the same height as the top surface of the interior member 30. This allows the seated person to take a relaxed posture with their lower legs resting on the top surfaces of the ottoman 15 and the interior member 30. Here, "the same height" does not mean that the heights of the top surfaces of the ottoman 15 and the interior member 30 need to be exactly the same, but it is sufficient that the heights of the top surfaces of the ottoman 15 and the interior member 30 are adjusted to such an extent that the seated person who places their legs on the ottoman 15 and the interior member 30 does not feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the ottoman 15 is in the deployed position (step S17: Yes), the ECU 26 ends the movable mechanism drive control process.

[0065] By the above-described movable mechanism drive control process, the vehicle seat 10 is automatically adjusted to a reclining position facing the image display device 33 provided on the ceiling Rf. Fig. 7 shows the vehicle seat 10 automatically adjusted to a reclined position. As shown in Fig. 7, the vehicle seat 10 faces the video display device 33, and the seated person can travel to the destination in the automatic driving mode while enjoying viewing video content in a comfortable position.

[0066] In addition, since the front side of the seat cushion 12 is tilted to a higher position than the rear side, in the reclining position, the weight of the occupant can be distributed widely across the entire seat cushion 12, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant. 7, the upper surface of the ottoman 15 protrudes forward of the seat cushion 12 so as to be at the same height as the upper surface of the interior member 30. This allows the seated person to place their feet on the upper surfaces of the ottoman 15 and the interior member 30 and relax, improving comfort during travel.

[0067] In addition, in conjunction with the timing at which the posture of the seat body 11 is changed, that is, after control for changing the posture of the seat back 13 to the backward tilt posture is started, the ottoman 15 is controlled to change to the deployed position. Therefore, the vehicle seat 10 can be oriented and positioned so that the seat occupant faces the image display device 33 without being bothered by adjusting the vehicle seat 10. In addition, when the seat back 13 is being displaced to the reclining position, the position of the seat cushion 12 is displaced so that the front side of the seat cushion 12 is higher than the rear side, and the ottoman 15 is displaced to the deployed position. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for adjusting the position of the vehicle seat 10.

[0068] In addition, in the movable mechanism drive control process of Figure 6, if it is not determined that the video content is to be output to the video display device 33 on the ceiling Rf (step S12, No), if it is determined that the seat back 13 is in a reclining position (step S13: Yes), or if it is determined that there is an obstacle behind the vehicle seat 10 (step S14: Yes), the movable mechanism drive control process is terminated.

[0069] In addition, in the above description, the seat cushion 12 is displaced to the inclined position in step S16, and then the ottoman 15 is displaced to the deployed position in step S19. However, this is not limiting. The ECU 26 may displace the ottoman 15 to the deployed position, and then displace the seat cushion 12 to the inclined position (in conjunction with the displacement of the ottoman 15 to the deployed position). Even in this case, the vehicle seat 10 can be automatically adjusted to a direction and posture facing the image display device 33.

[0070] <Heart rate measurement processing> Next, the heart rate measurement process executed by the ECU 26 will be described. 8 shows the flow of the heart rate measurement process. First, the ECU 26 determines whether or not an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 10 (step S20). Specifically, the ECU 26 determines whether or not an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 10 based on the output signal of the seating sensor 124. When it is not determined that an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 10 (step S20: No), the ECU 26 waits until an occupant is seated.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined that an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 10 (step S20: Yes), the ECU 26 determines whether the ottoman 15 is in the deployed position (step S21). If it is determined that the ottoman 15 is in the deployed position (step S20: Yes), the ECU 26 acquires the heart rate output by the second heart rate sensor 152 built into the ottoman 15 (step S22).

[0072] Next, the ECU 26 inflates and contracts the air cells 151 built into the ottoman 15 to massage the triceps surae of the seated person (step S23). To explain in detail, the ECU 26 inflates and contracts the air cells 151 based on the heart rate measured by the second heart rate sensor 152. This makes it possible to appropriately massage the triceps surae of the seated person and reduce fatigue.

[0073] Furthermore, when it is determined that the ottoman 15 is not in the deployed position (step S21: No), the ECU 26 acquires the heart rate of the seated occupant measured by the first heart rate sensor 125 built into the seat cushion 12 (step S24). In this way, even when the heart rate cannot be acquired from the second heart rate sensor 152 built into the ottoman 15, the heart rate can be acquired by the first heart rate sensor 125, and the interior space Rm can be controlled to a comfortable state. Also, when the ottoman 15 is displaced from the deployed position to the stored position, the process proceeds to step S24. Therefore, after the process of step S24, the ECU 26 may control the fluid supply device 24 to stop the kneading operation of the air cell 151. This makes it possible to suppress power consumption due to unnecessary kneading operations.

[0074] Although the control method for the vehicle seat 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0075] <First Modification> In the above embodiment, the image display device 33 is described as being provided on the ceiling Rf of the vehicle V, but is not limited to this. The image display device 33 may be provided on the front window W or the rear window of the vehicle V. 9 is a plan view of the interior space Rm of a vehicle V according to a first modified example. As shown in FIG 9, the image display area formed by the image display device 33A is formed in an area spanning the front window W and the ceiling Rf of the vehicle V.

[0076] When the ECU 26A according to the first modification is switched from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode, the ECU 26A rotates the rotation device 21 so that the vehicle seat 10A faces the center point P of the image display device 33A, and displaces the vehicle seat 10A to a reclining position. This allows the vehicle seat 10A to be automatically adjusted to a direction and position facing the image display area within the limited interior space Rm. Therefore, the seated person can enjoy viewing the video content in a comfortable position while facing the image display device 33A without adjusting the vehicle seat 10 by himself.

[0077] 10 shows a flow of the movable mechanism drive control process executed by the ECU 26A. First, the ECU 26A determines whether or not a video output operation to the video display device 33A has been received (step S30). Specifically, the ECU 26A determines whether or not an operation to output video content to the video display device 33A has been received by a passenger after switching to the autonomous driving mode. If it is determined that the video output operation has not been accepted (step S30: No), the ECU 26A waits until the video output operation is accepted.

[0078] When it is determined that the video output operation has been received (step S30: Yes), the ECU 26A identifies the vehicle seat 10A in which the seat occupant sits (step S31). Specifically, the ECU 26A identifies the vehicle seat 10A in which the seat occupant sits, based on an output signal of the seating sensor 124 built in the seat cushion 12.

[0079] Next, the ECU 26A determines whether the video content is to be output to the video display device 33A of the windshield W (step S22). If it is determined that the video content is to be output to the video display device 33A of the windshield W (step S32: Yes), the ECU 26A rotates the vehicle seat 10A so that it faces the center point P of the windshield W (step S33). Specifically, the ECU 26A drives and controls the rotation device 21 to rotate the vehicle seat 10A about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, and displaces the vehicle seat 10A to a direction facing the video display device 33A.

[0080] Next, the ECU 26A determines whether or not the seat back 13 is in a reclined position (step S34). If it is not determined that the seat back 13 is in a reclined position (step S34: No), the ECU 26A determines whether or not there is an obstacle behind the vehicle seat 10 (step S35). Specifically, the ECU 26A determines whether or not there is an obstacle based on the position of the rear seat 10b. However, without being limited thereto, a contact detection sensor may be provided in the vehicle seat 10, and the presence or absence of an obstacle may be determined based on the output of the contact detection sensor.

[0081] If it is not determined that there is an obstacle (step S35: No), the ECU 26A controls the reclining device 19 to tilt the seat back 13 backward (step S36). In other words, the ECU 26A displaces the seat back 13 to a position facing the image display device 33A. Next, the ECU 26A tilts the seat cushion 12 in conjunction with the displacement of the position of the seat back 13 (step S37). Specifically, the ECU 26A controls the drive motor 222 of the tilt device 22 to displace the seat cushion 12 to a tilted position in which the front side is higher than the rear side.

[0082] Next, the ECU 26A determines whether or not the ottoman 15 is located at the deployed position (step S38). Specifically, the ECU 26A determines whether or not the ottoman 15 is located at the deployed position extending forward of the seat cushion 12 based on the output of an encoder built into the ottoman drive device 23. However, without being limited thereto, the ECU 26A may determine the position of the ottoman 15 based on the output of an optical sensor or an in-vehicle camera.

[0083] If it is determined that the ottoman 15 is not in the deployed position (step S38: No), the ECU 26A controls the interior member 30 to descend (step S39). Specifically, the ECU 26A outputs a control signal to instruct the interior member 30 (instrument panel) provided in front of the vehicle seat 10 to descend. As a result, the foot pedal 32 is stored in the floor F, and the steering wheel 31 rotates below the interior member 30 and descends together with the interior member 30.

[0084] After the interior member 30 is lowered, the ECU 26 drives and controls the ottoman drive device 23 to displace the ottoman 15 to the deployed position (step S40). In other words, after the vehicle seat 10A is displaced to face the image display device 33A, the ECU 26A displaces the seat back 13 and the seat cushion 12 and displaces the ottoman 15 to the deployed position. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ottoman 15 is in the deployed position (step S38: Yes), the movable mechanism drive control process ends.

[0085] By the above-described movable mechanism drive control process, the vehicle seat 10A is automatically adjusted in a direction and posture to face the image display device 33A provided at the front of the vehicle V. Therefore, the seated person can travel to the destination in the automatic driving mode while enjoying viewing the video content in a comfortable posture.

[0086] In addition, after the rotation of the vehicle seat 10 by the rotation device 21 is completed, the ECU 26A changes the position of the seat back 13 and the seat cushion 12 and also changes the position of the ottoman 15 to the deployed position. Therefore, it is possible to automatically adjust the direction and position of the vehicle seat 10 in a limited space inside the vehicle V.

[0087] 10, the vehicle seat 10 is rotated in step S33, and then the seat cushion 12 is displaced to an inclined position in step S37. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The ECU 26A may displace the seat cushion 12 to an inclined position, and then control the rotation device 21 to rotate the vehicle seat 10. This makes it possible to automatically adjust the direction and position of the vehicle seat in a limited space inside the vehicle V.

[0088] <Second Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the ottoman 15 is described as being displaced to the deployed position by the ottoman drive device 23. However, after the ottoman 15 is displaced to the deployed position, the interior member 30 may support the ottoman 15, thereby holding the ottoman 15 in the deployed position.

[0089] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a reclining position of a vehicle seat 10A according to a second modified example. As shown in Fig. 11, a step 30a is formed above an interior member 30A, and a flat surface is formed on the upper surface of the step 30a at a position lower than the upper surface of the interior member 30A. More specifically, the step formed by the step 30a has a height substantially equal to the thickness of the ottoman 15A. Therefore, when the ottoman 15A is supported from below by the step 30a, the position of the ottoman 15A is stabilized, and the upper surface of the ottoman 15A and the upper surface of the interior member 30 can be positioned at the same height.

[0090] Moreover, as shown in Fig. 12, a plurality of elastic members 15a made of synthetic rubber are provided on the underside of the ottoman 15A according to the second modification. More specifically, the elastic members 15a are provided so as to be aligned in the front-rear direction on the underside of the ottoman 15A. Therefore, the ottoman 15A displaced to the deployed position is abutted against the step portion 30a of the interior member 30A via the elastic members 15a, thereby preventing the ottoman 15A from shifting sideways. In addition, the elastic members 15a can prevent the portion where the ottoman 15A and the interior member 30A abut from being damaged.

[0091] The interior member 30 may have a recess that has approximately the same dimensions as the ottoman 15A and can accommodate the ottoman 15A. This allows the ottoman 15A in the unfolded position to be accommodated in the recess, thereby more stably holding the ottoman 15A. In addition, the upper surface of the ottoman 15A and the upper surface of the interior member 30 can be at the same height, allowing the seated person to place their feet on the ottoman 15A and the interior member 30 and take a relaxed posture.

[0092] Furthermore, the ECU 26A may determine an appropriate deployment position for the ottoman 15A based on the inclination angle of the seat cushion 12 (the position of the front side of the seat cushion 12) and the lowered position of the interior member 30, and displace the ottoman 15A based on this. This allows the posture of the vehicle seat 10A to be flexibly and automatically adjusted.

[0093] Furthermore, the ECU 26A may slide the seat body 11 in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the displacement of the ottoman 15A to the deployed position. To explain in detail, the ECU 26A controls the slide rail device 20 to slide the seat body 11 and the ottoman 15A forward of the vehicle V, and brings the lower surface of the ottoman 15A into contact with the upper surface of the step portion 30a. This makes it possible to easily execute control to bring the lower surface of the ottoman 15A into contact with the upper surface of the interior member 30.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the ECU 26A has been described as displacing the ottoman 15A so that the upper surface of the ottoman 15A is at the same height as the upper surface of the interior member 30, but this is not limiting. The ECU 26A may displace the upper surface of the seat cushion 12 to the same height as the upper surface of the interior member 30. By displacing the upper surface of the seat cushion 12 to the same height as the upper surface of the interior member 30, the seated occupant can place his / her feet on the upper surface of the interior member 30, as in the above embodiment, and comfort can be improved. In this case, the ottoman 15A may be located in either the stored position or the deployed position.

[0095] <Second embodiment> Next, a vehicle seat 10B according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat 10B equipped with an ottoman 15B according to a second embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. The ottoman 15B can be displaced relative to the seat body 11 between a stored position where it is stored below the seat body 11 and an extended position where it extends forward of the seat body 11. Fig. 13 shows the ottoman 15B in the extended position.

[0096] 14, ottoman 15B according to the second embodiment has built-in air cell 151, second heartbeat sensor 152, and vibration generator 155. The upper surface of ottoman 15B in the deployed position has air outlet 153 and first cup holder 154. As shown in FIG. 13, end surface 15b of ottoman 15B has second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and article storage unit 158.

[0097] The air cells 151 are kneading members that stimulate the left and right triceps surae muscles of the seated person and promote blood circulation in the seated person. The ottoman 15B has four air cells 151 built in that are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction and the seat width direction, but the number and arrangement of the air cells 151 are not limited to this. The ottoman 15B may have three, five or more air cells 151 built in.

[0098] The second heartbeat sensor 152 detects the heartbeat rate of the seated person's lower leg and outputs a detection signal. More specifically, the second heartbeat sensor 152 has a second left heartbeat sensor 152a that detects the heartbeat rate of the seated person's left lower leg and a second right heartbeat sensor 152b that detects the heartbeat rate of the seated person's right lower leg. By measuring in combination with the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b, it is possible to improve the reliability of the heartbeat measurement result. The second left heartbeat sensor 152a corresponds to the left biological information sensor, and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b corresponds to the right biological information sensor.

[0099] The second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are built in on the left and right sides of the skin hanging groove 159 formed in the center of the ottoman 15B in the seat width direction, sandwiching the skin hanging groove 159. To explain in detail, the skin hanging groove 159 has a plurality of clips 159a (engagement members) built in for attaching the ottoman skin material 15d to the seat cushion 12. The second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed in positions different from the clips 159a in the front-rear direction of the ottoman 15B in the deployed position. By disposing the second heartbeat sensor 152 in this way, the heartbeat rate of the lower leg of the seated person can be accurately detected. In addition, it is possible to prevent the clips 159a from reducing the detection accuracy of the second heartbeat sensor 152. The skin hanging groove 159 corresponds to a partition portion.

[0100] In addition, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed at different positions in the front-rear direction of the air cell 151 and the ottoman 15B located in the deployed position. This makes it possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the second heartbeat sensor 152 from being reduced due to the operation of the air cell 151.

[0101] The first cup holder 154 accommodates the beverage container of the seated person and prevents the beverage container from sliding (lateral displacement) while traveling. The first cup holder 154 is disposed on both the left and right sides in the seat width direction. Therefore, whether the seated person is right-handed or left-handed, the beverage container can be easily accommodated in the first cup holder 154. The first cup holder 154 corresponds to an accommodating recess.

[0102] 15, first cup holder 154 is formed by embedding resin cup plate 154a in a recess formed in ottoman pad 15c from above ottoman covering material 15d, thereby improving the design of ottoman 15B.

[0103] 14, second left heartbeat sensor 152a and second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed at least partially at the same position in the front-rear direction of ottoman 15B in the deployed position as first cup holder 154. This makes it possible to prevent ottoman 15B from becoming large in the front-rear direction. In addition, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed at positions that are at least partially different in the front-rear direction of the first cup holder 154 and the ottoman 15B that is positioned in the deployed position. This allows for a degree of freedom in setting the detection areas of the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b.

[0104] The air outlet 153 blows out toward the seated occupant an air flow generated by the air blower 25 disposed below the seat body 11. The air outlet 153 is provided on the rear side of the ottoman 15B in the deployed position, and can provide a pleasant feeling of coolness to the backs of the knees and calves of the seated occupant.

[0105] In addition, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed in a position in the front-rear direction of the ottoman 15B in the deployed position, avoiding the air outlet 153. Therefore, the provision of the air outlet 153 can suppress an effect on the attachment of the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b to the ottoman 15B.

[0106] Furthermore, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are smaller in the seat width direction than the air outlet 153. This allows for flexibility in setting the detection areas of the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b.

[0107] The vibration generator 155 is made of an eccentric motor, and outputs a notification signal to the seated person by generating vibrations that the seated person can sense. More specifically, the vibration generator 155 has a left vibration generator 155a that outputs a notification signal to the left lower leg of the seated person, and a right vibration generator 155b that outputs a notification signal to the right lower leg of the seated person. By outputting a notification signal by combining the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b, the variation of vibration patterns is diversified, and the amount of information of the notification signal can be increased.

[0108] As a specific example, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b output a notification signal by generating vibrations when detecting that a danger is approaching the vehicle V traveling in the autonomous driving mode. As another specific example, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b output a notification signal by generating vibrations when the vehicle V approaches a preset destination. The left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b have a plurality of vibration patterns with parameters of vibration intensity, vibration frequency, or vibration timing, and can output various notification signals to a seated occupant.

[0109] The left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are built in on the left and right sides of the skin hanging groove 159 formed in the center of the ottoman 15B in the seat width direction, sandwiching the skin hanging groove 159. To explain in detail, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are disposed in a position different from the clip 159a in the front-rear direction of the ottoman 15B located in the deployed position. By disposing the vibration generator 155 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the clip 159a from reducing the vibration intensity of the vibration generated by the vibration generator 155.

[0110] Furthermore, left vibration generator 155a and right vibration generator 155b are disposed at positions different from first cup holder 154 in the front-rear direction of ottoman 15B in the deployed position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent vibrations generated by left vibration generator 155a and right vibration generator 155b from being transmitted to the beverage contained in first cup holder 154.

[0111] Furthermore, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are disposed at least partially at the same position in the seat width direction as the first cup holder 154. This makes it possible to prevent the ottoman 15B from becoming large in the seat width direction.

[0112] Furthermore, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are disposed at positions in the seat width direction different from the air cell 151. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation of the air cell 151 from reducing the vibration intensity of the vibration generated by the vibration generator 155.

[0113] Furthermore, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are disposed in a position in the front-rear direction of the ottoman 15B in the deployed position, avoiding the air outlet 153. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the effect of providing the air outlet 153 on the ease of mounting the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b.

[0114] Furthermore, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are smaller in the seat width direction than the air outlet 153. Therefore, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b enable the ottoman 15B to be made larger in the seat width direction.

[0115] 13, end surface 15b located at the front end of ottoman 15B located in the deployed position becomes an upper surface parallel to floor F of vehicle V when ottoman 15B is displaced to an item accommodating position (protruding position) in which ottoman 15B protrudes upward from an upper surface of seat cushion 12 as shown in Fig. 16. In other words, ottoman 15B is displaced to a stored position stored below seat main body 11, a deployed position (see Fig. 13) in which ottoman 15B extends forward of seat main body 11, and an item accommodating position in which ottoman 15B protrudes upward from an upper surface of seat cushion 12. When ottoman 15B is displaced to the item accommodating position, second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and item accommodating unit 158 ​​provided on end surface 15b can accommodate items.

[0116] Second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and item storage unit 158 ​​are formed at the same position in the front-to-rear direction of ottoman 15B located at the item storage position, which makes it possible to prevent the dimension of ottoman 15B located at the item storage position from becoming large in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and article storage unit 158 ​​are located at the lower end of ottoman 15B when ottoman 15B is in the stored position. Therefore, when ottoman 15B is in the stored position, second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and article storage unit 158 ​​can be prevented from degrading the design of vehicle seat 10B.

[0117] Second cup holder 156 accommodates a beverage container used by a passenger in rear seat 10b when ottoman 15B is in the item accommodating position, and also holds the beverage container while preventing it from shifting sideways while traveling.

[0118] The wireless power supply unit 157 has an insertion slot 157a into which a mobile terminal (information communication terminal) can be inserted, and has a built-in non-contact charging module capable of supplying electric energy to the mobile terminal inserted into the insertion slot 157a. The mobile terminal of the seated occupant is a smartphone, but is not limited to this. The non-contact charging module may be capable of charging a tablet terminal. However, the power supply method is not limited to wireless power supply. The insertion slot 157a may have a power supply connector inside, and may supply electric energy to the mobile terminal via the power supply connector. The insertion slot 157a corresponds to the power supply unit. By inserting the mobile terminal into the insertion slot 157a, the seat occupant can charge the mobile terminal and avoid problems such as dropping the mobile terminal while the vehicle V is moving and damaging the mobile terminal.

[0119] The article storage section 158 is a storage recess capable of storing articles. To explain in detail, the article storage section 158 has a substantially square bottom surface and side walls surrounding the four sides, forming an article storage space. A seated person can store articles such as cigarettes or lighters in the article storage section 158, but is not limited to this. Storing articles in the article storage section 158 can prevent the articles from falling or being lost while traveling. The second cup holder 156 and the article storage section 158 correspond to a storage recess.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 17, the front seat 10a equipped with the ottoman 15B located in the item storage position is rotated backward by the rotation device 21 and slid toward the rear side of the vehicle V by the slide rail device 20. This allows an occupant in the rear seat 10b to use the empty front seat 10a as a storage space for placing and storing items, thereby improving the convenience of the interior space Rm.

[0121] <Ottoman inversion processing> Next, an ottoman reversing process executed by the ECU 26B according to the second embodiment will be described. 18 shows the flow of the ottoman reversing process. First, the ECU 26B determines whether or not an ottoman reversing operation for displacing the front seat 10a to the item storage position has been received from an occupant in the rear seat 10b (step S50). If it is determined that the ottoman reversing operation has not been received (step S50: No), the ECU 26B waits until the ottoman reversing operation is received.

[0122] When it is determined that the ottoman reversing operation has been received (step S50: Yes), the ECU 26B determines whether or not an occupant is seated on the front seat 10a (step S51). Specifically, the ECU 26B determines whether or not an occupant is seated on the front seat 10a by acquiring an output signal of the seating sensor 124 via the ECU 26B of the front seat 10a. If it is determined that an occupant is seated on the front seat 10a (step S51: Yes), the front seat 10a cannot be used as a space for placing or storing items, so the ECU 26B ends the ottoman reversing process.

[0123] On the other hand, when it is determined that no passenger is seated on the front seat 10a (step S51: No), the ECU 26B tilts the seat cushion 12 in the front-rear direction (step S52). Specifically, the ECU 26B controls the drive motor 222 of the tilt device 22 to displace the seat cushion 12 to a tilted position in which the front side is higher than the rear side.

[0124] Next, the ECU 26B rotates the front seat 10a backward (step S53). Specifically, the ECU 26B controls the rotation device 21 to rotate the front seat 10a so that it faces backward in the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the vehicle V. Note that, after the front seat 10a has rotated backward, the ECU 26 may control the slide rail device 20 to slide the front seat 10a backward. This allows the front seat 10a to be brought closer to the rear seat 10b, improving the convenience of the occupant of the rear seat 10b.

[0125] After the rotation control of the front seat 10a is completed, the ECU 26B inverts the ottoman 15B of the front seat 10a and displaces it to the item storage position (step S54). Specifically, the ECU 26B controls the ottoman drive device 23 to rotate the ottoman 15B so that the end surface 15b faces upward. As a result, second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and item storage unit 158 ​​of front seat 10a are positioned in front of the seat occupant of rear seat 10b, allowing the seat occupant to use front seat 10a as a space for placing and storing items.

[0126] Finally, the ECU 26B controls the blower 25 to blow the airflow generated by the blower 25 toward the upper surface of the seat cushion 12 of the front seat 10a (step S55). By blowing air toward the seat cushion 12 where no passenger is seated in this manner, foreign objects, scattered objects, etc. on the seat cushion 12 can be removed, and the seat cushion 12 can be kept clean.

[0127] 18, the ECU 26B tilts the seat cushion 12 backward in step S52, and then rotates the front seat 10a in step S53. The ECU 26B also rotates the front seat 10a in step S53, and after the rotation is completed, displaces the ottoman 15B to the item storage position in step S54. This makes it possible to automatically adjust the position and posture of the front seat 10a in the limited space inside the vehicle V.

[0128] <Third Example> Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat 10C according to the third embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. As shown in Fig. 19, the vehicle seat 10C according to the third embodiment includes an ottoman 15C on which a calf support 16 is provided. Calf support 16 is provided to prevent the lower legs of the seated person supported by ottoman 15C from sliding sideways on ottoman 15C and falling off ottoman 15C due to centrifugal force or the like while vehicle V is moving. Calf support 16 is also provided to reduce the burden on the lower legs by expanding the contact area between ottoman 15C and the legs and supporting them in a wrapping manner.

[0129] The calf support 16 mainly comprises a central calf support 16a located in the center in the seat width direction, a left calf support 16b located on the left side of the central calf support 16a, and a right calf support 16c located on the right side. The central calf support 16a and the left calf support 16b can support the left lower leg of the seated person by sandwiching it therebetween, while the central calf support 16a and the right calf support 16c can support the right lower leg of the seated person by sandwiching it therebetween.

[0130] FIG. 20 shows a top view of the ottoman 15C in the deployed position. As shown in FIG. 20, the central calf support 16a is formed longer in the front-rear direction of the ottoman 15C in the deployed position than the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c. This allows the medial head and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle of the seated person to be supported so as to be wrapped from both the left and right sides according to the length. However, this is not limited to this. The central calf support 16a may be formed shorter than the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the lower leg of the seated person from sliding sideways on the ottoman 15C due to centrifugal force or the like while the vehicle V is traveling and from falling off the ottoman 15C.

[0131] Also, the central calf support 16a is formed larger in the seat width direction than the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c. In other words, the thickness Wa of the central calf support 16a is formed larger than the thickness Wb of the left calf support 16b and the thickness Wc of the right calf support 16c. This allows the seated person to sit in a proper posture with both feet at approximately the same width as the shoulder width when placing the lower leg on the ottoman 15C. However, without being limited to this, the central calf support 16a may be formed thinner than the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c. This allows the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c to increase the supportability of the lower leg, and allows the seated person's lower leg to be stably supported from both the left and right sides.

[0132] In addition, the central calf support 16a, the left calf support 16b, and the right calf support 16c are formed at positions that avoid the skin hanging groove 159 of the ottoman skin material 15d. This makes it possible to prevent the support of the calf support 16 from being reduced by the skin hanging groove 159.

[0133] The ottoman 15C also incorporates an air cell 151, a second left heartbeat sensor 152a, a second right heartbeat sensor 152b, a left vibration generator 155a, and a right vibration generator 155b. The air cells 151 are kneading members that stimulate the left and right triceps surae muscles of the seated person and promote blood circulation in the lower legs. To explain in detail, the air cell 151 arranged between the central calf support 16a and the left calf support 16b stimulates the left triceps surae muscle of the seated person, and the air cell 151 arranged between the central calf support 16a and the right calf support 16c stimulates the right triceps surae muscle.

[0134] The second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b detect the heartbeat of the lower leg of the seated person and output a detection signal. The second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed on both sides of the central calf support 16a and can output the heartbeats of the left and right lower leg of the seated person.

[0135] The left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are each formed of an eccentric motor, and output a notification signal to the seated occupant by generating vibrations that can be sensed by the seated occupant. 21, the vibrations generated by the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are transmitted to the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c by the vibration transmission member 155c made of hard resin, vibrating the lower legs of the seated person. Therefore, the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c function as an output means for an alarm signal, and the vibrations generated by the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b can be reliably recognized by the seated person.

[0136] It is preferable that the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c are made of synthetic resin having a different hardness from that of the central calf support 16a. As an example, by making the synthetic resin built into the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c harder than the synthetic resin built into the central calf support 16a, it becomes possible for the seated person to reliably recognize the vibration generated by the vibration generating device 155. In addition, by making the synthetic resin built into the central calf support 16a harder than the synthetic resin built into the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c, it becomes possible to improve the supportability of the central calf support 16a.

[0137] 20 and 21, the central calf support 16a, the air cell 151, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a, the second right heartbeat sensor 152b, the left vibration generator 155a, and the right vibration generator 155b are disposed in overlapping positions in the seat width direction. More specifically, the air cell 151, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a, the second right heartbeat sensor 152b, the left vibration generator 155a, and the right vibration generator 155b are positioned at the same positions in the front-rear direction of the ottoman 15C in the deployed position. Therefore, the air cell 151 appropriately kneads the lower leg, the lateral displacement of which is suppressed by the calf support 16, and the notification signals output by the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b can be reliably recognized. In addition, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b can accurately detect the heart rates of the lower legs, whose lateral displacement is suppressed by the calf support 16.

[0138] <Fourth Example> Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat 10D according to a fourth embodiment, seen from an oblique front. As shown in Fig. 22, the vehicle seat 10D mainly includes a seat cushion 12, a seat back 13, a headrest 14, and an ottoman 15D that can be easily attached to and detached from the seat cushion 12.

[0139] The seat cushion 12 is a support member for supporting the buttocks of a seated person, and is a seating portion for supporting the seated person from below. The seat cushion 12 includes a cushion frame 121D (see FIG. 23) forming a framework of the seat cushion 12, a cushion pad 12a, and a cushion covering material 12b.

[0140] The ottoman 15D is provided at the front end of the seat cushion 12 so as to be displaceable relative to the seat cushion 12. In more detail, the ottoman 15D has a fixed unit 15D1 and a rotating unit 15D2, and the fixed unit 15D1 is fixed to the cushion frame 121D. On the other hand, the rotating unit 15D2 rotates relative to the fixed unit 15D1 and displaces between a stored position stored below the seat cushion 12 and an deployed position extending forward of the seat cushion 12. The ottoman 15D mainly comprises an ottoman pad 15c (see FIG. 24) that covers the ottoman frame 17, and an ottoman covering material 15d that covers the ottoman frame 17 and the ottoman pad 15c.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 23, the cushion frame 121D has a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and includes left and right cushion side frames 122D, a pan frame 126, a front pipe 127, and a rear pipe 128.

[0142] The cushion side frames 122D are disposed apart in the left-right direction to define the width of the cushion frame 121D and extend in the front-rear direction. A front pipe 127 is attached to the front side of the cushion side frame 122D, and a rear pipe 128 is attached to the rear side thereof, and the left and right cushion side frames 122D are connected by the front pipe 127 and the rear pipe 128.

[0143] At the upper end of the cushion side frame 122D, a plurality of bent flanges 122d formed by bending the cushion side frame 122D made of a plate material and first fitting holes 122e penetrating the bent flanges 122d are formed. The first fitting holes 122e are used to attach the side cushion pads 12a2 to the cushion frame 121D by inserting cushion engagement parts provided on the side cushion pads 12a2 described later. In FIG. 23, two first fitting holes 122e are formed in the cushion side frame 122D, but the number and arrangement of the first fitting holes 122e are not limited to the number and arrangement shown in FIG.

[0144] The pan frame 126 is a frame made of a metal plate, and is mainly for supporting the thighs of a seated occupant. The pan frame 126 is fixedly fused to the front sides of the left and right cushion side frames 122D, and the left and right cushion side frames 122D are connected at the front sides by the pan frame 126. More specifically, the ends of the pan frame 126 in the seat width direction are fixed to the cushion side frames 122D by a fixing means such as welding.

[0145] The pan frame 126 has a cushion support portion 126a that supports the cushion pad 12a, and an ottoman support portion 126b that protrudes forward from the cushion support portion 126a and supports the ottoman 15D. A second fitting hole 126c penetrating the pan frame 126 is formed in the cushion support portion 126a. The second fitting hole 126c is used to attach the central cushion pad 12a1 to the cushion support portion 126a by inserting a cushion engagement portion provided on the central cushion pad 12a1. The second fitting hole 126c corresponds to a cushion engaged portion.

[0146] A third fitting hole 126d penetrating the pan frame 126 is formed at the front end of the ottoman support portion 126b. The third fitting hole 126d is used to attach the fixing unit 15D1 to the ottoman support portion 126b by inserting an ottoman engagement portion 15D1a (see FIG. 24) provided on the fixing unit 15D1. The third fitting hole 126d corresponds to the ottoman engaged portion and the fitting hole.

[0147] The cushion pad 12a is composed of a central cushion pad 12a1 and left and right side cushion pads 12a2. The central cushion pad 12a1 has a relatively flat surface shape, is located in the center in the seat width direction, and receives the weight of the seated occupant together with a pressure-receiving member 129 of the cushion frame 121D. The side cushion pads 12a2 have a bank-like protruding shape, and prevent the seated occupant from shifting laterally in the seat width direction. Cushion engaging portions (not shown) that can be inserted into the first fitting hole 122e and the second fitting hole 126c are protruded below the central cushion pad 12a1 and the side cushion pad 12a2. Therefore, by inserting the cushion engaging portions into the first fitting hole 122e and the second fitting hole 126c, the cushion pad 12a can be easily attached to the cushion frame 121D.

[0148] The ottoman 15D is composed of a fixed unit 15D1 that is fixed to the pan frame 126, and a rotating unit 15D2 that is rotatably connected to the fixed unit 15D1. An ottoman engagement portion 15D1a (see FIG. 24) that can be inserted into the third fitting hole 126d is protruded below the ottoman pad 15c that constitutes the fixing unit 15D1. Therefore, by inserting the ottoman engagement portion 15D1a into the third fitting hole 126d, the fixing unit 15D1 can be easily attached to the cushion frame 121D.

[0149] The ottoman frame 17 mainly includes a rotating shaft portion 17a and a rotating frame portion 17b. The rotating shaft portion 17a is rotated by an ottoman driving device 23, and supports the rotating unit 15D2 rotatably relative to the fixed unit 15D1. The details of the ottoman driving device 23 will be described later with reference to FIG. The rotating frame portion 17b is a frame material that forms the framework of the rotating unit 15D2.

[0150] Next, the ottoman drive device 23 will be described with reference to Fig. 24. As shown in Fig. 24, the ottoman drive device 23 has an electric motor 23a, an output gear 23c, a driven gear 23d, and a rotating shaft portion 17a, and is built into the fixing unit 15D1 and fixed to the ottoman support portion 126b.

[0151] The electric motor 23a converts electric energy supplied via the power supply line 23f into rotational energy to rotate the output gear 23c. The output gear 23c has a gear formed on its outer circumferential surface, and rotates the driven gear 23d by meshing with the driven gear 23d. This rotates the rotating shaft 17a connected to the driven gear 23d and the rotating unit 15D2, and the rotating unit 15D2 is driven to move between the stored position and the deployed position as shown in FIG.

[0152] The ottoman drive device 23 is built into the fixed unit 15D1 and fixed to the highly rigid pan frame 126. This allows the ottoman drive device 23 to be stably supported, and makes it possible to stabilize the movement of the rotating unit 15D2 that moves between the stored position and the deployed position.

[0153] In addition, the connector 23e that connects the power supply line 23f to the electric motor 23a is disposed between the third fitting holes 126d in the seat width direction. Therefore, the power supply line 23f does not interfere with the ottoman engagement portion 15D1a, and the power supply line 23f can be reliably connected to the electric motor 23a. In addition, the connector 23e and the power supply line 23f are positioned at a position offset from the center of the fixing unit 15D1 in the seat width direction, which makes it possible to prevent a human error of erroneously attaching the fixing unit 15D1 to the ottoman support portion 126b in the opposite left-right direction.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the seat cushion 12 and the ottoman 15 are described as having the air cells 123, 151 built therein, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the movable members built into the seat cushion 12 and the ottoman 15 can knead the biceps femoris or triceps surae of the seated person, and a rotating member that rotates eccentrically to stimulate the seated person may be built in.

[0155] In the above embodiment, the first heartbeat sensor 125 is built into the seat cushion 12, and the second heartbeat sensor 152 is built into the ottoman 15, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient if the biological information of the seated occupant can be detected, and a body temperature sensor that detects the body temperature of the seated occupant may be built into the seat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1 Seat device 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D Vehicle seats 10a Front seat 10b Rear seat 11 Seat body 12 Seat cushion 12a Cushion Pad 12a1 Center cushion pad 12a2 Side cushion pad 12b Cushion covering material 121, 121D Cushion frame 122, 122D Cushion side frame 122a First front connecting shaft 122b Second front connecting shaft 122c rear connecting shaft 122d bent flange 122e First fitting hole 123 Air Cell 124 Seat Sensor 125 First Heart Rate Sensor 126 Pan Frame 126a Cushion support part 126b Ottoman support 126c Second fitting hole (cushion engaged portion) 126d Third fitting hole (ottoman engagement part) 127 Front pipe 128 Rear pipe 129 Pressure-receiving member 13 Seat back 13a Pad material 13b Skin material 14 Headrest 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D Ottoman 15D1 Fixed unit 15D1a Ottoman engagement part 15D2 Rotating unit 15a Elastic member 15b End face 15c Ottoman Pad 15d Ottoman cover material 151 Air Cell 152 Second Heart Rate Sensor (Biometric Information Sensor) 152a Second left heart rate sensor (left vital sign sensor) 152b Second right heart rate sensor (left vital sign sensor) 153 Ventilation vent 154 First Cup Holder 154a Cup Plate 155 Vibration Generator 155a Left vibration generator 155b Right vibration generator 155c Vibration transmission member 156 Second cup holder (recessed portion) 157 Wireless power supply unit 157a Insertion slot (power supply section) 158 Item storage section (storage recess) 159 Skin hanging groove (partition) 159a Clip 16 Calf Support 16a central calf support 16b Left Calf Support 16c Right Calf Support 17 Ottoman frame 17a Rotating shaft 17b Rotating frame part 18 Movable mechanism 19 Reclining device 20 Slide rail device 201 Lower rail 202 Upper Rail 21 Rotating device 211 Base plate 212 Rotating parts 213 Upper Plate 22 Tilt device 221 Connecting bracket 221a Front support shaft 221b Rear support shaft 222 Drive motor 223 Gearbox 224 Lead Screw 225 First front link 225a Front link connecting shaft 226 Second front link 227 Rear link 23 Ottoman drive unit 23a Electric motor 23c Output gear 23d Driven gear 23e Connector 23f feeder line 24 Fluid supply device 25 Blower 26, 26A, 26B ECU 30, 30A Interior parts (instrument panel) 30a Step 31 Steering wheel 32 Foot Pedal 33, 33A Image display device F Floor P center point Rm Indoor space RF Ceiling V Vehicle W Front Window

Claims

1. A vehicle seat including a seat body and an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat body, The ottoman is The seat cushion is displaceable between a stored position in which the seat cushion is stored below the seat body and a deployed position in which the seat cushion extends forward of the seat body, A calf support that supports the lower legs of a seated person sitting on the seat body from both sides in the seat width direction when the seat body is positioned at the deployed position; A vehicle seat comprising: a left vibration generating device and a right vibration generating device, which are disposed at positions adjacent to the calf support in the seat width direction, and which output an alarm signal to the seat occupant.

2. The calf support includes a central calf support located at the center of the ottoman in the seat width direction, and a left calf support and a right calf support located at the ends of both the left and right sides of the ottoman, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the left vibration generating device is connected to the left calf support and the right vibration generating device is connected to the right calf support by a vibration transmission member.

3. 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein kneading members for kneading the seated occupant are disposed between the central calf support and the left and right vibration generating devices.

4. 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein a bioinformation sensor for detecting bioinformation of the seated occupant is disposed between the central calf support and the left vibration generating device and between the central calf support and the right vibration generating device.

5. 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the central calf support is longer than the left calf support and the right calf support in the front-rear direction of the ottoman located in the deployed position.

6. 3. The vehicle seat of claim 2, wherein the center calf support has a harderness than the left calf support and the right calf support.

7. 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the central calf support is larger in the seat width direction than the left calf support and the right calf support.

8. 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the left calf support and the right calf support are longer than the central calf support in the front-rear direction of the ottoman located in the deployed position.

9. 3. The vehicle seat of claim 2, wherein the left calf support and the right calf support have a harderness than the center calf support.

10. 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the left calf support and the right calf support are larger in the seat width direction than the center calf support.

Images